What is OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol)?

What is OCPP?

OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is the universal communication standard for EV chargers. It allows EV chargers and the software that manages them to ‘speak the same language’. Think of it as a mobile network for your EV charger: Just like your phone can connect to different mobile providers, an OCPP charger can connect to different charging management platforms. It makes essential services like remote monitoring, management, and real-time data exchange possible.

Real-time data and diagnostics via OCPP

Chargers which are OCPP-enabled make it easy to access useful, real-time data through your chosen charger management system. This includes:

Live Charging Information, which means that you can see your data in real time, including when charging begins and ends, and how much energy is used.
Charger performance insights - to help you monitor the status of your chargers and identify any faults or issues quickly to minimise downtime.
Tracking updates, which means you’ll always know what software your chargers are running and can keep up to date on the latest version easily.
Access and Authorisation logs, so you can track everything to do with charger use, from when and how chargers are used to what access methods are used, from RFID tags to mobile apps.

OCPP at home: meet the Zaptec Go

Zaptec Go is our compact, intelligent charger designed specifically for home use, and it comes with full OCPP functionality to give you greater control, flexibility, and automation.

OCPP Version: 1.6J, unlocked via an over-the-air update
Connectivity: Wi-Fi + 4G LTE-M (Go 2 includes eSIM)
Charging Power: Up to 7.4 kW (single-phase)
Management: Zaptec App or third-party CPMS

Use Cases: Smart home energy integration, dynamic pricing, third-party backend control.

Smarter home charging, made simple

With OCPP support built in, Zaptec Go can connect to a wide range of energy providers, apps, and smart systems. This means your charger can automatically respond to time-of-use tariffs, only charging when electricity is cheapest or greenest, without you needing to lift a finger.

You can also use third-party apps to control charging remotely, track energy usage, or even integrate with home solar panels. If you prefer a simpler setup the Zaptec App gives you a clear, user-friendly interface to monitor and manage your charger.

Whether you’re building a smarter home or simply want low-hassle, cost-effective charging, Zaptec Go gives you the freedom to tailor your setup to your needs.

OCPP for business: meet the Zaptec Pro

Zaptec Pro is purpose-built for commercial and shared-use environments. Combining robust hardware, open standards, and advanced management tools, the Pro delivers scalable and intelligent charging at any site.

OCPP Version: 1.6J, enhanced via ZapCloud
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 4G LTE-M, and Power Line Communication (PLC)
Charging Power: Up to 22 kW, single or three-phase
Scalability: Seamlessly expands across sites and installations
Management: Zaptec Portal + integration with CPMS

Designed for real-world business needs

With OCPP built in, Zaptec Pro gives businesses complete flexibility over how charging is managed, paid for, and scaled. Whether you're operating a small office car park or a large-scale fleet hub, OCPP support means you’re never locked into a single backend.

The Zaptec portal: cloud manage EV chargers

OCPP capability is just the beginning. Zaptec’s management software makes it OCPP practical. Using the Zaptec Portal, installers and administrators can:

Configure charger settings
Monitor live session data (via MID-certified metering)
Easily connect or switch your chargers to different management software
Deploy firmware and security updates remotely
Access charger health reports and perform remote diagnostics

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OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) allows charging stations and management systems to communicate seamlessly, regardless of the manufacturer. It’s also essential for developing flexible and future-proof EV charging infrastructure, supporting a range of innovation in charger technology and capability.

Zaptec’s chargers come with OCPP support built in as standard, which means that our chargers remain open, secure, and future-ready, compatible with a wide range of technologies. OCPP protects long-term consumer choice, and means you’ll never be locked into one charging ecosystem or service provider.

How does OCPP improve the EV charging experience?

Using a charger that supports OCPP gives you greater control, flexibility, and long-term value. Whether you're managing a single home charger or a large commercial network, OCPP enables:

Freedom of choice: Choose the charging software or backend system that best suits you. You might prefer software that offers detailed usage reports, supports energy tariffs, or integrates with your solar panels. If your needs change over time, you can switch to a different system without replacing your charger.

Interoperability: OCPP-compliant chargers can connect with a wide range of third-party apps, energy suppliers, billing systems, and fleet management tools. This means your charger can work seamlessly with your existing setup. Linking to an EV driver's mobile app for usage tracking or integrating with a workplace billing system is made simple with OCPP.

Scalability: Integrate into home energy systems, fleet operations and workplace car parks. Whether you're starting with one charger or planning a large network, OCPP supports easy expansion. OCPP also supports integration with building energy systems and smart grids, making it ideal for long-term growth.

Remote Access Control: OCPP means that you can monitor your chargers remotely, diagnose issues, and perform software updates without needing to be on site. This is especially useful for anyone managing multiple locations, including fleet managers and facilities teams.

Without OCPP, you're limited to one manufacturer’s software and services, often with fewer options and less flexibility. With OCPP, you retain full control over how your charging system evolves, keeping your options open as technology advances.

OCPP at Zaptec

OCPP is built into every Zaptec charger as standard, providing open, reliable communication between the charger and your chosen management system. Our implementation is designed for real-world use: secure, future-ready, and flexible enough to meet the needs of both home and business users.

Full OCPP 1.6J support.

The whole Zaptec charger range supports the widely adopted OCPP 1.6J standard:

Zaptec Go:

Native OCPP 1.6J support is available via a simple over-the-air software update.

Zaptec Go 2:

Ships with full OCPP 1.6J integration out of the box, allowing direct communication with compatible backend systems for smart charging, reporting, and energy management.

Zaptec Pro:

Uses the Zaptec Cloud to deliver advanced OCPP functionality. This enables features like dynamic load balancing, detailed access logs, and remote configuration, making it ideal for commercial and shared-use environments.

This OCPP integration ensures that all Zaptec chargers can work with a wide range of third-party platforms, including fleet management tools, workplace charging systems, and home energy platforms.

Built-in connectivity

Both Zaptec Go and Pro come with native Wi-Fi and 4G LTE-M connectivity. Zaptec Go 2 even includes an embedded eSIM, which means reliable OCPP communication doesn’t need additional hardware or hubs.

Secure by default

Zaptec’s OCPP implementation includes encrypted communication, strong authentication, and regular security patches. Keeping your data and infrastructure protected is key.

Shared buildings, apartments or office car parks

In shared buildings, apartments or office car parks, OCPP enables integration with payment platforms like Tap Electric, allowing individual users to unlock or pay for their charging sessions via app.

Businesses and fleets

For businesses and fleets, OCPP can connect with platforms that manage both private and business charging, automatically separating energy costs (MID meter) and tracking expenses across drivers or departments.

Facilities managers

Facilities managers can use a connected Charge Point Management System (CPMS) enabled by OCPP to monitor total energy consumption across all chargers, identify inefficiencies, and plan energy use more effectively.

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If you’re ready to take a leap into the electric revolution, a Zaptec expert is available to guide you through the process with a no-obligation quote from our highly trained installers.

Want to know more about how OCPP can help you?Want to know more about how OCPP can help you?

Ready to connect?

Zaptec is more than just OCPP compliant. It’s open, intelligent, and built for the road ahead.

Whether you’re upgrading your home, installing at your workplace, or integrating into a wider EV strategy, Zaptec gives you the freedom to grow, adapt, and innovate.

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FAQs: OCPP & Zaptec

Is OCPP included by default in Zaptec chargers?

Can I use Zaptec with third-party charge point management systems (CPMS) and Apps?

What if I change my backend provider?

How do firmware updates work?

Does Zaptec support OCPP 2.0.1 or 2.1?

Do I need an external gateway for OCPP to work?