OCPP 2.1
OCPP 2.1 is a newer OCPP release that extends the protocol ecosystem with clearer architecture guidance and energy-management integration patterns for smart charging deployments.
Technical Details
OCPP 2.1 includes an updated Architecture & Topology specification that introduces “energy management topologies” (e.g., local controllers, external constraints from EMS/smart meters, and hybrid cloud+local control). It formalizes how external charging limits can be represented and reported, supporting deployments where charging power is influenced by grid constraints and on-site energy management.
Fleet Applications
Helps fleet depots design scalable charging architectures that combine CSMS transaction handling with site-level energy constraints and resilient local control, reducing peak-load risk and improving operational continuity.
Related Terms
Smart Charging
Intelligent management of EV charging sessions to optimize energy consumption based on grid constraints, energy prices, and vehicle schedule requirements.
OCPP 2.0.1
Version 2.0.1 of the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) that standardizes communication between charging stations and a Charging Station Management System (CSMS).
ChargingStationExternalConstraints (OCPP)
An OCPP charging-profile purpose used to represent charging limits imposed by external actors like an Energy Management System (EMS) or a smart meter.
NotifyChargingLimitRequest (OCPP)
An OCPP message used by a charging station (or local controller) to inform the CSMS that the active charging limit changed due to an external source (e.g., EMS, smart meter, DSO signal).
Local Controller (OCPP)
An on-site component that can sit between charging stations and a CSMS to perform local scheduling and load balancing, often used when integrating an EMS at a site.
EMS as Man-in-the-Middle (OCPP)
An energy-management topology where EMS and local-controller functionality are combined and placed between the CSMS and charging stations.
Hybrid Cloud + Local EMS (OCPP)
An EMS architecture where advanced optimization runs in the cloud while a local controller/EMS provides fast protection and offline fallback at the site.
CSMS (Charging Station Management System)
Software platform used to monitor, manage, and optimize a network of EV charging stations.
Dynamic Load Management (DLM)
Real-time adjustment of charging power based on available site capacity and operational constraints.