Introduction to OCPP Technology
Commercial EV infrastructure, including chargers for multi-unit dwellings and other destination charging locations, is witnessing rapid growth to meet the demand for reliable, safe, and cost-optimized charging solutions. A key component of achieving sustained growth is universal accessibility. The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) technology aims to solve this problem.
The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is an open-source communication protocol that connects OCPP-compliant EV charging stations and Charging Station Management Systems (CSMS). The Open Charge Alliance (OCA) is the governing body that collaborates with industry participants and publishes OCPP standards after extensive testing. Systems that adhere to the standards of specific versions of OCPP can integrate and ensure an efficient user experience.
Benefits of OCPP-compliant EV charging solutions
A charger must incorporate the proper selection of hardware and software to unlock the full potential of OCPP. The following are the key benefits of installing and operating OCPP-compliant EV charging solutions:
- User-friendly customer experience: Solutions can be tailored to site-specific needs such as access control, payment options, and more.
- Advanced EV charging: Integration unlocks smart charging capabilities like charge scheduling, remote monitoring, and control.
- Cost-optimized charging: Network connectivity enables optimizing energy use with multiple tariffs and helps reduce the cost of charging.
- Ready for the future: Solutions become hardware and software agnostic since any OCPP-compliant charger can integrate with any OCPP-compliant CSMS.
- Universal applicability: The protocol enables compatibility with multiple OCPP-compliant EV chargers, ensuring flexible and scalable solutions.
IQ EV Charger – Flexible, Reliable, and Rugged
Enphase introduced the IQ EV Charger in October 2023. This smart charger offers energy management and customizable charging schedules through the Enphase App.
The IQ EV Charger is a reliable Level 2 charger with a 5-year limited warranty. It is ETL Listed and has a NEMA 4-rated enclosure, making it suitable for outdoor or indoor use in any climate. The 25-foot cable ensures flexible installation and reach, and the rugged connector options (J1772 or NACS) ensure compatibility with all electric vehicles sold in North America.
This rugged, reliable EV charger has received a firmware upgrade to comply with OCPP 1.6 standards. This enhancement unlocks the potential for the charger to enable site-specific, remote monitoring and control capabilities by integrating with a secure, OCPP-compliant CSMS. The charger also connects to the Enphase Cloud, ensuring regular OTA upgrades.
Here are several examples where an IQ EV Charger with OCPP compliance can excel:
- Electric fleet charging: The IQ EV Charger offers a range of power options from 7.7 kW to 15.4 kW, suitable for charging light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks. OCPP integration allows fleet managers to customize charging schedules, balance loads, or use utility tariff options to reduce expenses.
- Workplace charging: This dependable charger is ideal for daily employee use. The durable J1772 or NACS connector makes the IQ EV Charger an excellent choice for workplaces aiming to provide reliable employee charging solutions. The charger can integrate with a third-party OCPP-compliant CSMS, unlocking intelligent features such as load control or remote monitoring.
- Residential EV charging at multi-unit dwellings: The rugged IQ EV Charger is NEMA 4-rated, making it reliable for outdoor use, even in the harshest climate conditions. It has a 25-foot cable, making it perfect for various parking lot configurations of apartments and condominiums. OCPP integration with compliant software unlocks smart features such as cost-optimized scheduled charging and revenue recovery options.
Way Forward: Adaptable, Scalable Charging Solutions
Prepare your property for the future by implementing customizable charging solutions tailored to site-specific needs. Robust hardware combined with future-ready firmware can enhance your property's value and scalability.
Enphase can help plan a suitable charging solution for your commercial property. Contact us to discuss your needs and plan for custom OCPP integration with a secure, OCPP-compliant CSMS.
If you want to provide an integrated solution with our EV chargers, email evchargerintegrations@enphase.com for more information.
