What is an OCPP charging station? Everything you need to know about smart and connected charging stations

Charging stations are becoming increasingly "smart." But do you really know what an OCPP charging station means? If you own an electric vehicle or manage an apartment building, understanding this protocol is essential. Here's a simple and comprehensive explanation.

🔌 1) What is OCPP?

OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is a standard language used by charging stations to communicate with management software called a back-end or management platform . In other words, it's what allows a charging station to communicate with the "cloud" to exchange data in real time.

✅ The terminal : the equipment at home, in the shop or in the parking lot.
☁️ The back end : the cloud-based platform that collects data and controls the kiosk.
🔁 OCPP : the language that allows these two elements to understand each other.

⚙️ 2) What is it used for?

An OCPP terminal is capable of much more than a standard terminal. Thanks to its bidirectional communication, it can:

• Send your data (status, energy, errors, temperature, etc.)
• Receive remote commands (start, stop, current limiting, restart, OTA update)
• Manage access via RFID cards or mobile application
• Automatically bill based on kWh, time, or session
• Balance the load between multiple terminals simultaneously

🏢 3) Who is it useful for?

Residential

For a single-family home, the OCPP is not essential, but it offers you future flexibility : you will eventually be able to connect your charging station to a management platform, monitor your consumption and even resell the house with a "future-proof" charging station.

Condos and multi-unit dwellings

This is the ideal case for the OCPP! Each charging station can be associated with a user and the manager can monitor consumption, limit power and automatically bill for charging.

Shops and businesses

OCPP charging stations allow you to monetize charging, manage access for employees or visitors, and view usage reports with one click.

Fleets and municipalities

The OCPP protocol offers centralized monitoring : monitoring of charging stations, energy optimization, charging planning and detailed statistics.

🔒 4) Safety and reliability

OCPP terminals use secure connections (WSS/TLS) to prevent intrusion. They also allow OTA (Over The Air) updates and offer remote diagnostic logs to facilitate technical support.

⚡ 5) How does it work?

1. The terminal connects to the Internet (Wi-Fi, Ethernet or 4G).
2. She contacts the OCPP server.
3. The server validates the connection and displays the status "Available".
4. A user starts the recharge via RFID card or application.
5. The data is transmitted to the platform in real time.

💡 6) OCPP 1.6J vs OCPP 2.0.1

Version	Benefits	Typical use
OCPP 1.6J	Stable, highly compatible, real-time communication	Condos, shops, residences
OCPP 2.0.1	More secure, advanced management, improved diagnostics	Fleets and large networks

🏆 7) Why choose a KENI terminal compatible with OCPP?

KENI Recharge stations are designed to meet the demands of the modern market:

• OCPP 1.6J compatible for flexible integration
• Automatic OTA updates
• Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection
• Integrated RFID card
• 3-year full warranty
• Local support in Quebec

By choosing KENI, you get a terminal that is smart, reliable and scalable .

Discover the KENI terminal compatible with OCPP →

📘 In summary

The OCPP protocol is what makes a charging station truly intelligent . It enables communication, billing, monitoring, and future-proofing. With a KENI OCPP charging station, you maintain control over your installations, regardless of the platform used.