OCPP, short for Open Charge Point Protocol, is the open standard chargers use to communicate with a management platform. It sounds like a technical detail, but it determines whether you can still choose freely in 5 years.

With OCPPFree choiceCan be connected to any management platform that supports the same protocol.Future-proof
Without OCPPVendor lock-inLocked to one specific platform.

What exactly is OCPP?

A protocol managed by the Open Charge Alliance. Versions 1.6 and 2.0.1 are the most common. A charger that speaks OCPP can in principle be connected to any management platform that supports the same protocol. A charger that only speaks its own closed protocol cannot.

What is the commercial impact?

01

Switching management platform

With OCPP chargers, it is a matter of hours and a new configuration.

Key takeaway: with chargers locked to one platform, you pay for replacement: €1,500 to €3,500 per charger.
02

Mixing brands on one site

For example Alpitronic for the DC fast charger, Alfen or Zaptec for AC in the car park and Smappee at the employee’s home. With OCPP, you manage all of it on one platform.

Key takeaway: without OCPP, you have at least three separate platforms and billing flows.
03

Resale or relocation

A building with OCPP chargers retains value when sold.

Key takeaway: closed infrastructure is sometimes removed instead of taken over.
Is your infrastructure locked to one platform?We map which chargers are future-proof and which are not.
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What should you agree contractually?

  1. Ask for the OCPP versionHave it stated explicitly for each charger on the invoice or purchase order.
  2. Check the certificationIs the charger “OCPP-certified” (formally tested) or only “OCPP-compatible” (a claim)?
  3. Secure the exit in the management contractYou must be able to switch to another charge point operator at any time, without replacing the chargers.

The reality of the Belgian market

Almost all major brands, such as Smappee, Alfen, Zaptec, Hager and Alpitronic, support OCPP. But some cheaper brands, especially in turnkey offers from energy suppliers, only work on one closed platform.

Low entry price, high exit cost.

Certipower’s position

We only install OCPP-compliant chargers and connect them to our own platform My.Certipower or to another platform of the customer’s choice. That is not a technical detail. It is the basic condition for still being able to choose freely in 5 years.

InstallHardware-independent: Hager, Zaptec, Alpitronic, Smappee and Alfen.
MeasureConsumption per user and per location, without estimates.
My.CertipowerAll brands on one platform, with consumption and costs per user and per location.
Split billingYour employee pays nothing upfront and submits no receipts. How split billing works

More about charge point management. Read also AC or DC charging: when do you truly need a fast charger? and charging cards for companies in Europe.

No obligation

Is your charging infrastructure future-proof?

We check your existing chargers for OCPP and give you a concrete proposal.

  • Inventory of brands, models and OCPP versions
  • Review of your current management contract
  • A proposal to manage everything on one platform
Request an audit+32 51 15 30 15
Prefer email? sales@certipower.be
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