OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is developed and maintained by the Open Charge Alliance, an industry body with membership from all areas of the EV charging landscape. As with previous versions, OCPP remains the dominant industry standard protocol used by charging stations worldwide, with exceptions being some proprietary systems from manufacturers like PodPoint and Tesla, as well as alternative protocols used in markets such as China.

OCPP 2.1, released in 2025, builds upon the foundations established by OCPP 2.0.1 while introducing significant enhancements. This version focuses on advanced features including improved Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities, enhanced firmware management, expanded device model support, and more robust security measures. These improvements enable more sophisticated bidirectional charging scenarios, streamlined remote management, and greater interoperability across diverse charging hardware.

While OCPP 2.0.1 adoption continues to grow, OCPP 2.1 represents the cutting edge for charging station communication. Forward-thinking operators and manufacturers are already beginning the transition to take advantage of the protocol's advanced functionalities. For those looking to future-proof their charging infrastructure or enable more complex energy management scenarios, implementing OCPP 2.1 now offers a competitive advantage and ensures readiness for the next generation of EV charging needs.