Electromobility standards ISO 15118 is responsible for communication between the charging station and an electric vehicle, OCPP for communication between the charging station and a central charging management system. They work hand in hand – and benefit from each other.
Why do the two standards rely on each other Many charging systems use version 1.5 or 1.6 of OCPP. With ISO 15118 and the latest version of OCPP 2.0.1 in combination, the requested amount of energy is moreover sent to the charging station. This in turn forwards the information to the backend system. The two standards help make processes faster and easier for everyone. Without OCPP 2.0.1 and ISO 15118 additional hardware or a mobile app to send information is required.
Smart charging in context The more data provided and the more accurate the data from the e-vehicles, the better the central system can make decisions. That’s exactly what smart charging is. Smart charging also helps avoid the notorious peak loads in order to save costs. In addition, vehicles are no longer charged with too little energy, other charging users do not unnecessarily block stations, and time-consuming alternatives are eliminated.
Different types of chargers and systems When charging becomes more and more the norm, many different manufacturers will be offering their type of backend systems and their type of EV charging systems. This means that we will see a possible development of different types of chargers and systems. Eventually there will be a race of which types are the better.
OCPP in action
A similar type of discussion has been seen before when CDs and laserdiscs were introduced or if we go further back the VHS and the Betamax. Back then there was two different systems and only one of them could win. This time there’s a new compatibility-tool which makes it possible to manage more kinds of charging systems.
To manage these different systems OCPP is the key As it is an international open source standard with no license, there is no restrictions of use for anyone. Using the Open Charge Point Protocol to connect and exchange communication between the charger and the charging network offers a more flexible solution as it creates an interoperability for equipment from different manufacturers. Other features that the OCPP offers is to remotely manage the charges, fix the rates and generate reports at the charging facility. It can even detect which EV charging station is available or reserved, which are active and charging a vehicle and which are not working. Furthermore, the status of the charger as well as it’s firmware can be updated without even being on-site.
Exchange of data between car, charging station and energy supplier
How to decide wether Smart Charging is the new future of mobility Smart charging enables the ability to automatically adjust charging patterns, based on charging.
To be more precise, there are four main advantages by which the Open Charge Point Protocol improves Smart Charging drastically.
When using the EV charging station, the OCPP will control the supply to specific vehicles by putting limits on the maximum power that can be supplied by each charging gun.
The OCPP Smart Charging allows priority charging for selected vehicles over others.
Smart Charging helps regulate the total energy consumption and the associated cost by taking into account the factors such as load capacity, the current tariff for the electricity and the availability of renewable power.
On the supply side, OCPP compliance with other protocols allows for integration with the grid to support it during peak demand time.
All in all there is no need to make a new “Betamax discussion” as the OCPP has everything covered as long as the charging system is compliant with the OCPP.
Consequently, when manufactures plan on developing new charging points, the main aspect they need to be aware of is the compliance with OCPP. As a result a flexible optimization, operation and maintenance of the charging system is guaranteed.
Wallbox, together with CarMedialab, are running OCPP software in their Copper SB and Pulsar Plus range. This means the operating information inside those chargers can now be used with other software platforms, not just myWallbox.
For charge point operators, this opens up the opportunity to integrate Wallbox chargers with their infrastructure, knowing with confidence they’ll be compatible with their software programs.
Going forward collaboration is expected to continue between the two companies as they work together on newer versions of OCPP.
About Wallbox Wallbox is a leading energy management company that manufactures smart charging solutions for electric vehicles. Combining state-of-the-art technology with exceptional design, Wallbox creates a smart ecosystem that improves the way we manage, use and store energy. Created in 2015 and with its headquarters in Barcelona, Wallbox’s mission is to facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles today to make more sustainable use of energy tomorrow. Envisioning a world free of fossil fuels, Wallbox technology enables people to create, use and share renewable energy in ways they never imagined. It currently sells to more than 40 countries and has 250 staff spread across offices in Europe, Asia, and America, as well as 2 factories of its own. Wallbox offers four types of chargers, including Quasar, the world’s smallest and lightest bidirectional charger for home use with advanced two-way charging technology. It was recognized with the highest distinction by CES the world’s leading technology trade show for the industry. During the first half of 2020, Wallbox completed a Series A round of investment of 23 million euros.
About CarMedialab CarMedialab is a pioneer in Smart Charging. More than 10 years ago the company contributed to the first development of a powerline-based ISO15118 and OCPP to be integrated into charging stations – with its own or 3rd party controllers. Furthermore, with MOBILEcharge CarMedialab provides a charge management system dedicated to public transportation.
Our ISO 15118 and OCPP software stacks offer the full program for you: a compilation of source code, libraries and scripts that ensure smart communication and save you a lot of programming effort. You can find more information here: ISO 15118 Software Stack and OCPP Software.
Our CEO Heiko Bauer will give a presentation on Smart Charging at the Forum-Elektromobilität at the Spree Palais am Dom in Berlin on June 02, 2017. The Forum for Electromobility meets in this year’s framework. Many exciting topics await you, including a presentation by our CEO Heiko Bauer on the topic of Smart Charging.
For a better evaluation of your measurement data, you now receive additional photos. You tell us your trigger moments and we deliver pictures 10 seconds before and after the event with a rate of up to 10 pictures per second. Afterwards you know if your measurement was positive.
Why not visit us at the lecture? When: June 02, 2017 Where: Spree Palais, Berlin
CEO Heiko Bauer
We are looking forward to your visit and to lots of exciting impressions at the Forum in Berlin. You can find more information about the Forum here.
