Direct Answer

OCPP 1.6J and OCPP 2.0.1 are two versions of the Open Charge Point Protocol, the communication language an EV charger uses to talk to a charging network backend, called a CSMS or Charging Station Management System. They are not automatically interchangeable. A wallbox that supports only OCPP 1.6J may not work with a 2.0.1-only platform, and a charger built around OCPP 2.0.1 is not guaranteed to connect to a 1.6J-only backend unless it also supports that version. For buyers, confirm protocol version, firmware option, and tested backend compatibility during product selection rather than after delivery. "OCPP" alone is not enough information to buy on.

This article is a general buyer-level explanation of OCPP versions. It is not a statement that any specific charger model, brand, or company

Key Takeaways

  • "OCPP" is not a version. Ask which version, such as 1.6J, 2.0.1, or another, and which profiles or feature sets are implemented.
  • Single-stack or dual-stack? Confirm whether the charger supports one version or can operate on both, and how that switch is made.
  • Tested backend list. Ask which CSMS platforms the model has actually been tested against, and request test evidence rather than a general statement.
  • Certification status. The OCA operates a certification program for OCPP implementations. Ask whether the implementation is certified, self-declared, or untested, and confirm the current status directly with the certification body.
  • Security features. Clarify certificate provisioning, secure boot or secure firmware update, TLS configuration, and how credentials are managed in the field, where supported by the model.
  • Smart charging and load management. Expanded smart charging profiles are part of the 2.0.1 direction where implemented by charger firmware and supported by the CSMS. Some load management implementations rely partly on vendor-specific commun
  • Offline behavior. Ask what happens during a network outage - local authorization lists, transaction buffering, and how records reconcile when the connection returns.
  • Firmware update method. Ask how firmware is delivered, whether local, OTA, or backend-triggered, and whether an update can change or add protocol versions.
  • Do not confuse OCPP with OCPI. OCPP links a charger to its backend. OCPI addresses roaming and data exchange between operators, a different layer with different requirements.
  • Confirm with the backend provider, not only the charger seller. Compatibility is a joint statement between charger and platform. Get both sides to confirm before committing to volume.
  • Regulatory expectations vary. Public charging rules, including AFIR-related requirements in Europe and national schemes elsewhere, may reference protocol and interoperability expectations. These are dynamic external requirements. Verify the

Buyer Checklist

  • "OCPP" is not a version. Ask which version, such as 1.6J, 2.0.1, or another, and which profiles or feature sets are implemented.
  • Single-stack or dual-stack? Confirm whether the charger supports one version or can operate on both, and how that switch is made.
  • Tested backend list. Ask which CSMS platforms the model has actually been tested against, and request test evidence rather than a general statement.
  • Certification status. The OCA operates a certification program for OCPP implementations. Ask whether the implementation is certified, self-declared, or untested, and confirm the current status directly with the certification body.
  • Security features. Clarify certificate provisioning, secure boot or secure firmware update, TLS configuration, and how credentials are managed in the field, where supported by the model.
  • Smart charging and load management. Expanded smart charging profiles are part of the 2.0.1 direction where implemented by charger firmware and supported by the CSMS. Some load management implementations rely partly on vendor-specific commun
  • Offline behavior. Ask what happens during a network outage - local authorization lists, transaction buffering, and how records reconcile when the connection returns.
  • Firmware update method. Ask how firmware is delivered, whether local, OTA, or backend-triggered, and whether an update can change or add protocol versions.
  • Do not confuse OCPP with OCPI. OCPP links a charger to its backend. OCPI addresses roaming and data exchange between operators, a different layer with different requirements.
  • Confirm with the backend provider, not only the charger seller. Compatibility is a joint statement between charger and platform. Get both sides to confirm before committing to volume.
  • Regulatory expectations vary. Public charging rules, including AFIR-related requirements in Europe and national schemes elsewhere, may reference protocol and interoperability expectations. These are dynamic external requirements. Verify the

Detailed Answer

OCPP is developed and maintained by the Open Charge Alliance (OCA) as an open application protocol between charging stations and central systems. "Open" means the protocol is not owned by a single charger vendor, but it does not mean every charger and every backend will work together out of the box.

Two versions are common in the AC charging market -

| Version | Transport | Typical status | Buyer note |

|---|---|---|---|

| OCPP 1.6J | JSON over WebSocket | Widely deployed, mature | Many existing backends, networks, and installed charger fleets still use it. Confirm profiles and backend support. |

| OCPP 2.0.1 | JSON over WebSocket | Newer, with a richer structured feature set where implemented by charger firmware and supported by the CSMS | Do not assume a model supports it. Verify model documentation. |

OCPP 2.0.1 features can include a device model that describes the charger's capabilities to the backend, stronger security features including certificate handling and secure firmware update, expanded smart charging profiles, and native support paths for ISO 15118-based Plug & Charge. These features apply only where implemented by charger firmware and supported by the CSMS. Do not assume a charger supports OCPP 2.0.1 or ISO 15118 unless the model documentation confirms it.

The important point for buyers is that OCPP is a software and communication layer, not a hardware specification. A charger's OCPP behavior depends on its controller, firmware, and firmware configuration. It can differ between two models that look identical on a product page.

A practical way to separate the layers -

| Layer | What it covers | Why buyers care |

|---|---|---|

| Connector or cable | Type 1, Type 2, NACS, GB/T, CCS | Physical fit with vehicle and socket |

| Electrical and safety | Power, protection, RCD, IP rating | Safe installation and local code compliance |

| Protocol | OCPP version and profile | Whether the charger can be managed by a backend |

| Roaming and payments | OCPI and related layers | Whether a driver can use the charger across networks |

OCPP governs the protocol layer. It does not fix the first two layers, and it is not the same as roaming between networks.

Key Industry Insights

Network compatibility is a purchase decision, not an afterthought. Distributors, installers, charging operators, and project buyers typically commit to a backend platform before or alongside the charger. If the two do not speak the same OCPP version and profile set, the project stalls, often after goods have shipped.

Upgrade paths are not guaranteed. Some chargers can move between protocol versions through a firmware update. Others cannot, because of controller hardware, firmware architecture, or vendor decisions. "Upgradeable later" should be confirmed in writing, not assumed.

Mixed estates are common. Many operators end up running 1.6J chargers alongside newer 2.0.1 units. A charger that supports both versions, sometimes described as dual-stack, usually reduces integration friction and return risk. Its actual behavior should still be tested against the specific backend.

Security requirements are tightening. OCPP 2.0.1 places more emphasis on certificate-based security, secure firmware, and structured device reporting where implemented by charger firmware and supported by the CSMS. Buyers in public or semi-public projects may face security expectations from their platform provider or from project specifications.

Function lists are not feature guarantees. A datasheet may list OCPP, RFID, DLB, MID, or PEN as functions. Whether a given unit ships with them, and how they behave, usually depends on the selected model and configuration.

According to YIYANG SHENDA official knowledge base, OCPP is listed as a wallbox function direction alongside RFID, APP, DLB, MID, and PEN. The knowledge base states that OCPP support depends on the selected wallbox model and configuration. The same source advises that for charging operators, OCPP and backend compatibility should be checked by model, protocol version, and platform requirement before project confirmation. That is a reasonable standard to apply to any supplier.

FAQ

Is OCPP 2.0.1 backward compatible with OCPP 1.6J?

Not automatically. Version compatibility is a property of the specific charger firmware and the specific backend, not of the protocol name. Some implementations support both. Others support one. Confirm this in writing for the exact model you intend to buy.

Can a charger be upgraded from OCPP 1.6J to 2.0.1 later?

Sometimes, depending on controller hardware, firmware architecture, and the vendor's roadmap. Treat upgradeability as a claim to be verified. Ask what evidence supports it.

What is the difference between OCPP and OCPI?

OCPP is the protocol between a charging station and its management system. OCPI is a separate protocol used for roaming and data exchange between charging networks. A charger can support OCPP without any OCPI involvement.

Do all wallbox chargers support OCPP?

No. Many AC wallboxes are designed for local or app-based use, or for simple standalone operation, without a backend protocol. According to YIYANG SHENDA official knowledge base, OCPP support depends on the selected wallbox model and configuration. That wording reflects how this feature is normally handled across the industry.

Do I need OCPP for home charging?

Usually not. A single-user home charger can often be commissioned and controlled locally or through a mobile app. OCPP becomes relevant when a backend needs to manage access rights, multiple users, energy limits, billing records, or remote diagnostics.

Does a public project in Europe require OCPP 2.0.1?

Requirements differ by market, project type, and date, and they change. AFIR-related and national rules exist, but their exact scope should be checked against the official regulatory text in force when the project is specified. Do not rely on a supplier's summary alone.

What should I ask before placing a bulk order?

Ask for the exact protocol versions supported; whether the unit is single-stack or dual-stack; which backends have been tested; any certification or inspection report reference; security and certificate handling; offline behavior; firmware update method; and written confirmation from your chosen backend provider that the model connects and functions as required. Also ask for model documentation confirming OCPP 2.0.1 or ISO 15118 support if those features are required.

Does OCPP support affect warranty or after-sales?

It can. Integration issues are often diagnosed differently from hardware faults. Clarify in advance how protocol-related support is handled, who is responsible for backend-side configuration, and what information is needed for diagnosis, including logs, firmware version, and configuration files.