OCPP 1.6 vs 2.0.1 for Commercial EV Charging

As EV charging infrastructure scales globally, software interoperability has become as critical as hardware reliability.
At the center of this interoperability is OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) — the de facto communication standard between EV chargers and backend management systems.

For B2B stakeholders such as charging network operators, property managers, fleet operators, and solution providers, understanding the differences between OCPP 1.6 and OCPP 2.0.1 is essential for long-term scalability and compliance.

This article provides a complete, practical, and decision-oriented analysis of both versions.

What Is OCPP and Why It Matters for B2B Charging

OCPP is an open communication protocol that enables EV charging stations to communicate with a central management system (CMS or CSMS).

For commercial deployments, OCPP determines:

• Whether chargers are vendor-agnostic
• How billing, authorization, and monitoring work
• How easily a charging network can scale or migrate platforms
• Long-term regulatory and security compliance

In short:

OCPP defines who controls your charging business — hardware vendors or your platform.

OCPP 1.6 Overview (Industry Workhorse)

OCPP 1.6, released by the Open Charge Alliance (OCA), is currently the most widely deployed protocol globally, especially for AC commercial charging.

Key Characteristics

• Communication: JSON over WebSocket (most common)
• Stable, mature, and widely supported
• Strong ecosystem compatibility

Core Functionalities

• RFID-based user authorization
• Start/stop transaction management
• Meter value reporting
• Remote firmware updates
• Basic smart charging (load control)

Typical Use Cases

• Commercial AC chargers (7–22 kW)
• Retail parking, office buildings, hotels
• Early-stage or fast-scaling charging networks

Limitations of OCPP 1.6 (From a B2B Perspective)

While OCPP 1.6 remains reliable, it shows clear limitations for next-generation charging networks:

• Limited security framework (no mandatory certificate-based security)
• No native support for ISO 15118 (Plug & Charge)
• Smart charging is functional but not grid-aware
• No standardized device management model
• Difficult to meet future regulatory requirements in some regions

For operators planning 10+ year infrastructure lifecycles, these gaps are increasingly relevant.

OCPP 2.0.1 Overview (Next-Generation Standard)

OCPP 2.0.1 is not an incremental update — it is a structural redesign aimed at future-proof charging infrastructure.

It aligns charging networks with:

• Smart grids
• Renewable energy integration
• Cybersecurity regulations
• Advanced user experience

Major Enhancements

• Mandatory TLS + certificate-based security
• Native ISO 15118 support (Plug & Charge, V2G-ready)
• Advanced smart charging and energy management
• Full device lifecycle management
• Unified AC and DC charger support

OCPP 1.6 vs OCPP 2.0.1: Side-by-Side Comparison

Category	OCPP 1.6	OCPP 2.0.1
Security	Basic TLS	Mandatory PKI & certificates
ISO 15118	Not supported	Native support
Smart Charging	Basic load control	Grid-aware, profile-based
Device Management	Limited	Full lifecycle control
AC / DC Support	Partial	Unified architecture
Future Regulations	Limited compliance	Designed for compliance
Adoption Status	Widely deployed	Rapidly growing

Smart Charging & Grid Integration Differences

OCPP 1.6

• Load balancing mostly site-level
• Reactive control
• Limited integration with energy systems

OCPP 2.0.1

• Proactive, profile-based charging
• Grid signal integration (DSO-ready)
• Supports dynamic load management (DLM) across sites
• Better compatibility with solar + storage systems

For commercial properties and fleets, this translates into lower peak demand costs and better energy utilization.

Security: Why OCPP 2.0.1 Matters More Than Ever

Cybersecurity is now a regulatory requirement, not an optional feature.

OCPP 2.0.1 introduces:

• Mutual authentication
• Certificate rotation
• Secure firmware validation
• Encrypted device management

This is particularly critical for:

• Public charging networks
• Government or municipal projects
• Enterprise fleets

Migration Strategy: Should B2B Operators Upgrade?

Stick with OCPP 1.6 if:

• You operate primarily AC chargers
• Your backend is stable and compliant
• Your market has no immediate regulatory pressure

Move to OCPP 2.0.1 if:

• You plan long-term network expansion
• You require Plug & Charge or V2G readiness
• Security and compliance are strategic priorities
• You operate mixed AC + DC infrastructure

Many operators adopt a hybrid strategy:

OCPP 1.6 today, OCPP 2.0.1-ready hardware for tomorrow.

Hardware Matters: OCPP Is Only as Good as the Charger

Protocol capability must be matched by hardware design:

• Stable communication modules
• Reliable firmware update mechanisms
• Long-term software support
• Multi-standard AC compatibility

Commercial-grade AC chargers designed for global markets increasingly support OCPP 1.6 now, with upgrade paths toward OCPP 2.0.1, ensuring investment protection.

Final Thoughts for B2B Decision-Makers

OCPP selection is not a technical detail — it is a strategic infrastructure decision.

• OCPP 1.6 remains the current operational backbone
• OCPP 2.0.1 defines the future of smart, secure, and scalable charging
• Forward-compatible hardware reduces long-term risk

For B2B stakeholders, the right approach is not choosing one over the other — but choosing flexibility, openness, and long-term readiness.

Choosing the Right OCPP-Ready Hardware Partner

While protocol selection is critical, the long-term success of a commercial charging network ultimately depends on hardware reliability and vendor alignment.

QIAO focuses on B2B AC EV charging solutions, offering wall-mounted and portable AC chargers designed for commercial properties, fleets, and charging operators.
Our products are built with:

• Stable OCPP 1.6 integration
• Hardware architecture prepared for future OCPP upgrades
• Global AC standards (Type 1 / Type 2 / GB/T)
• Commercial-grade reliability for long lifecycle deployments

By aligning open protocols, scalable software, and robust AC hardware, QIAO helps businesses deploy EV charging infrastructure that is interoperable today and ready for tomorrow.

For operators and enterprises planning long-term AC charging investments, choosing OCPP-ready hardware with a clear B2B focus is not optional — it is a strategic necessity.