OCPP 2.0.1 Explained: Why It Matters for Indian CPOs 

Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is the industry-standard language for communication between EV chargers and central management systems. It ensures chargers from any vendor can connect with any backend, avoiding proprietary lock-in.  OCPP 1.6, introduced around 2015, became widely used for basic interoperability. OCPP 2.0.1, finalized in 2020, is the latest stable version, adding advanced features. In short, OCPP makes charging networks open and scalable, a crucial factor as India rapidly builds out its EV infrastructure. 

Evolution of OCPP: From 1.6 to 2.0.1 

OCPP 1.6 laid the foundation with basic transaction control and fixed charging profiles. But the EV landscape has grown more complex. OCPP 2.0 and its revision 2.0.1 introduce a richer device model (hierarchical EVSE/connector structure) and dynamic smart-charging capabilities. For example, OCPP 2.0.1 allows real-time charging profiles that adjust to grid constraints, time-of-day rates, or renewable supply, unlike 1.6’s static profiles. It also consolidates many messages for efficiency and adds features like WebSocket compression for high-traffic sites. In short, 2.0.1 was built for large-scale, modern networks and is not backward-compatible with 1.6.

Key Features of OCPP 2.0.1 

OCPP 2.0.1 brings major new capabilities over 1.6, including: 

• Dynamic Smart Charging: Real-time, grid-aware charging profiles allow operators to push updated power limits or schedules based on electricity prices, local grid signals, or vehicle needs.  OCPP 2.0.1 also supports integration with ISO 15118 for bidirectional Vehicle‑to‑Grid (V2G) charging, enabling EVs to supply energy back to the grid. 

• Native Plug-and-Charge (PnC): OCPP 2.0.1 is the first version with built-in support for ISO 15118’s Plug & Charge, a certificate-based, app-free charging flow. This means a driver can simply plug in and charge without RFID cards or apps, with payment and authentication handled automatically. By contrast, OCPP 1.6 requires custom workarounds to achieve this. 

• Enhanced Security: OCPP 2.0.1 defines stronger security profiles with TLS encryption, X.509 certificates for both charger and backend, and secure boot/firmware processes. It mandates encrypted messaging and certificate management, reducing risks of spoofing or man-in-the-middle attacks.  Secure firmware updates via signed packages ensure chargers stay up-to-date and protected. 

• Advanced Diagnostics & Maintenance: The Device Model exposes detailed component and sensor data to the backend. Operators can retrieve full charger logs and status (errors, connector health, etc.) remotely, enabling proactive fault detection and resolution. Secure remote firmware updates and automatic logging improve uptime and reduce maintenance costs. For example, OCPP 2.0.1 lets CPOs perform secure remote firmware updates and deep diagnostics on chargers. Features like signed firmware pushes and automatic logging help ensure stations stay current and healthy. 

• Optimized Transactions and Payments: OCPP 2.0.1 supports unified transaction events and standard payment flows, allowing contactless card, app-based, and Plug & Charge options. This flexibility encourages multiple payment providers and fair competition, aligning well with India’s UPI-based ecosystem. 

• Future-Proofed for V2G and Renewables:  By aligning closely with ISO 15118-20, 2.0.1 prepares stations for upcoming use cases like fast, bidirectional V2G services. Recent studies show ISO 15118-20 enables chargers to reverse power flow and negotiate grid services, features that OCPP 2.0.1 can natively carry.  

In short, OCPP 2.0.1 is the global baseline for “smart” charging. As one analysis notes, making 2.0.1 (and eventually 2.1) the norm brings richer device control, improved security, and better diagnostics to all networks. That means CPOs can mix and match hardware and software easily, plug in future services, and avoid vendor lock-in.  In practice, OCPP 2.0.1 ensures that any charger (of any brand) can join the network.  CPOs gain the ability to use a variety of vendors from hardware and backend providers without being locked in, improving interoperability and uptime. 

Why OCPP 2.0.1 Matters for Indian CPOs (2025–26) 

India’s EV rollout now demands exactly what OCPP 2.0.1 offers. The Ministry of Power’s 2024 charging guidelines and state policies emphasize open communication protocols (OCPP and OCPI) and interoperability. Public chargers are effectively treated as unlicensed, and CPOs are expected to use open standards to enable seamless roaming and reliability. For example, the MoP mandates that all new public chargers support OCPP/OCPI and UPI-based payments. Studies in India already show that networks joining common roaming platforms see station utilization rise significantly, with one report noting an increase from under 10% to over 20% in 2023. In this context, OCPP 2.0.1 is the foundation for compliance and not an option anymore. 

Chinese or proprietary systems risk becoming stranded assets. Using OCPP 2.0.1 ensures chargers can be added to a nationwide database and roaming hub, enabling “one app, one account” roaming.  National databases like BEE’s EV portal encourage open APIs and standards, with guidelines advising CPOs to adopt protocols such as UEI, OCPP, OCPI, and OpenADR for grid and roaming integration.  

In practice, this allows Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) to send real-time demand response signals (via OpenADR/OCPP) and enables CPOs to share usage data with state nodal agencies.  

Reliability and cybersecurity are also pressing concerns. OCPP 2.0.1’s advanced diagnostics and secure firmware updates help keep stations running and protected against hacks.  Regulators such as CERT-In, BIS, and MoP are pushing the ecosystem to adopt secure protocols.  New installations are increasingly expected to use OCPP with security profiles enabled, and guidelines encourage implementation of secure communication standards like OCPP 2.0.1 and ISO 15118. In other words, CPOs using the old 1.6 only, or skipping certificate checks, risk non-compliance. 

Domestic charger makers and CPOs are already moving to meet these standards. For instance, a recent Indian R&D grant highlighted that Electrowaves Electronics has developed DC chargers fully compliant with OCPP 1.6J and OCPP 2.0.1. This reflects a broader trend: Indian OEMs and startups know that future government contracts and utility tie-ups will require 2.0.1 support. State EV policies often specify that new public DC chargers must be “OCPP 1.6/2.0.1 ready” with secure OTA updates.  Similarly, national schemes like PM E-Drive or highway charging grants favor suppliers whose equipment is standards-compliant. 

Benefits of OCPP 2.0.1 for Indian CPOs 

• Backend interoperability: Any certified charger can connect to any certified CMS, allowing CPOs to mix hardware (AC, DC, multi-platform) and software stacks seamlessly. 

• Cross-network roaming and payments: Pairing OCPP with OCPI (the roaming protocol) makes stations visible to all network operators. One common example: UPI and RFID-based authorizations flow smoothly because OCPP 2.0.1 carries the transaction data and certificate checks needed for plug-and-charge or third-party billing. 

• Remote diagnostics & maintenance: Early alerts and logs reduce downtime by enabling proactive maintenance, keeping stations available on Indian roads. 

• Futureproofing: OCPP 2.0.1-readiness ensures stations can be upgraded with new firmware or ISO 15118 modules without changing the protocol.  

Final Thoughts

Integration with power utilities and OEM ecosystems will only deepen. Indian guidelines encourage EV charging to act like grid-interactive assets. Modern CMS platforms are expected to integrate OCPP with OpenADR and AI-based scheduling. For example, the TekMindz analysis notes that India’s CMS roadmaps emphasize OCPP 2.0.1 support along with grid-aware demand response features to align with MoP/BIS guidance. Likewise, major EV manufacturers selling in India (like Mahindra, Hyundai, and MG) are exploring ISO 15118 plug-and-charge for ease of use, with OCPP 2.0.1 as the natural partner to bring those features to life. In sum, adopting OCPP 2.0.1 enables CPOs to unlock roaming revenue, ensure uptime, and meet regulators’ mandates, keeping India’s EV charging networks open, reliable, and future-ready.