What is OCPI? Roaming and charging bookings
OCPI lets drivers charge on other networks with their usual app or tag – and lets more drivers use your charge points. Vialumina supports OCPI 2.2.1 and 2.3.0, with the Booking module for reserving charging in advance.
OCPI in brief
Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) is an open protocol for EV charging roaming. It connects charge point operators (CPOs), who run the charge points, with e-mobility service providers (eMSPs), whose apps, tags and contracts drivers use. The connection can be made directly between two parties or through a roaming hub.
OCPI is different from OCPP: OCPP is the language between the charging station and the management system, while OCPI is the language between two systems – for example your charging platform and another company’s e-mobility service. The protocol is maintained by the EVRoaming Foundation and is free to use.
What is shared via OCPI
- Charging locations, status and availability
- Prices and tariffs
- Authorisation for apps and charging tags
- Ongoing charging sessions
- Billing records (CDRs)
- Remote commands such as start and stop
OCPI in Vialumina CHARGE
Support for both the established version and the latest one – with charging bookings.
OCPI 2.2.1
A version widely supported by charge point operators, e-mobility services and roaming hubs.
OCPI 2.3.0
The latest version – implemented in Vialumina, including the Booking module.
Booking – reserve charging
Drivers and fleets can book a charge point and a time slot in advance instead of hoping it is free.
Both directions
Open your charge points to other e-mobility services – and let your drivers charge elsewhere.
Correct billing
Sessions and billing records are matched against tariffs, so the right party is invoiced.
Real-time status
Availability and prices are shared automatically with the services you are connected to.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between OCPP and OCPI?
OCPP is used between a charging station and its management system. OCPI is used between two systems, for example between a charge point operator and an e-mobility service, to share locations, prices, sessions and billing records.
What is the Booking module?
Booking in OCPI 2.3.0 makes it possible to reserve a charge point and a time slot in advance. It is especially useful for heavy vehicles and fleets that need to know charging is available when they arrive.
Do we have to choose a version?
No. Vialumina handles both OCPI 2.2.1 and 2.3.0, so you can connect to parties using either version.
Can we connect through a roaming hub?
OCPI works both directly between two parties and through roaming hubs. Contact us and we will go through which connections suit you.