The future of EV charging: how OCPP evolutions power smart mobility

The growth of electric mobility presents new challenges and opportunities for the charging infrastructure sector. To support the exponential increase in electric vehicle sales, it is essential to develop charging networks that are increasingly smart, interoperable and secure. In this context, the evolution of the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is key in ensuring device compatibility, integration with renewable energy sources and the adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics.

Electric vehicle (EV) sales are projected to surge from 6.5 million in 2021 to over 40 million by 2030. This unprecedented growth demands a parallel expansion of EV charging infrastructure to ensure seamless adoption.

As of the end of 2023, global public charging points reached nearly 3 million, marking a 40% annual increase. The availability of charging stations is now a pivotal factor driving EV adoption worldwide.

As the electric vehicle market accelerates worldwide, public institutions are critical in supporting this transition through targeted policies and ambitious infrastructure programs. From direct subsidies to regulatory mandates, governments are working to ensure that charging networks expand rapidly and keep pace with growing EV adoption.

Here’s a snapshot of the most significant public initiatives driving the development of EV charging infrastructure around the globe.

• China: 2,730,000 public charging points (56% DC fast chargers); full coverage in cities and highways.
• United States: 180,000 public chargers (35% fast chargers); target of 500,000 chargers by 2030 (NEVI Program).
• European Union: 632,423 public chargers (16% DC chargers); target of 3.5 million chargers by 2030 (AFIR Regulation).
• United Kingdom: 53,600 public chargers; target of 300,000 by 2030.
• Republic of Korea: Over 200,000 chargers supported by government subsidies.
• India: 7,000 fast chargers, with ongoing public funding for expansion

Global EV charging infrastructure is evolving from fragmented, proprietary systems into a robust ecosystem based on interoperable hardware, software and open protocols.

The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) was introduced in 2009 to foster interoperability and avoid vendor lock-in among EV charging stations and network management systems. Over the years, the protocol has undergone significant advancements, becoming a global standard for EV charging communication.

The first version, OCPP 1.0, was released in 2010 as an open-source solution, laying the foundation for more open and flexible charging infrastructures. A major turning point came in 2015 with the introduction of OCPP 1.6, which added support for JSON data transport, improved authentication mechanisms and introduced essential smart charging features such as load management and dynamic current limiting. This version quickly became the market standard, widely adopted across the industry.

OCPP 2.0 was launched in 2018, building on this success and showcasing a comprehensive protocol redesign. It introduced modular profiles for firmware management and device configuration, along with significant enhancements to the security framework. However, it lacked backward compatibility with earlier versions, which prompted the release of OCPP 2.0.1 in 2020. This updated version restored compatibility and integrated native support for ISO 15118 plug & charge, enabled bidirectional metering and improved event handling capabilities. In late 2024, Edition 3 of OCPP 2.0.1 gained the IEC 63584 certification, cementing its status as an international standard. 

The most recent evolution, OCPP 2.1, released in 2025, further expands the protocol’s capabilities. It introduces advanced Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) command profiles, orchestrates Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and supports enhanced energy management messages. These innovations pave the way for seamless integration with renewable energy assets and grid services, confirming OCPP’s role as a cornerstone technology in the future of smart mobility.

Interoperability between Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and E-Mobility Service Providers (EMSPs) is fundamental for delivering EV drivers a seamless and convenient charging experience. Among the various solutions developed to address this need, the Open InterCharge Protocol (OICP) by Hubject has emerged as the most widely adopted in Europe. This protocol currently connects over 1,000 companies across 52 countries, enabling drivers to access charging stations effortlessly, regardless of the network operator.

In addition to OICP, other essential standards such as OCPI, OCHP and eMIP have also been developed to support consistent access to charging services. These protocols help drivers easily locate, initiate and pay for charging sessions across different networks, contributing to a more connected and accessible global charging ecosystem.

The integration of robotics into EV charging is opening new frontiers in how charging services are delivered. Robotic charging systems and mobile “charging bots” are transforming the traditional concept of fixed charging stations by introducing autonomous solutions that can operate seamlessly within OCPP-enabled infrastructures. These advanced systems can autonomously navigate to parked vehicles, connect safely to initiate charging sessions and handle the entire process remotely, including billing and session management.

By eliminating the need for fixed installations, robotic solutions significantly reduce the infrastructure footprint and help lower operational costs. In parallel, mobile EVSE platforms (ranging from trailer-mounted charging units to drone-based systems) are emerging as practical solutions to provide on-demand power. These mobile platforms are particularly valuable in temporary scenarios such as large public events or emergencies, where access to permanent charging stations is limited or unavailable. This convergence of mobility, automation and smart charging protocols is paving the way for a more flexible, efficient and accessible EV charging ecosystem.

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the EV charging scenario is critical in accelerating technological innovation and improving the efficiency of charging networks. AI algorithms now process vast amounts of OCPP telemetry data to predict potential failures before they occur and schedule proactive maintenance interventions. This predictive approach helps minimize downtime and ensures charging stations remain fully operational and reliable.

At the same time, the rise of Generative AI (GenAI) is transforming network management by introducing advanced automation capabilities. These AI-driven agents can autonomously detect anomalies, identify potential cybersecurity threats and provide real-time troubleshooting across complex charger networks, reducing the need for manual interventions and accelerating problem resolution.

Moreover, AI plays a key role in optimizing smart charging schedules. By analyzing energy consumption patterns and integrating data from renewable sources, AI solutions help flatten demand peaks, maximize the use of green energy and lower overall energy costs. This intelligent energy management is essential as the demand for EV charging grows and the need for sustainable grid integration becomes increasingly important.

The convergence of OCPP 2.1, artificial intelligence and robotics is setting the stage for a profound transformation of the EV charging landscape. This combination of advanced technologies enables new energy interaction models, such as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and bidirectional charging, which allow electric vehicles to consume energy and contribute it back to the grid. These capabilities are critical in stabilizing energy networks and supporting active participation in energy markets.

At the same time, innovations in blockchain technology are introducing greater transparency and security into the management of charging transactions. Immutable digital records ensure accurate billing and compliance with regulatory requirements, fostering trust among all stakeholders. As the industry looks toward the future, developing quantum-resistant cybersecurity solutions will further strengthen the resilience of EV charging ecosystems, protecting critical infrastructure from emerging digital threats

Such advancements point to a future where EV charging networks become fully intelligent, automated and seamlessly integrated into everyday life, as this evolution supports the growth of sustainable mobility and the development of smarter, more resilient cities built around clean energy and efficient transportation systems.