Why do tenders ask for OCPP certification?

Implementations can differ in details such as start-up or error handling. Certification and tests with the actual backend close that gap before a rollout.

Explained in

EV charging fundamentals · Stop 08Which standards and rules make all of this work?IEC 61851 and ISO 15118, OCPP, OCPI and AFIR mapped onto one charging session: three technical standards for the connections, one EU regulation for the duties, and why certification matters.

“Supports OCPP” on a datasheet is a starting point. Implementations can differ in details such as start-up behaviour, offline handling or error recovery. Certification programmes and tests with the actual backend before rollout close this gap, and tenders can ask for certificates.

From “From datasheet to field”, stop 08

Terms

  1. OCPPOpen Charge Point Protocol: the open protocol between a charger and its operator's backend.
  1. What is Plug & Charge?With Plug & Charge, based on ISO 15118, the car identifies itself with a certificate when plugged in, so no card or app is needed.
  2. What does AFIR require?Ad hoc payment at public chargers, price and status information through open interfaces, and charging pools every 60 km along the main European roads, with rising power targets up to 2027.
  3. Why does charging involve so many companies?Three things spread the work: the grid connection, the location where people park, and contracts that work across many networks. One company can hold several roles, but the roles stay separate.
  4. Who is the CPO and who is the eMSP?The CPO operates the charger and keeps it available. The eMSP issues the card or app, sets the driver's price and sends the invoice. One company can hold both roles.
  1. Open Charge Alliance: OCPP certification programme. https://openchargealliance.org/certification/. Checked 07 Oct 2026.