What is OCPI?

Understanding EV charging networks

CPOs & EMPs & DSOs, oh my!

In the past decade, EV charging has come a long way from one or two providers in each geography to an intricate network of "networks". Before introducing OCPI and other EV charging roaming protocols, here's some helpful terminology:

Charge Point Operator (CPO): CPOs connect and operate smart EV chargers. They provide the technology needed to interact with EV chargers. This includes everything from a simple "start charge" request to complicated demand-response commands from the grid.

e-Mobility Service Provider (EMSP, eMSP, or EMP): EMSPs provide end-user access to EV chargers. This sounds very similar to a CPO — and many CPOs are also EMSPs — but not always. In North America, EVgo and Electrify America are two of the largest EMSPs, but they are not CPOs themselves — they hire other companies to provide the technology needed to operate their networks of EV chargers.

Distribution System Operator (DSO): Unlike CPOs and EMSPs, DSOs are not in the EV charging business by definition — but they may choose to be. DSOs are responsible operating (and sometimes owning) energy distribution networks. Depending on your province or state, your local DSO could be an electric utility, a local distribution company (LDC), or an independent system operator (ISO).

Below is a breakdown of the most active North American CPOs, EMSPs, and DSOs from an EV charging perspective. This list is far from comprehensive. It is simply meant to show the types of players and how they interact.