Alfen first AC charge point manufacturer to get OCPP 2.0.1 certification
The Netherlands, 9 July 2024 - Alfen, a prominent EV charging station specialist in Europe and a founder of the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is proudly embracing the latest OCPP version 2.0.1. An EV equipment manufacturer since 2008, Alfen continues to stand out as a pioneer in the industry as the first European AC charging station manufacturer to secure certification for 2 crucial modules: Core and Advanced Security.
OCPP 2.0.1 is the latest update in the communication standard between a charger and a charging station management system (CSMS). Earning this achievement holds significant benefits for our customers: incorporating OCPP 2.0.1 into our in-house developed Alfen Hardware Platform on our latest public chargers, Twin 5 and our new Twin 5 Plus enhances security and functionality for users. A CSMS provides real-time monitoring, control and maintenance for EV charging infrastructure.
For our customers, this new OCPP version guarantees safer communications between the CSMS and the EV charger. The certified Core and Advanced Security modules ensure a robust shield against unwanted third parties accessing and modifying the interactions with the chargers. Developers like Alfen avoid safety weaknesses that could harm the availability of EV chargers.
Adopting OCPP 2.0.1 represents the next step for Alfen in controlling chargers directly from the management system. This advancement aligns with the growing demand for smarter and more efficient charging solutions, providing charge point operators with greater flexibility and control over their charging infrastructure.
For EV drivers important for two key features
For EV drivers, this development paves the way for two key features under ISO15118, the international communication standard for EV charging. While we do not yet offer these features, we have taken an extra step to prepare for their future integration:
- Plug & Charge – a functionality that enables authorising a charge session by simply plugging in the car without using additional identification
- Bidirectional charging functionalities, also known as Vehicle-2-Grid (V2G) - a much-anticipated technology that can deliver energy from an EV’s battery back to the grid. Users can power their home or office with energy from their EV or support the grid during peak hours.
These 2 developments offer new possibilities for users to become less dependent on the grid when it is congested, a significant challenge all over Europe. Simply put: these features make charging an EV easier and better aligned with energy usage. Alfen is currently developing these functionalities.
Open protocols, such as OCPP 2.0.1 and ISO 15118, play a crucial role in accelerating EV adoption in Europe by fostering interoperability and streamlining communications within the charging infrastructure. These 2 standards work together to make driving electric more attractive, reducing barriers to EV adoption and promoting more sustainable transportation in Europe.
Alfen’s dedication to incorporating the most up to date OCPP version, along with its foundational role in OCPP since 2009, highlights our promise to providing secure, efficient and forward-looking EV charging solutions for our customers and the wider electric driving community.
Congratulations to our Product Management and R&D teams for helping Alfen achieve this milestone.