What is OCPP

OCPP is a standard protocol designed to allow any compatible EV charger to “speak” directly to a CPMS. It defines the communication between the physical charge point and the central backend. With OCPP:

• A charger sends status updates, session data, cable-lock/unlock commands, firmware updates – directly to the CPMS.
• The CPMS can monitor and control the charger with little delay.
• You remain vendor-agnostic: you can change hardware or backend without re-writing integrations (as long as both support the same OCPP version).

In short: OCPP acts as a universal language for charge points and central systems.

What is an API in this context

An API is a more general tool: it lets one software talk to another. In EV-charging operations, APIs are used to connect backends (CPMSs) with ancillary services such as: billing systems, energy-management software, fleet-management platforms, smart-charging engines, reporting tools, user-apps, and more.

APIs are not meant to replace OCPP. They are built on top of the backend to provide flexibility in service integrations, data exchange, and value-added services – long after the charger session has started.

Why some chargers use: Charger → Vendor Cloud → CPMS (via API)

Not all chargers connect directly to a CPMS. Some route everything through a proprietary vendor cloud, which then communicates with the backend of the operator via API.

This introduces an additional dependency:

Charger → Vendor Cloud → CPMS

The issues with this architecture are consistent across the industry:

  • Extra point of failure: If the vendor cloud is down, chargers cannot be reached, even if the CPMS is functioning.

  • Increased latency: Real-time actions like cable unlocks or session stops become slower.

  • Slower firmware updates: Updates must pass through more systems and may be delayed or rate-limited.

  • Complex troubleshooting: Problems become harder to diagnose because responsibility is spread across multiple systems.

  • Reduced resilience: A single outage in the chain disrupts the entire charging experience.

For operators managing fleets, shared properties or commercial installations, this extra dependency can create significant operational risk.

Why direct OCPP remains the strongest architecture

A direct OCPP connection removes the middle layer entirely. Benefits include:

  • Faster and more reliable remote commands

  • Clearer diagnostics when something goes wrong

  • Reduced operational complexity

  • Ability to scale or switch backend providers without friction

Direct OCPP is the simplest and most robust approach for long-term, scalable charging networks.

Where amina fits in

amina chargers are built for direct OCPP communication. That means:

  • No proprietary vendor cloud acting as a middle layer
  • Chargers connect directly to the CPMS chosen by the operator
  • Predictable uptime with fewer moving parts
  • Easier troubleshooting and maintenance

amina works with leading European OCPP-compliant platforms, including:

This ensures operators can choose the backend that fits their needs while keeping the hardware connection clean, stable and future-ready.

FAQ: API vs OCPP

Can a CPMS operate only with APIs, without OCPP?

Only for software integrations. It cannot manage charger hardware in real time without OCPP.

Are there benefits to using a vendor cloud between charger and CPMS?

It can streamline onboarding if you stay within that vendor’s ecosystem, but it adds latency and introduces an additional failure point.

If a vendor cloud goes down, does charging stop?

Often yes. Remote commands, cable unlocks and updates can fail until the cloud is restored.

Can I replace hardware more easily if it uses OCPP?

Yes. As long as both chargers and CPMS support the same OCPP version, swapping hardware is straightforward.

Does using OCPP limit which CPMS I can choose?

Not at all. Most European CPMS providers,  such as Monta, Spirii, Ampeco, Vaylens, and Virta – support OCPP.