The OCA was founded to address the need for standardisation in the rapidly growing EV charging industry. Initially launched by ElaadNL in 2009, the alliance became a formal organisation in 2014. Its primary focus has been the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), which was developed to enable interoperability between EV chargers and charging management systems from different manufacturers.
The OCA’s mission is to ensure the seamless integration and communication within the EV charging ecosystem. It achieves this by providing a platform for collaboration among charging equipment manufacturers, software providers, charging network operators, and research organisations. Through its various activities, including the organisation of working groups, task groups, and events, the OCA ensures that the OCPP and other standards evolve to meet industry needs.
The OCA also oversees the certification of OCPP implementations, ensuring that products and services conform to the standards it promotes. This certification is crucial for governments and organisations seeking to implement reliable and interoperable EV charging solutions. The alliance’s efforts have significantly contributed to the widespread adoption of OCPP, making it a cornerstone of EV charging communication protocols globally.