When you plug into an EV charge point, there’s a quiet digital conversation happening behind the scenes. Every time a charger connects to a management system to process payments, show availability, or share data, it’s all thanks to OCPP, the Open Charge Point Protocol.
OCPP defines how chargers talk to their backend. It’s what makes it possible for a charger from one manufacturer to connect to software from another. That flexibility is what keeps the EV charging world connected and growing. Without OCPP, every brand would have to build its own unique system, making integrations complex and expensive.
But not all OCPP setups are equal. This is where Local OCPP makes all the difference.
Local OCPP vs Proxy OCPP
At NexBlue, our chargers are built with Local OCPP, which means the charger itself runs the OCPP client and connects directly to your backend. This approach offers a more stable, secure, and scalable foundation for professional charging networks.
Local OCPP (built into the charger)
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The charger connects directly to your backend platform, with no extra layers in between.
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Reliable and fast communication.
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Easy to switch backend or CPMS provider when needed.
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Fully certifiable and secure.
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Ready for advanced smart charging and OCPP 2.0.1 features.
Proxy OCPP (via gateway or cloud proxy)
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The charger sends data through an external system that translates OCPP messages.
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Adds latency and complexity.
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Creates dependency on the proxy service being online.
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Makes it harder to certify, debug, or switch providers.
In short, Local OCPP is “true OCPP”; direct, reliable, and future-proof. Proxy OCPP, on the other hand, is a workaround that can limit performance and flexibility.
Why Local OCPP Makes Integration Easy
Because NexBlue chargers have Local OCPP built in, they integrate seamlessly with your backend system or CPMS. There’s no need for an external gateway or complex setup. This means faster installations, easier management, and simpler troubleshooting.
Whether you’re an installer, operator, or software provider, you can quickly connect NexBlue chargers to your preferred OCPP-compliant platform. Our clear setup guides and documentation make it simple to get started.
📘 Learn how to install and configure OCPP on your NexBlue charger:
Install OCPP on the NexBlue Charger
📊 View our full OCPP protocol details:
OCPP Protocol Reference
OCPP 1.6j: Reliable, Simple, and Built for Growth
For a long time, OCPP 1.6j has been the go-to version for charge points around the world. It gives operators everything they need to run their networks smoothly; connecting chargers to management systems, starting and stopping sessions remotely, sending software updates, and monitoring performance. You can think of OCPP 1.6j as the version that made it quick and easy to get networks up and running. It’s simple, dependable, and widely supported, which is why it became the industry favourite.
Example: What You Can Do with OCPP 1.6j
Imagine a company running a network of public charge points across the UK. Thanks to OCPP 1.6j, they can:
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Connect all their charge points to one central platform, even if they come from different manufacturers.
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Start or stop charging sessions remotely when drivers call for support; useful if a session freezes or a card tap fails.
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Keep track of energy use and uptime, with alerts when a charger might need attention.
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Send software updates over the air so chargers stay up to date without an engineer visiting the site.
The result is a reliable service for drivers, faster expansion for the operator, and the flexibility to choose whichever mix of hardware and software works best.
OCPP 2.0.1: Smarter Conversations for the Next Generation of Charging
As EV use continues to grow, operators want deeper insight and better control. They also want easier ways to connect with building energy systems and renewable sources. OCPP 2.0.1 makes this possible, supporting richer information, stronger security, and more flexible features.
With OCPP 2.0.1, charge points and management systems can share far more detailed information. It’s like moving from short text messages to a full conversation; the communication becomes richer and more useful.
Example: What You Can Do with OCPP 2.0.1
Picture an office with a fleet of chargers for staff and visitors. With OCPP 2.0.1, they can:
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See the status of each part of every charger; connectors, screens, and cables; issues can be spotted and fixed faster.
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Offer dynamic pricing with cheaper charging when solar generation is high and higher prices during peak demand.
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Integrate with the building’s energy system to manage load intelligently; slowing charging when power demand is high and increasing it again when demand drops.
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Enable plug and charge, where drivers simply plug in and the system recognises the vehicle to handle billing automatically.
This opens up all kinds of opportunities; flexible tariffs, better energy efficiency, and a smoother experience for drivers.
Why It Matters
Local OCPP makes integration faster and simpler, but it also ensures long-term flexibility and reliability. By choosing Local OCPP, you’re not locked into any one platform or provider. You can scale, switch, and evolve as your business grows.
At NexBlue, we believe in keeping things open and connected, and that’s exactly what Local OCPP delivers. It’s the smarter, more reliable way to manage charging networks today and prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow.