In a pivotal development for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) has now been officially standardized under the name IEC 63584. This international standard, approved by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), marks a significant advancement in the global movement toward interoperable and future-ready EV charging infrastructure.
By integrating OCPP 2.0.1 into a formal IEC standard, the industry takes a massive leap toward ensuring that EV chargers and management systems from different manufacturers can communicate seamlessly. This is especially critical in a rapidly expanding EV ecosystem where versatility, compatibility, and system integrity are vital. With the IEC 63584 standard in place, EV charging is set to become more flexible, secure, and globally unified.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a renowned international standards organization founded in 1906. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the IEC develops and publishes global standards for electrical, electronic, and related technologies. Its mission is to promote international cooperation in standardizing and improving electrical technologies to ensure safety, interoperability, and energy efficiency across multiple sectors.
In the context of EV infrastructure, the IEC plays a pivotal role by creating standards that shape how charging stations are built, how they function, and how they interact with larger power and communication networks. The inclusion of OCPP under the IEC umbrella as IEC 63584 is not just symbolic—it’s a foundational move for building a scalable, future-proof EV charging infrastructure around the world.
IEC 63584 is a newly ratified international standard that specifies the communication protocol between EV charging stations and their associated Charging Station Management Systems (CSMS). This protocol is based on the widely adopted OCPP 2.0.1, a protocol maintained by the Open Charge Alliance (OCA).
IEC 63584 establishes a unified communication framework that promotes interoperability and consistency across different EV charging networks, hardware types, and management platforms. It outlines how JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is transmitted over WebSockets—an efficient and modern internet communication method that allows real-time interaction between charging points and backend systems.
The standard also includes “Part 4 – JSON over WebSockets Implementation Guide,” a technical guide for manufacturers and software developers. This detailed guide offers implementation strategies and technical recommendations to ensure that OCPP-compliant devices are fully aligned with the IEC 63584 framework.
One of the biggest challenges facing the global EV charging market is the lack of universal compatibility between different charging stations and software systems. Before standardization, manufacturers often developed proprietary solutions that limited network flexibility and scalability.
IEC 63584 eliminates these silos by setting a common standard for communication. This ensures that any compliant charger—regardless of brand or location—can integrate seamlessly with any backend system that supports the protocol. For EV drivers, this translates into consistent and reliable charging experiences across borders and platforms, minimizing frustration and reducing "range anxiety."
As EV adoption surges, the burden on local and national power grids continues to grow. Modern EV charging networks must incorporate intelligent energy management features to avoid grid overload and maximize efficiency.
IEC 63584 enables the implementation of smart charging features, such as:
Load balancing: Distributes electricity across chargers to prevent grid strain.
Demand response: Adjusts charging rates based on electricity availability and pricing.
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration: Supports two-way energy flows between EVs and the grid.
These capabilities are essential for creating resilient energy ecosystems that can handle the next wave of electrified transportation.
The path to widespread EV adoption hinges on rapid infrastructure expansion. Whether building a nationwide fast-charging network or integrating new charging points into an existing platform, scalability is key.
IEC 63584 offers clear technical guidance and unified protocols for adding new stations without disrupting existing services. Network operators can deploy new charging points, software updates, and third-party services with confidence, knowing that interoperability is maintained across the board.
The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) was initially developed by the Open Charge Alliance to solve a fundamental problem: the lack of a standardized way for EV chargers and back-end management systems to communicate. Since its introduction, OCPP has become the most widely used open protocol in the EV industry, adopted by manufacturers, utilities, governments, and charging operators globally.
Key milestones in the evolution of OCPP:
OCPP 1.5 and 1.6 laid the foundation for basic charger-backend communication.
OCPP 2.0.1, released in 2020, introduced robust features such as device management, security enhancements, smart charging support, and V2G communication.
The formal recognition of OCPP 2.0.1 as IEC 63584 signifies its elevation from a de facto standard to an official international protocol, opening doors for wider adoption in government tenders, utility contracts, and smart city projects.
Many countries have different regulations and preferences when it comes to charging technology. The introduction of a globally recognized IEC standard helps harmonize these differences, promoting cross-border compatibility and simplifying the rollout of international charging networks.
Companies developing EV infrastructure across multiple regions can now rely on a single protocol that works anywhere, reducing both technical complexity and development costs.
Standardization fosters collaborative innovation. With everyone working from the same rulebook, hardware manufacturers, software developers, and system integrators can focus on adding value through advanced features and user-friendly designs, rather than wasting resources solving compatibility issues.
Vendors can now offer plug-and-play solutions that are easier to deploy, integrate, and maintain, accelerating the global deployment of EV charging networks.
At the heart of any successful technology is a reliable user experience. When drivers know they can plug in and charge anywhere—without worrying about compatibility, account setups, or failed sessions—they're more likely to adopt EVs.
IEC 63584 ensures system reliability, operational transparency, and consistent performance, building the trust needed to drive widespread EV adoption.
While IEC 63584 provides a strong foundation, the EV industry is continuously evolving. New trends and technologies such as:
Bidirectional charging
Renewable energy integration
Artificial intelligence in energy management
5G-enabled real-time diagnostics
...will require the standard to evolve and expand over time.
The Open Charge Alliance, in cooperation with the IEC Technical Committees, will continue to refine the OCPP framework and its related standards. Future revisions of IEC 63584 may include support for even more advanced features, making the protocol adaptable to the changing needs of the smart mobility ecosystem.
The ratification of IEC 63584 as a global standard marks a watershed moment for the EV charging industry. By standardizing the communication between EV chargers and backend management systems using OCPP 2.0.1, it unlocks a new era of global interoperability, flexibility, and innovation.
This move positions the EV ecosystem for rapid growth and smarter energy use, ensuring that new infrastructure investments are future-proof and globally aligned. Whether you're a manufacturer, network operator, utility provider, or end-user, IEC 63584 offers a unified path forward in building a reliable and sustainable EV future.
As EV adoption accelerates globally, IEC 63584 will serve as the cornerstone of scalable, intelligent, and user-centric charging networks—enabling seamless charging experiences anywhere in the world.
