Vector’s vCharM software in enhancing charging station management through the integration of OCPP 2.1. This progress was marked during the OCA Plugfest 2024, where vCharM was among the first CSMS to successfully test the draft OCPP 2.1 with various manufacturers’ charging stations. The Open Charge Alliance (OCA) has been developing the Open Charge Point Protocol to standardize communication between charging stations and management systems, paving the way for innovative functionalities like bidirectional charging, dynamic tariffs, and real-time cost transparency.
OCPP 2.1 represents a new level of complexity, facilitating grid-friendly charging that optimizes energy use and contributes to grid stability. Through this system, charging can be adjusted to prevent peak loads and ensure efficient use of renewable energy. Additionally, the integration allows direct communication with energy suppliers, enabling real-time reactions to fluctuations in energy availability and prices. The flexibility offered by vCharM’s implementation of OCPP 2.1 not only promotes cost-saving measures and operational efficiency but also creates revenue opportunities for operators by feeding energy back to the grid during shortages.
The cost-efficiency of vCharM is bolstered by its peak shaving capability, which intelligently manages charging power based on static or dynamic limits to align with building consumption. This approach helps operators avoid the expenses associated with power surges and potential grid connection expansions. Furthermore, vCharM’s use of dynamic energy tariffs ensures charging is scheduled during periods of lower electricity costs, enhancing cost-effectiveness. By leveraging day-ahead price predictions and vehicle idle forecasts, operators can better manage energy expenses and improve the sustainability of electric vehicle charging infrastructures.
