In the new series about open protocols, we aim to standardize the knowledge in a concise format.

Having a chance to work with well-established startups from the e-mobility sector, Bartek gained invaluable knowledge on the industry requirements. On his path, he was given the opportunity to work on numerous EMSP applications and CPO platforms. Bartek is also our Head of Delivery.

Bartłomiej Łazarczyk

As EV infrastructure expands, the real challenge isn’t just building more charge points.

 It’s making sure they all work together.

Different networks, providers, and platforms need a common language. That’s where the Open InterCharge Protocol (OICP) comes in.

Created by Hubject, OICP enables seamless communication between 

Charge Point Operators (CPOs), eMobility Service Providers (eMSPs)

, and backend systems. It powers real-time services like eRoaming, authorization, billing, and pricing exchange, helping unify what would otherwise be a fragmented charging landscape.

With support for over half a million charging points across 52 countries, OICP has become one of the most widely adopted EV protocols worldwide.

In this article, we’ll look at how it connects key players in the ecosystem and why it remains critical to EV adoption at scale.

The Open InterCharge Protocol (OICP) is a communication standard developed by 

 in 2012. It enables CPOs and eMSPs to exchange data through a centralized platform called the Hubject Brokering System (HBS).

By standardizing how EV charging services communicate, OICP removes the need for custom integrations between every provider, making scalable, cross-network interoperability possible.

Hubject, the company behind OICP, is a joint venture formed by leading automotive and energy companies including BMW, Bosch, Daimler, EnBW, Innogy, Siemens, and Volkswagen. From the beginning, its mission has been to streamline the EV charging landscape through open standards and shared infrastructure.

OICP supports various services, including eRoaming, session tracking, pricing, and Plug and Charge (via 

). Since 2019, the protocol has been available as open-source under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. This model has allowed developers and service providers to contribute to its ongoing evolution and broaden its adoption.

By acting as a universal layer between service providers and charging networks, OICP simplifies connecting systems across countries, vendors, and technologies. That’s why it’s considered one of the most widely implemented protocols in the European EV charging ecosystem and a blueprint for global scalability.

Since its launch in 2012, the Open InterCharge Protocol has evolved through continuous versioning and modular updates. Each release has introduced improvements that reflect the needs of a growing, increasingly complex EV charging ecosystem.

OICP is designed to be flexible, so Hubject versions individual services independently, rather than releasing monolithic updates. This modular structure makes it easier for participants to adopt new features without overhauling their entire system.

The latest stable release, OICP 2.3, includes significant upgrades in several key areas:

Improved Point of Interest (POI) data quality

Enhanced compliance with calibration laws

To support smooth adoption, Hubject provides remote testing tools that allow Charge Point Operators to validate their implementations before going live. The protocol is based on SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) and supports real-time and asynchronous operations.

While Hubject maintains a session and transaction database, it does not push data directly to charging stations. Instead, it focuses on enabling consistent, reliable exchange between backend systems. This model reinforces OICP’s role as a trusted intermediary that scales with the ecosystem rather than constraining it.

For Charge Point Operators, OICP offers a streamlined way to open their infrastructure to a wider audience of EV drivers, without managing separate integrations for each service provider. By connecting to Hubject’s Brokering System via the SHARE interface, a CPO can make its network accessible to any eMobility Service Provider already on the platform.

This shared framework turns the Hubject ecosystem into a kind of open marketplace. Once a CPO is integrated, drivers with contracts through any connected eMSP can locate, authorize, and use their charging stations, all through a standardized, backend connection.

Sharing charge point availability and status

Exchanging session and pricing information

The result is a scalable, interoperable charging infrastructure that extends reach and removes technical friction. CPOs benefit by gaining access to a large, ready-made pool of potential customers, without building and maintaining multiple bilateral integrations.

OICP for eMobility Service Providers (eMSPs)

For eMobility Service Providers, OICP offers a way to instantly extend their charging network coverage, without the burden of negotiating and integrating with individual Charge Point Operators. Through Hubject’s CONNECT interface, eMSPs can offer their customers access to a vast network of public charging stations across Europe and beyond.

Charging stations inside the Hubject ecosystem are marked with the intercharge logo, making it easy for users to identify compatible locations. From the customer’s perspective, the experience is unified even if the underlying infrastructure spans dozens of CPOs.

There are two ways an eMSP can connect to the Hubject platform:

Online EMP: Provides full real-time communication with the Hubject Brokering System, including instant authorization and session control.

Offline EMP: Transfers customer authentication data to Hubject in advance, allowing authorization even without a live connection.

This flexibility allows eMSPs to scale at their own pace. Even providers without advanced backend capabilities can participate in cross-network charging through OICP’s support for offline authentication. In both cases, the protocol helps streamline access, improve customer experience, and reduce integration overhead.

Services and capabilities of the OICP Protocol

OICP supports services that ensure interoperability, efficiency, and a smooth user experience across 

. They cover everything from real-time session handling to dynamic pricing and offline authentication.

 Enables real-time or remote start/stop authorization for charging sessions. It also manages Charging Data Records (CDRs) to ensure accurate billing between providers.

 Allows EV drivers to reserve charging stations in advance. The protocol handles compatibility checks and confirms bookings with the relevant CPO.

 Communicates both static data (like charger location and hardware specs) and real-time availability. This ensures accurate information is presented to end users.

 that vary by location, time, or energy consumed. This enables providers to reflect real-world pricing conditions within their apps and services.

 Delivers status updates throughout a charging session, including start, stop, error messages, and other progress indicators.

 Allows offline EMPs to securely transfer user credentials to Hubject, enabling charging without a live connection.

In addition, Intercharge Direct, a feature built into the OICP protocol, enables ad hoc payments. This means EV drivers without a contract can initiate and pay for charging sessions directly at participating stations, expanding accessibility for casual or one-time users.

These services work together to reduce integration friction, standardize communication, and enhance the overall reliability of cross-network EV charging.

OICP defines a clear set of roles that support a connected EV charging ecosystem. By formalizing these relationships, the protocol ensures consistency in how data and services flow between all parties.

 The driver who initiates a charging session. While not a direct user of OICP, their experience depends on how effectively the protocol connects backend systems.

 Manages the customer relationship and provides access to charging services. The eMSP uses OICP to communicate with CPOs via the Hubject platform.

 Owns and operates the physical charging infrastructure. CPOs use OICP to share real-time station data, session information, and pricing with the wider network.

. The Hubject Brokering System (HBS) facilitates secure, standardized communication between all connected parties.

Both eMSPs and CPOs can integrate directly with Hubject or work through aggregators. These intermediaries handle the technical connection to OICP on behalf of smaller providers, allowing them to participate in the network without managing a full-scale integration. This approach reduces onboarding complexity and promotes broader market inclusion.

By structuring the ecosystem in this way, OICP ensures that each participant can focus on their core function while still delivering a unified experience to the EV driver.

As the EV charging industry matures, multiple open standards have emerged to support interoperability. Two of the most widely discussed are OICP and OCPI. While both aim to facilitate data exchange between eMobility Service Providers (eMSPs) and Charge Point Operators (CPOs), they take different approaches in architecture and design.

 OICP uses a centralized model with Hubject acting as an intermediary platform. This allows for unified onboarding, testing, and service orchestration. In contrast, OCPI is decentralized, allowing CPOs and eMSPs to connect directly through bilateral agreements.

 OICP is built on SOAP/XML, which is well-suited for structured, enterprise-grade communication. OCPI leverages REST/JSON, which is lightweight and developer-friendly, especially for newer platforms.

 OICP is often preferred by companies looking for a managed, all-in-one eRoaming environment. OCPI appeals to organizations that want more control and flexibility in peer-to-peer relationships.

Both protocols are widely adopted and continue to evolve. Many large platforms support both standards to accommodate varying partner needs.

The Role of OICP in Unifying the EV Charging Ecosystem

OICP plays a crucial role in connecting the dots across the EV charging landscape. By enabling seamless communication between CPOs, eMSPs, and platforms like Hubject, it removes integration barriers and supports scalable, cross-border charging solutions.

As the protocol continues to evolve, it remains a solid foundation for building interoperable, future-ready EV services.

Looking to integrate OICP or expand your eMobility offering? 

 with Solidstudio to explore how we can support your roadmap with the right architecture and implementation expertise.

For those who look for a more in-depth knowledge, we have published a comprehensive

 covering all the technical aspects of OICP.

Discover how OICP connects EV networks, enabling seamless charging, eRoaming, and data exchange across 500K+ charge points globally. 

How Open InterCharge Protocol OICP Connects the EV Charging Ecosystem

Check out the new series of articles about the software migration in the EV charging business.

After founding Solidstudio, Pawel was an originator in terms of pursuing expertise in eMobility. With the build-up of a solid knowledge-base on industry’s needs & wants, he now keeps a close eye on products’ development. He’s also hugely responsible for the business’ side and designs the business models for our products.

Paweł Małkowiak

Imagine managing a growing network of EV chargers across multiple regions only to find your software can't scale, your data isn’t really yours, and adding new functionality means waiting months for vendor updates.

For many Charge Point Operators and eMobility providers, this isn’t a hypothetical, it’s a daily challenge. That’s why software migration has become a critical step for forward-thinking businesses in the EV space.

Whether driven by scalability issues, interoperability needs, or ownership concerns, 

 is an undertaking that requires careful planning, especially when selecting a new provider.

In this article, we move beyond the decision to migrate and dive into 

how to choose the right eMobility software provider

, evaluating options from both financial and strategic standpoints. We’ll look into 

, risk mitigation, customization needs, and long-term sustainability, all while keeping the unique challenges of the 

Why migrate EV charging software in the first place?

Before diving into vendor selection, it's worth recapping why 

latform migration for EV charging businesses has become a pressing issue. Legacy systems often lack the flexibility needed to support new technologies, compliance with 

 protocols, or integrations with modern user interfaces and third-party services.

For CPOs and EMSPs operating on outdated platforms, software migration opens the door to:

Increased platform control and data ownership

Better customer experience via real-time insights

Scalable and secure architecture for growing charger networks

Enhanced compatibility with evolving EV infrastructure

Key considerations when choosing a new e-mobility software provider

When the decision to migrate has been made, the next - and perhaps most impactful - step is selecting a new software provider. This isn’t just a technical decision; it’s a strategic move that can affect operations, user satisfaction, and future scalability.

To simplify the process, we’ve divided the criteria into three essential lenses: financial, technical, and strategic.

Financial considerations: Cost structures & ROI

In the EV space, where networks scale fast and infrastructure investment is high, the financial model of your software provider becomes pivotal.

Most EV charging software providers offer solutions in the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. While this offers lower upfront costs and hassle-free maintenance, it may lead to rising operational expenditure (OPEX) as your network expands.

 For CPOs with rapid deployment plans, this can become a long-term scalability concern

Are there CAPEX options, such as a licensed model available?

What happens to costs when the number of chargers doubles?

Is the pricing structure transparent or tied to long-term lock-ins?

 could offer a more sustainable model by providing control over deployment and custom scalability, without spiraling fees.

SaaS vs licensed software: Which model fits?

When evaluating EV charging software providers, one of the most critical decisions lies in choosing between a 

 model. Each approach has distinct implications for cost, customization, scalability, and long-term control.

, making them attractive to startups or smaller operators looking for quick deployment and minimal technical overhead. These solutions include ongoing maintenance and updates as part of the package, relieving the internal team from system upkeep.

However, the convenience of SaaS often comes with 

 that scale with usage, meaning the more chargers you operate, the higher your operating costs become over time.

Additionally, SaaS platforms usually offer 

, which can restrict your ability to tailor the system to your unique business needs or integrate it with other platforms.

In contrast, licensed software generally requires a 

 due to minimal recurring fees. With a licensed solution, scalability costs remain more 

, making it a sustainable choice for CPOs with expansive growth plans.

, giving businesses greater control over system architecture, workflows, and integrations. However, maintenance responsibilities may fall partially or fully on the licensee, depending on the service agreement.

Ultimately, if your EV charging business demands 

tight integration with third-party systems

, choosing between SaaS and licensed models is about more than just pricing. 

It’s a strategic decision that can significantly impact your ability to scale and differentiate in the market

Custom software for EV charging: When uniqueness Matters

Some EV charging businesses may find that neither off-the-shelf SaaS nor licensed platforms provide enough flexibility. Here, custom EV charging software becomes a viable solution.

Design software to mirror internal workflows

Add features like dynamic pricing, smart load balancing, or renewable energy integration

While custom development can demand higher upfront investment and longer deployment timelines, it often pays off in competitive positioning and future-proofing.

Mitigating risks during software migration

Migrating your emobility software isn’t without its risks. Downtime, incompatibility, or data integrity issues can cause operational disruptions. Here are the key areas to focus on when vetting providers:

Ensure the provider has rollback mechanisms, testing environments, and data migration strategies to keep charging stations operational during the switch.

Data is critical for monetization and user experience. Avoid platforms where ownership remains with the vendor. Consider proprietary or licensed models for full autonomy.

The provider should offer seamless support for standard protocols, ensuring interoperability with your existing infrastructure.

Evaluate the provider’s compliance with data protection standards and history of security incidents.

Criteria checklist: Choosing the right EV software vendor

Use the following criteria to assess potential providers:

✅ Modular and scalable architecture
✅ Transparent business model (SaaS, licensed, hybrid)
✅ Data ownership and GDPR-compliance
✅ Robust support and SLAs
✅ Proven track record in working with 

Solidstudio’s experience in EV software migration

At Solidstudio, we’ve partnered with numerous Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and eMobility Service Providers (EMSPs) to help them migrate from outdated systems to modern, scalable, and interoperable EV software platforms.

From SaaS and licensed model deployments to fully customized CPMS solutions, we specialize in aligning software architecture with operational and strategic goals, always with a strong focus on reliability, speed, and zero service disruption.

Real-world impact: migrating 9000 sockets with zero downtime

One standout example is our ongoing collaboration with 

, a leading UK-based CPO known for its extensive on-street EV charging network. In late 2023, Connected Kerb approached us with a challenge: migrate their existing CPMS to 

, while maintaining uninterrupted service for 

 to align with internal IT infrastructure

Integration with Connected Kerb’s existing 

What made this project especially complex was the need to migrate not just the backend platform but also ensure full interoperability with mobile users, OCPI partners, and Azure-native services, all while optimizing workflows for the customer care team and preserving system reliability.

Our process included an in-depth discovery phase, collaborative roadmap alignment, and phased rollout with pilot migrations followed by full-scale deployment. Solidstudio’s technical team embedded directly into the client's operations, aligning with their Teams communication channels and DevOps workflow.

 A strategic migration executed with precision, resilience, and long-term flexibility, ensuring Connected Kerb remains at the forefront of scalable, future-ready EV infrastructure.

From custom EV charging software to licensed platform implementation, Solidstudio delivers tailored solutions backed by real-world success stories and deep industry insight.

We believe that migration doesn’t have to be risky. With a structured process and deep sector expertise, it becomes a strategic enabler for innovation, data ownership, and user satisfaction.

If you're preparing for a software migration and want to minimize risk while maximizing value, we're here to help.

 with one of our EV software migration experts today and take the first step toward a more powerful, scalable platform.

Software Migration: Choosing a New Provider for eMobility Software

Research data, latest achievements, and statistics on e-mobility development

Being an eMobility leader in various projects across multiple startups, Piotr was responsible for OCPI and OCPP integration as well as EMP and CPO platforms development. With extensive expertise in the open standards field and eMobility tech solutions, he is leading teams of experienced developers and contributing with invaluable knowledge and experience.

Piotr Majcher

Mobility is transforming. As cities worldwide push toward cleaner, smarter transportation systems, 

, have emerged as foundational paradigms in future mobility ecosystems. eMaaS integrates electric vehicles (EVs), digital infrastructure, and multimodal services into a seamless, sustainable offering. This article explores the dense, evolving landscape of 

, focusing on technology, infrastructure, business models, and market trends as of 2025.

Environmentally friendly travel via electric vehicles

Interconnected services that span car sharing, public transport, and EV charging

Unified platforms supporting both real-time access and payment

MaaS provides the digital and structural backbone, while EMS delivers the hardware and infrastructure. Together, they enable SEMS such as electric scooters, e-bikes, or car-sharing fleets.

: drivers, commuters, logistics providers

: integrators offering app-based access to services

More than 70% of the global population is projected to live in cities by 2050. To combat pollution and congestion, governments implement regulations and incentives to promote e-mobility.

2. EV adoption and infrastructure expansion

Global EV sales are expected to exceed 30 million annually by 2030. The supporting infrastructure - fast chargers, smart grids, and roaming networks has grown by over 400% since 2020.

Digital natives expect instant, seamless, app-based access to multimodal transport. User-centricity is no longer optional; it's foundational.

Technology backbone of e-Mobility as a Service

The growth of eMobility depends heavily on open, interoperable protocols that ensure devices, platforms, and networks communicate seamlessly. In 2025, several mature standards are critical to enabling effective ecosystem operations:

OCPP has evolved into the global benchmark for communication between EV charging stations and central systems. Supported by the Open Charge Alliance (OCA), OCPP 2.0.1 includes:

Enhanced security features (e.g., secure firmware updates, authentication)

Support for smart charging and load management

Device management functionalities to remotely monitor, configure, and update chargers

Real-time data exchange to optimize network performance and uptime

The protocol’s vendor-neutral design promotes flexibility, allowing charge point operators (CPOs) to mix and match hardware and software without vendor lock-in.

OCPI facilitates interoperability between CPOs and eMobility Service Providers (eMSPs). It supports:

e-Roaming by enabling cross-platform user identification and authorization

Remote control of charging sessions (e.g., start/stop commands)

Standardized Charge Detail Records (CDRs) for billing reconciliation

Real-time pricing and location data for user interfaces

OCPI enables scalable growth across borders and partners, forming the backbone of 

 capabilities, allowing drivers to start charging simply by plugging in their vehicle. Key components include:

Bi-directional vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communication

Public key infrastructure (PKI) for secure data exchange

ISO 15118 improves the user experience by removing RFID cards, apps, or QR codes, and supports seamless automated billing.

These protocols ensure that e-mobility networks are scalable, secure, and user-friendly. As EV adoption grows and roaming becomes the norm, adherence to open standards is critical for long-term market interoperability and customer satisfaction.

Smart charging has become the basis of efficient energy use in the e-mobility ecosystem. Modern smart charging platforms:

Connect EVs, grid operators, and charge point operators in real time

Integrate dynamic load balancing to avoid overloading local grids

Optimize charging based on energy pricing, time-of-use tariffs, and renewable energy availability

Enable demand response by shifting energy usage to off-peak periods or in response to grid signals

 systems, which allow electric vehicles to consume electricity and return it to the grid. V2G platforms:

Support bidirectional energy flow between EVs and the grid

Provide grid balancing, frequency regulation, and emergency power

Offer financial incentives to EV owners who participate in energy markets

As V2G monetization models mature, they are increasingly integrated into residential, commercial, and fleet operations, offering a new revenue stream for asset owners and reducing dependency on stationary battery storage.

 is critical to the expansion of e-mobility as a service. By 2025, the average battery electric vehicle (BEV) delivers 350-400 km per charge, enabled by continuous advancements in battery chemistry and design.

: Li-ion batteries are widely adopted due to their high reliability and rechargeability. Manufacturers are enhancing performance through new chemistries like NMC and LFP.

: Featuring solid electrolytes, these batteries offer higher energy density, ultra-fast charging (<15 minutes), and improved safety, key for scaling e-mobility solutions.

: Known for shorter charge cycles and greater recyclability, aluminum-ion batteries show promise for lightweight 

: With 5x the energy density of Li-ion, these are ideal for long-range 

: Lightweight and powerful, but hindered by rechargeability issues. Research continues toward viability for long-distance EVs.

Battery cost, lifecycle & SALD technology

Battery costs have plummeted, reaching near $100/kWh, making emobility cost-competitive.

: Repurposed EV batteries now power stationary storage systems, adding value and extending lifespan.

Discover how eMobility as a Service (eMaaS) is transforming transport in 2025 through smart charging, EV platforms, and seamless digital mobility.

Let’s read our posts

How AI Secures EV Charging Networks and Prevents Fraud

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eMobility Fundamentals - the eBook

Why does software matter in eMobility?

The Ultimate Guide to EV Charging Software Migration - the ebook

Software Migration: Choosing a New Provider for eMobility Software

How eMobility as a Service Shapes Sustainable Mobility Trends in 2025

How AI Secures EV Charging Networks and Prevents Fraud

How Smart Tech Choices Drive Scale and Valuation for CPOs

What AFIR Means for eMobility and EV Charging

EV Charging Network – Where To Go Next?