CharIN, the association dedicated to promoting the Combined Charging System (CCS) and Megawatt Charging System (MCS), has introduced the Open Plug & Charge Network Communication (OPNC) protocol. This protocol aims to enhance the plug & charge functionality of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and improve its interoperability globally.
The OPNC protocol extends the existing OPCP protocol and is compatible with the PNCP protocol introduced by the French roaming platform Gireve in 2023. This development is seen as a significant step towards global standardization, addressing the absence of a common protocol among plug & charge providers.
CharIN states, “In particular supporting multiple PKIs in the charging ecosystem and addressing requirements coming from the North American market.” The OPNC protocol, based on the ISO 15118 standard, facilitates automated communication and billing processes between EVs and charging stations through the exchange of digital certificates, enhancing user experience and convenience.
CharIN’s introduction of the OPNC protocol aims to create an open and internationally standardized framework, ensuring a seamless charging experience for EV owners worldwide. The protocol is designed to meet the evolving market demands and is positioned as a next-generation API protocol with backward compatibility to existing protocols.
The association believes that the OPNC protocol will play a crucial role in advancing the global standardization of plug & charge functionality, providing a standardized and interoperable solution for the EV charging ecosystem.
