CSL Group: Understanding the Role of Real-Time AI and OCPP in Charge Point Security
As the global shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) accelerates, the demand for secure, reliable, and scalable EV charging infrastructure is more critical than ever. The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) has emerged as the de facto industry standard for enabling communication between EV chargers and Charging Station Management Systems (CSMS), driving interoperability and innovation across the sector.
When paired with real-time artificial intelligence (AI), OCPP becomes even more powerful, capable of proactively mitigating cybersecurity threats, optimising energy usage, and enhancing overall system performance. This article explores the evolving role of OCPP and AI in securing EV charging networks.
OCPP: The Communication Backbone of EV Charging
OCPP is an open, vendor-neutral protocol that allows EV chargers and backend systems to communicate seamlessly. It eliminates vendor lock-in and ensures that infrastructure investments remain future-proof. OCPP has been formalised as IEC 63584, providing a globally recognised framework for charge point communication.
OCPP works alongside ISO 15118, which governs vehicle-to-charger communication and enables advanced features like Plug and Charge and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) operations.
Together, they form a complementary set of standards that enable the advancement of charging and vehicle integration, security, and charge point management systems.
What’s New in OCPP 2.1?
Released in January 2025, OCPP 2.1 expands upon IEC 63584 and introduces cutting-edge features for intelligent energy ecosystems:
DER (Distributed Energy Resources) Integration: Supports grid coordination, enabling bi-directional charging (V2X)- Battery Swapping Support: Facilitates seamless communication with battery-swapping stations
- Advanced Payment Mechanisms: Adds prepaid cards, QR-based ad hoc payments, and local pricing logic
- Local Cost Calculation: Allows chargers to calculate session costs without backend connectivity
- Backward Compatibility: Compatible with OCPP 2.0.1 CSMS for smooth migration
OCPP 2.1 therefore enhances functionality, security, and communication compared to earlier versions. It supports advanced use cases like V2X, dynamic energy management, and Plug & Charge authorisation using ISO 15118-20 certificates. Backward compatibility with OCPP 2.0.1 ensures smooth upgrades for operators.
EV Charging, Power Delivery Systems, and Smart Infrastructure
AI + OCPP: A Force Multiplier for Charge Point Security
Integrating AI with OCPP unlocks real-time security capabilities such as:
- Intrusion detection using anomaly-based models
- Predictive maintenance through pattern recognition of charger behaviour
- Adaptive energy optimisation, adjusting charging profiles in response to real-time grid and pricing data
- Fraud and tampering detection based on event logging and historical trends
AI agents can reside at the edge (within the charge point or local controller) or be centrally managed by the CSMS, making them ideal for detecting and reacting to both local and network-based threats.
How CSL Group Enables Resilient and Secure OCPP Communications with AI
CSL Group is a leading provider of secure and resilient connectivity solutions, with a strong focus on critical national infrastructure such as EV charging networks. By combining deep industry knowledge with advanced technologies, CSL helps charge point operators and manufacturers implement robust and secure OCPP-based network systems. Ensuring maximum availability, up-time and low-latency communications. Meaning that charging networks and systems can be enhanced by real-time AI systems that need to communicate with distributed networks and charging infrastructure.
OCPP Expertise and Integration Support:
CSL provides guidance and implementation support for securely integrating OCPP-compliant charge points with CSMS through our critical connectivity systems. Ensuring secure end-to-end communication by incorporating encryption, certificate-based authentication, and robust network architecture. Segmenting elements of the networks for increased security, resilience and vigilance if needed.
Secure Connectivity Infrastructure:
Through our resilient multi-network SIMs, patented rSIM, highly-secure router and edge solutions, broadband and satellite systems, we ensure continuous connectivity for EV charger deployments at scale. This connectivity forms the backbone of reliable OCPP communications, especially when paired with our critical fallback mechanisms, even in the most remote or hostile environments.
Custom Solutions for Charge Point Security:
We tailor solutions to the specific security needs of our clients. Providing the secured network systems, infrastructure and support to ensure charge points can be managed effectively.
Future-Ready Innovation:
With ongoing investment in cybersecurity standards, CSL is actively involved in the evolution of secure EV infrastructure. Whether assisting with network architectures or protocol integrations, or helping develop AI-driven intrusion detection strategies, CSL provides the strategic insights that ensure charging systems remain future-proof and compliant.
By working with CSL, EV charging providers and operators gain a trusted partner in building a resilient, secure, and intelligent charging infrastructure.
Conclusion: Future-Ready EV Infrastructure
As OCPP continues to evolve, anchored by IEC 63584 and extended by OCPP 2.1, its alignment with real-time AI technologies creates a powerful foundation for secure, smart, and interoperable EV charging networks.
CSL Group supports this transition by helping organisations deploy resilient, standards-based communication systems that integrate AI-powered monitoring and predictive insights. Together, OCPP and AI form a vital pillar in the secure digital transformation of transport infrastructure.
About CSL Group
CSL was founded by Simon Banks in 1996, as a UK alarm signalling provider. Today, we have over 2 million managed connections supporting mission-critical IoT applications across Europe, and we are continuing to grow and innovate.
We connect, manage and secure the Internet of Things. The world of Critical Connectivity is ever changing. We're constantly developing, evolving and transforming our platforms and services to bring our customers more powerful connected solutions.
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