"Smart" gets stuck on a lot of EV chargers, and OCPP turns up in the spec sheets, but few explain what they actually mean for you. Here's the plain version — and when they genuinely matter.
What makes a charger "smart"
- App control and scheduling — set it to charge in your off-peak window automatically, on the cheapest power.
- Solar integration — divert your panels' excess into the car instead of exporting it to the grid.
- Load management — share the available supply across one or more chargers so you never trip the mains.
- Monitoring — see exactly how much you've charged and what it cost.
What OCPP means (and why it matters)
OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is an open, brand-neutral standard for how a charger talks to management software. A charger that supports OCPP isn't locked to one company's app or network — you can switch providers, add it to a wider system, and it stays useful for years. For homes it's a nice-to-have; for commercial sites, fleets and apartment buildings it's close to essential, because it's what lets you manage, meter and bill lots of chargers reliably.
Do you need a smart charger?
At home, a smart charger earns its keep if you have solar or a time-of-use energy plan — the off-peak and solar savings usually outweigh the small extra cost. For workplaces, fleets and strata, smart and OCPP-capable is the sensible default, so the system can grow and be managed centrally.
We don't push a single brand — we recommend a charger that suits your solar, your energy plan and (for business) your management needs, then install it. If you've already bought one, we install that instead.
Weighing up chargers? Popular home chargers compared or, for business, see our commercial charging.
Common questions
What is a smart EV charger?
One you can control and schedule — charging automatically in your off-peak window, diverting excess solar into the car, sharing supply across chargers (load management), and showing you what you've used and spent.
What is OCPP for EV chargers?
OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is an open, brand-neutral standard for how a charger talks to management software. An OCPP charger isn't locked to one company's app or network — important for commercial sites, fleets and apartment buildings.
Do I need a smart EV charger?
At home it's worth it if you have solar or a time-of-use energy plan — the off-peak and solar savings usually outweigh the small extra cost. For workplaces, fleets and strata, smart and OCPP-capable is the sensible default.
Want this sorted for your home?
We check every grant you qualify for — free — then install before your car arrives.