EVSE and the 3 Tier Model in OCPP 2.0.1

OCPP 2.0.1 introduces a three-tier model for representing charging infrastructure. In this model, a Charging Station consists of one or more EVSEs (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), and each EVSE can have one or more Connectors. Each EVSE can support one active charging session at a time, even if it offers multiple connectors.

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EVSE

An EVSE is considered as a part of the Charging Station that can deliver
energy to one EV at a time.

Ref: (OCPP-2.0.1_part1_architecture_topology - 2.3-tier model)

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Connector

A Connector refers to a single physical connection point, such as a socket or a cable.

Ref: (OCPP-2.0.1_part1_architecture_topology - 2.3-tier model)

"The term Connector, as used in this specification, refers to an independently operated and managed
electrical outlet on a Charging Station, in other words, this corresponds to a single physical Connector."

The three-tier model provides a structured way to represent multiple connectors associated with an EVSE.

Comparison to OCPP 1.6

In OCPP 1.6, the Charging Station directly managed Connectors, and there was no intermediate EVSE layer. Each connector was individually represented without a formal grouping under an EVSE.

In OCPP 2.0.1, Connectors are grouped under EVSEs. Each EVSE manages one charging session independently. This allows multiple connectors to be associated with one EVSE while maintaining the rule that only one connector can be active at a time.

Summary

The three-tier model in OCPP 2.0.1 defines a hierarchy: Charging Station → EVSE → Connector. This structure supports independent management of EVSEs within a single Charging Station and establishes a consistent relationship between EVSEs and their Connectors.

The introduction of a three tier model in OCPP 2.0.1 affects how your applications address the charging station via APIs and receive information via WebHooks. Please see OCPP 2.0.1 Updates