How to Integrate your Parking Apps with OCPI & OCPP

Quick Answer

Integrating EV charging into a parking app requires two open protocols: OCPP, which connects physical chargers to management systems for remote control and session monitoring, and OCPI, which handles roaming, pricing synchronisation, and user authentication across networks. Most parking platforms were not built with EV charging in mind, leaving drivers to juggle separate apps, mismatched pricing, and loyalty programs that ignore charging behaviour entirely. With both protocols in place, operators can show real-time charger availability inside their existing app, trigger sessions automatically via license plate or RFID, unify parking and charging billing into a single invoice, and apply loyalty pricing without a separate system. Operators that integrate now gain a defensible experience layer before EU interoperability rules make open protocol support a baseline requirement rather than a differentiator.

This article covers each of these points in detail.

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Electric vehicles are changing what drivers expect from parking.

In 2025, it’s no longer just about access and payments. Drivers want to plug in, charge up, and move on without switching apps or jumping through hoops.

In our guide to EV charging for parking operators, we showed why parking is becoming a key part of the EV ecosystem.

In this article, we’ll show you how to turn your parking app into a fully integrated charging solution using OCPI and OCPP.

These two industry standards unlock seamless, future-proof EV charging, all from your own platform.

Why EV charging doesn’t work with most parking systems

Most parking systems weren’t designed with EV charging in mind.

Apps, backend platforms, and hardware like gates and meters were built to manage permits, payments, and access control, not energy delivery or session data.

This disconnect creates painful user experiences:

• Drivers scan QR codes or install separate apps just to charge

• Loyalty programs ignore charging behaviour

• Pricing is out of sync between parking and charging

The result? Siloed, fragmented services. EV drivers don’t get the convenience they expect. Operators lose opportunities for differentiation, loyalty, and revenue.

What are OCPI and OCPP in EV charging?

The solution lies in adopting two open, widely used protocols:

• OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol): This protocol connects EV chargers to management systems. It enables remote control, status updates, and firmware upgrades.

• OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface): OCPI enables roaming, pricing sync, and customer-facing services like locating chargers, authenticating users, and exchanging tokens.

Together, OCPI and OCPP make it possible to deeply integrate EV charging into your parking app, just like digital parking tickets or loyalty cards today. You get control over the experience without locking yourself into proprietary platforms.

How parking operators can integrate EV charging

Integrating OCPI and OCPP into your parking stack unlocks a smarter, unified experience for both you and your customers.

Here’s what it makes possible:

• Show real-time charger availability: Let drivers see which bays support charging and whether they’re free directly in your app.

• Start charging sessions automatically: Recognise users as they enter a charging bay and trigger the session instantly. No QR codes. No extra steps.

• Sync pricing across services: Apply consistent pricing rules for parking and charging, whether it’s hourly, daily, or fleet-based, all managed from your existing backend.

• Use a single token for everything: Loyalty card, license plate, fleet tag. One identifier can handle both parking and charging access.

• Streamline reporting and billing: Track usage, payments, and operational data in one system instead of juggling two.

These aren’t future concepts. Operators are already rolling out these features, and customers are starting to expect them. The question is, are you ready to deliver?

Examples of EV charging in parking apps

Parking operators across Europe are already unlocking new value with this approach. For example:

• Tap to charge inside the parking app: Use a license plate or RFID tag to start charging, just like entering a gated car park.

• Loyalty-based pricing: Offer reduced charging rates for frequent users, members, or tenants — directly through your loyalty system.

• Unified billing for fleets: Combine parking and charging into one invoice for fleet customers. Cleaner reporting. Faster payments.

These aren’t just nice-to-haves. They drive usage, build stickier partnerships, and help you stay ahead of evolving EU interoperability rules.

With OCPI and OCPP in place, you’re ready for roaming, loyalty integrations, and future funding opportunities.

"The ability to unify parking and charging into a single app has been a game-changer for both our customers and our landlords. It simplifies operations and provides a smoother experience for everyone involved. "Victor Lindwall - Head of Aimo Charge, AimoPark Nordics

How eMabler connects parking systems to EV charging

eMabler sits between your existing parking software and the EV charging infrastructure.

Our API-first platform acts as a translator between the physical chargers, OCPP/OCPI protocols, and your app or backend.

You don’t have to reinvent EV charging logic from scratch. With eMabler, you get:

• Pre-built support for OCPI and OCPP

• APIs to control charging sessions, monitor usage, and manage users

• Tools to unify pricing and loyalty across parking and charging

Whether you're building your own experience or plugging into third-party platforms, eMabler gives you the flexibility and speed to move now.

From access control to smart services: are you ready?

EV charging is becoming a core part of the parking experience. Operators who act now can shape how drivers access, pay for, and engage with charging services.

This article showed how OCPI and OCPP connect EV charging with parking apps and systems. We looked at real use cases, practical benefits, and how eMabler helps you integrate it all through a simple, API-first platform.

It’s time to evaluate your tech stack. Can your current parking solution support integrated EV charging? Can it adapt to roaming? Will it scale as EV adoption accelerates?

eMabler helps parking operators connect their apps and systems to EV charging infrastructure. If you're ready to offer seamless EV charging from your own platform, get in touch and let’s build it together!