And how to future-proof your investment with true OCPP-compliant hardware (that doesn’t lock you in)
When it comes to EV charging infrastructure, flexibility is everything.
So, the question has to be asked: why lock yourself into a single back-office provider? Some contracts being signed today can last up to 20 years, and a lot can change in that time. A charge point operator (CPO) might go out of business. Hardware may become obsolete. Or you might simply want to switch to a provider offering better service or a more attractive revenue-share model.
If your charger isn’t built to be open and interoperable, making that switch can be costly and complex.
And that’s not the only limitation. A manufacturer may not offer the full range of charger types to meet your needs – say you want to add rapid chargers later or expand to a new location. If your back office is locked down, you may have to run a separate system.
What does back-office agnostic actually mean?
That’s where back-office agnostic solutions come in. This means the charger is truly OCPP-compliant and able to integrate with any back-office system that also follows the open protocol.
It gives charge point owners the freedom to choose the right platform for their needs – now and in the future. Factors like the number of charge points, contract length, available funding, and required functionality can all influence which provider makes the most sense. A back office agnostic approach helps ensure you’re not locked in, keeping your infrastructure adaptable as the market evolves.
Why OCPP matters
OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is a universal language that lets EV chargers talk to central management systems, regardless of the hardware or software provider.
In short: Hardware from one brand + Software from another = No problem – if both follow OCPP standards.
Without OCPP, you risk vendor lock-in, and limited flexibility, with no easy way to change platforms if service, costs, or needs evolve.
Versions to know :
• OCPP 1.6 (2015): Most widely used for on-street EV charging
• OCPP 2.0.1 (2020): Adds smart charging features, security enhancements, and ISO 15118 support
• OCPP 2.1 (2025): Introduces bidirectional charging (V2X), better DER integration, and more advanced capabilities
For most public realm charging, OCPP 1.6 remains the current standard. For more on OCPP, visit their website here.
Not all “OCPP-compliant” chargers are truly open
It’s easy for manufacturers to label a product “OCPP-compliant”, but not all OCPP chargers offer true openness.
The key difference lies in how they connect to the back office:
• Direct OCPP = The charger connects directly to your chosen back-office which means full control, and full flexibility.
• Pass-Through OCPP = The charger sends data to the manufacturer’s cloud first, then on to the back office – adding dependency and potential failure points.
If that manufacturer withdraws from the market or sunsets the cloud service? Your chargers might stop working – or worse, become stranded assets (often referred to as ‘dumb’ chargers).
We’ve already seen this play-out with big-name suppliers exiting the UK, leaving charge points inoperable and needing costly replacements.
True back-office agnostic charging means you’re never tied down. Our chargers connect directly to your chosen platform:
• No forced subscriptions.
• No lock-ins.
• No hidden gateways or dependencies.
You’re free to pick the back-office partner that works best for you, whether that’s one of our trusted partners or a platform you already use.
And if you ever want to switch in the future? No problem. Our hardware stays compatible.
Our chargers work seamlessly with platforms like:
Clenergy UK, Monta, Fuuse, Mer, Driivz, and more.
You choose. We support.
How to spot a true back-office agnostic system
Before committing to any EV charging hardware, ask:
- Does the charger connect directly to a third-party back-office platform? (If it needs to pass through the manufacturer’s servers first, think twice.)
- Can I change back-office providers without replacing the charger?
- If I were to switch back-office providers, is the switch-over simple, with minimal downtime?
- Is the OCPP version natively supported and clearly documented?
- Do I retain ownership of my data, including usage, billing and performance?
- Are they upfront about whether it’s Direct OCPP or Pass-through?
Why future-proofing matters
EV technology and policy will continue to evolve. Whether it’s a shift in funding requirements, new reporting obligations, or community feedback – being able to respond without ripping out infrastructure is critical.
Choosing back-office agnostic, OCPP-compliant chargers now gives you:
• Greater hardware choice
• Easier upgrades
• More competitive CPO contracts
• Lower long-term risk
It keeps you in control of your infrastructure, today and tomorrow.
If you’re planning a new on-street EV charging rollout or want to stress-test your current setup, we’re happy to help. Get in touch for a free consultation on how to build a future-ready, flexible charging network.