The Curious Case of Enel X and Juicebox; What Every Charger Buyer Needs to Know

In October 2024, Enel X , the company behind the popular JuiceBox EV chargers, abruptly shut down its operations in North America, leaving thousands of customers in a tough spot. Enel X , which operated around 170,000 JuiceBox chargers, closed its business without warning. This unexpected move revealed a key issue for many EV owners: the risks of purchasing proprietary chargers that are tied to specific backend software, making them incompatible with other systems unless granted explicit permission. The JuiceBox fiasco serves as a stark reminder of why it is crucial to avoid proprietary charging systems, particularly when alternative solutions offer far more flexibility.

For years, JuiceBox chargers were widely supported and tested by users, earning the trust of many in the EV community. However, most JuiceBox chargers relied on proprietary backend software, meaning that they were not OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) compatible, which is the global standard for EV chargers. This lack of compatibility is a significant problem. OCPP allows EV chargers to be connected to various software platforms, making them more flexible and easier to integrate into different networks. But with JuiceBox chargers, users were tied to the company’s proprietary software, which meant they could not easily switch platforms or providers without facing significant complications.

When Enel X Way announced its closure, it left JuiceBox customers scrambling for solutions. The JuiceBox network was still operational until April 2025, but after that, customers were forced to migrate their chargers to a new system—VoltiE, a company that took over the JuiceBox network in late November 2024. VoltiE’s system, like Enel X, uses proprietary software. Customers who choose to migrate their JuiceBox to the new system are now locked into another proprietary backend, with no option for third-party replacements, modifications, or new software installations. If users do not migrate by April 2025, their chargers may become inoperable.

For residential customers, the migration process involves changing settings in the Enel X  app, which is still functional for now. However, this temporary solution doesn’t address the larger issue of being stuck with proprietary software. For commercial customers, the situation is even worse. They may find themselves trapped in VoltiE’s system, unable to switch to other networks or software solutions, unless they choose to “jailbreak” their chargers. However, this option comes with a host of risks, including functionality issues, security vulnerabilities, and loss of network access.

The Best Path for the Future

The best option for anyone currently using JuiceBox chargers—or considering buying a new charger—is to switch to an OCPP-compliant charger. Chargers that support OCPP allow users to easily switch between different backends and charging networks without being bound to one company’s proprietary system. This is particularly important for commercial EV owners who need the flexibility to change backend software as their business needs evolve. With OCPP-compliant chargers, like those from Noodoe, users are free to change the backend or software whenever they want, providing a level of flexibility that proprietary systems simply cannot match.

The key takeaway from the JuiceBox saga is the importance of flexibility in the charging infrastructure market. Proprietary chargers may seem like a good deal initially, but they can cause massive headaches down the line. If you’re in the market for an EV charger, always ask whether the system supports OCPP, and make it a condition for your purchase. If a vendor cannot prove that their backend system is changeable or compatible with other networks, then it’s best to look elsewhere.

As the EV market continues to expand, standardization and interoperability will be critical for ensuring a smooth, user-friendly experience for drivers. Proprietary systems limit options and force consumers to rely on companies that may not always be around or may make decisions that are not in their best interest. By choosing OCPP-compliant chargers, you avoid the risk of getting locked into an expensive, inflexible system.

In the end, the JuiceBox incident should serve as a cautionary tale for anyone considering a proprietary EV charger. It’s better to choose flexibility and long-term viability by opting for an OCPP-compliant charger, rather than settling for the convenience of a proprietary system that may leave you with few options down the road.

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