With Zaptec, you decide who gets to charge. Some sites leave the charging stations open for anyone to use. Others want full control over who plugs in, when, and what they pay. Zaptec doesn't handle payments or billing directly, but it connects to services that do. 

This guide shows you the access and payment options available and the steps you'll take in the Zaptec Portal to get started. 
 

Zaptec authentication 

For: Simple access control without payments.

If you want to restrict who can charge, but don't need payments or billing, Zaptec Native authentication does the job.

• Manage access in the Zaptec Portal.

• Assign users RFID keys or app-based access via the Zaptec App. 

• No third-party services needed.

Control access with Zaptec Portal.
 

Webhooks authentication 

For: Payment and third-party access control.

Zaptec will send a notification to the payment service every time someone tries to start charging. That service then approves or denies access, logs the session, and handles the billing.

• Control access and payments via the third-party provider.
• Set tariffs and pricing.
• Provide users with receipts and billing history

How to enable Webhooks on your Zaptec Installation

OCPP 1.6J authentication

For: Connecting to a backend 

Zaptec supports OCPP 1.6J, the open protocol for connecting to external systems. We offer two options: 

• OCPP 1.6J cloud authentication: Connect to a backend while still using Zaptec’s smart features, such as. load and phase balancing.

• OCPP 1.6J authentication: The backend system takes full control of the charging station, including sessions, payments and smart features. 

How to connect your Zaptec installation to a backend via OCPP 1.6J  

Zaptec API 

For: Custom integrations.

If you’ve got developers or a tech partner, the Zaptec API lets you build custom integrations.

Want to plug Zaptec data into your property management software? Or build your own billing system? API access gives you full flexibility, as long as you’ve got the dev resources to use it.

How to grant Zaptec API access

Once you’ve picked your method:

1. Make sure your chargers are online.
2. Enable the option in the Zaptec Portal.
3. Work with your provider, CPO, or developer to finish the connection.

That’s it. Choose your control or don’t.

Updated 27 August 2025 07:50