diff --git a/charger/openwb-native_linux.go b/charger/openwb-native_linux.go
index d14a32c44..0bc215e54 100644
--- a/charger/openwb-native_linux.go
+++ b/charger/openwb-native_linux.go
@@ -104,11 +104,24 @@ func NewOpenWbNative(ctx context.Context, uri, device, comset string, baudrate i
 		identify = wb.identify
 	}
 
-	// set pins to output
+	// initialize GPIO and set pins to output
+	if err := rpio.Open(); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to open GPIO: %w", err)
+	}
+
 	for _, pin := range structs.Fields(native.ChargePoints[connector-1]) {
 		rpio.Pin(pin.Value().(int)).Output()
 	}
 
+	// close GPIO when context is cancelled
+	go func() {
+		<-ctx.Done()
+		log.DEBUG.Println("context canceled, closing GPIO")
+		if err := rpio.Close(); err != nil {
+			log.ERROR.Printf("error closing GPIO: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+
 	return decorateOpenWbNative(wb, phases1p3p, identify), nil
 }
 
@@ -151,11 +164,6 @@ func (wb *OpenWbNative) runGpioSequence(seq []gpioAction) error {
 		return err
 	}
 
-	if err := rpio.Open(); err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	defer rpio.Close()
-
 	for _, a := range seq {
 		a.pin()
 		if a.delay > 0 {