When a charger is shared, someone needs to decide who can use it and who pays. RFID cards are the simplest way to do that. Tap a card, and the charger starts. Behind the card, the charger can work on its own or connect to a back-office platform that manages users, reports and billing.
Three Levels of User Management
| Level | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Local RFID list | Cards are registered on the charger itself | Small sites, a few known users |
| App control | Users start charging from a phone app | Homes, small businesses |
| OCPP back office | Charger connects to a central platform that authorises users | Apartments, workplaces, fleets, public sites |
Local RFID: Simple and Offline
Registering cards directly on the charger works without internet. It suits small car parks and private sites. The downside is that adding or removing users means updating each charger.
OCPP: Central Control
With OCPP, the charger asks the back-office platform whether a card is allowed. Managers can add or block users, set prices and download reports for all chargers at once. This is the standard approach for apartment buildings, workplaces and fleets.
Setup Checklist
- Choose RFID card types that the charger reader supports.
- Decide how users will be added, removed and billed.
- Check internet coverage at the charger location.
- Confirm which OCPP version the charger supports and which platforms it has been used with.
- Plan what happens when the network is down, such as offline authorisation.
EVDANCE Options
The EV-ACT3204E supports RFID card and app control, and the EV-RHDC30K-L supports RFID with OCPP 1.6J. For branded platforms, our OEM service can supply chargers with custom RFID cards and app branding.
Related Reading
- Adding EV Chargers to a Building: Load Calculation Basics
- EV Charging for Restaurants and Retail: Turning Dwell Time Into Visits
- EV Charging News: Germany Passes 212,000 Public Charging Points
Key Takeaways
- RFID cards are the simplest access control for shared chargers.
- Local RFID lists suit small sites; OCPP suits larger ones.
- OCPP lets managers control users and billing centrally.
- Plan for offline operation and network coverage.
Sources & Standards
- OCPP 1.6J / 2.0.1 — Open Charge Point Protocol (Open Charge Alliance)
- ISO/IEC 14443 — Proximity cards
- IEC 61851-1 — Electric vehicle conductive charging system