RFID technology enables contactless identification and authentication, which is particularly advantageous for electric vehicle charging stations. Operators of wallboxes, whether private or commercial, want to ensure that only authorized persons have access to electricity. This is where RFID comes into play. This technology uses electromagnetic waves to transmit data between an RFID tag and a reader, making the process quick and efficient.
RFID in Home Charging
Integrating RFID technology into wallboxes for home use offers numerous benefits. With RFID, you can ensure that only authorized persons have access to your charging station. Additionally, some wallboxes offer the ability to capture detailed usage data, which facilitates the billing and management of electricity consumption. This is especially beneficial for households with multiple electric vehicles or for users who share their charging station with others. It is particularly useful if you need to accurately record and bill electricity consumption for company cars with your employer.
RFID-enabled wallboxes allow for easy and quick authentication by holding an RFID card or chip near the reader. This not only ensures security but also provides convenience, as the charging process is immediately unlocked once an authorized person is identified.
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Difference Between Authentication and Authorization
It is important to distinguish between the terms authentication and authorization:
- Authentication: Verification of the user’s identity.
- Authorization: Determination of the user’s rights after authentication.
While authentication ensures that the user is indeed who they claim to be, authorization defines what actions the authenticated person is allowed to perform.
Example: A key switch on a private charging station allows for simple authorization but without authentication. This means anyone with a key can charge, without knowing who is using the key. This is practical but unsuitable for billing purposes, as it does not distinguish between different users.
RFID Cards and Chips for Authentication
For traceable authentication, an RFID reader is often used at the wallbox. The driver holds an RFID card or chip near the reader to authenticate. If the person is authorized, the charging process is unlocked. This method is not only secure but also user-friendly and fast.
Alternative Authentication Methods
In addition to RFID, there are alternative authentication methods:
- Apps from Roaming Providers: In public areas, apps like mobility+ by EnBW or Shell Recharge are often used.
- Automatic Authentication by the Vehicle: Systems like Autocharge by EnBW recognize the vehicle’s ID and automatically start the charging process.
- Future Vision in Public Spaces: Direct card payment in public spaces according to AFIR. The EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) stipulates that users can pay directly by card at public charging stations without a subscription and with full price transparency. These methods offer additional flexibility and convenience.
Future of Authentication: ISO 15118
The ISO 15118 standards enable seamless communication and tariff negotiation between the vehicle and the charging station. These standards are already supported by many vehicle manufacturers and offer a future-proof solution for authentication. With Plug & Charge, the charging process is as simple as plugging in the cable, without the need for additional authentication methods.
Billing and Authentication
Precise authentication is crucial for the accurate billing of electricity consumption , especially when it needs to be billed to the employer. A legally compliant wallbox with an RFID reader ensures that each charging session is clearly assigned to an authorized person. This allows for transparent and accurate recording of electricity consumption.
There is also the possibility of manipulation, for example, if a private vehicle is charged but the driver authenticates with the company’s RFID card. Such deliberate manipulation can potentially be detected through a plausibility check of the kilometers driven and consumption afterwards.
The Charge Repay Service from Phoenix Contact offers a flexible solution for billing. Our service enables any wallbox in the private sector to be legally compliant for billing. This means that any wallbox, regardless of whether it is used by multiple users, supports RFID authorization, or was originally not legally compliant, can be used for billing with the employer. In the Charge Repay Service web app, users can classify their charging sessions as private or business-related and thus bill the electricity consumption legally with the company. This is particularly useful for company car drivers who need to record and bill electricity consumption at home.
Conclusion
RFID technology offers a secure and efficient solution for authentication and authorization at electric vehicle charging stations. With ongoing development and standardization, such as through ISO 15118, usage will become even more convenient and future-proof. RFID technology plays an important role for employers when it comes to automated billing of company cars in the home sector.
