What is an RFID card for EV charging?

What exactly is a charging card?

Why use an EV charging card?

A charging card is an essential tool for many EV drivers. At first glance, it looks like a standard bank card or badge, but its role is much more specific: it identifies the user at a charging station to authorize and manage the charging session.

It acts as a “universal key”, allowing you to activate charging stations, often across different networks. Thanks to roaming* agreements between operators, a single card can grant access to a wide range of charging stations, including those managed by different networks or even in other European countries. This eliminates the need for multiple subscriptions or specific payment methods for each provider.

Roaming* operates in the background: when you present your card at a third-party operator’s charging station, the system identifies your account via a centralized platform, authorizes the charge, and transmits key data (duration, consumption, cost) to your original provider. This centralization ensures a seamless user experience, simplifying the management of energy consumption and billing.

A concrete example ⬇️

Let’s say you have a Chargemap Pass charging card, but the public charging station where you want to charge your EV belongs to a third-party network like IONITY.

Thanks to roaming, you can still connect to the charging station and charge your vehicle. Your session will then be billed directly by Chargemap, without needing to register with the third-party operator.

You can even charge your vehicle at Powerdot charging stations or Electra charging stations or other partner networks, even on a European scale.

How it works: RFID technology and user identification

Most charging cards use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to enable quick and secure identification at charging stations. When you present your card to a compatible station, here’s what happens behind the scenes:

1. The station reads the unique identifier of your RFID card using a short-range radio signal.
2. It checks your account in the operator’s database to validate access.
3. If the identification is successful, the station authorizes the charging session to begin.

Thanks to this technology and roaming agreements, an RFID card can be used at charging stations operated by different providers. This interconnection between networks offers great flexibility for EV drivers.

Steps to use a charging card at a public charging station

Before starting a charging session, it’s important to ensure that the charging station you want to use is compatible with the Chargemap Pass. With the Chargemap app, you can easily filter stations that accept this card. You can also check:

• Real-time availability of charging stations.
• Types of connectors available (CCS, Type 2, CHAdeMO, etc.).
• Charging costs associated with the session.
  

1. Find a charging station: Use the Chargemap app and check compatibility.
2. Activate the station: Present your card to the RFID reader and connect your vehicle to the charger.
3. Stop the charging session: Tap your card again to end the session and unplug the cable.
4. Check your session: Review the billing details for your charging session.
5. Bonus tip: Plan your EV trips in advance to avoid unexpected issues.

↪️ Read more about: How to charge your electric vehicle with the Chargemap Pass?

What are the benefits of an EV charging card?

In addition to being compatible with multiple charging networks thanks to roaming, the card is designed to provide a smooth and intuitive user experience. Unlike solutions that require mobile apps or credit card payments, it does not rely on an internet connection, which is a major advantage in areas with poor network coverage. Simply tap the card to activate the charger, making it quick and accessible for all drivers, including beginners.

Additionally, the card allows you to centralize all your charging sessions under a single account, making it easier to track your energy consumption and expenses.

The Chargemap Pass provides access to over 650,000 charging points across 1,600 compatible networks in 19 European countries.

How much does a charging card cost?

Depending on the operator and the services offered, charging cards can be free or paid.

• Free cards: Some providers do not charge for the card itself, but usage fees apply when charging.
• Paid cards: Some operators charge a one-time fee to acquire the card.
• Subscription-based cards: Others offer cards with a monthly or annual subscription, providing access to discounted charging rates.

In any case, the initial cost remains affordable and can be quickly offset depending on your charging habits.

In addition to the card cost, you should also consider charging session pricing, which varies based on several factors:

• Price per kWh: Charges based on energy consumption, which may vary depending on the operator and charger type (AC, DC, ultra-fast).
• Per-minute pricing: Some stations charge based on time spent, which can be cost-effective for a quick charge but expensive for extended sessions.
• Fixed fees: Some operators add a flat fee per session, typically covering administrative costs.

➡️ Read more about: What is the cost of charging an electric car ?

Conclusion

EV charging cards remain an essential tool for easily accessing a vast network of charging stations. Thanks to their simplicity, offline reliability, and multi-network compatibility, they provide a convenient and reassuring solution for drivers, whether they are beginners or experienced EV users.