Using the AEVA RFID card
The AEVA has recently introduced its own RFID card for members. This means you only need one card to operate public charging stiations -- the AEVA card! If you would like a card and are not an AEVA member, please join us.
What is an RFID card?
An RFID card has the same dimensions as a credit card.
It contains no power source and gets its power from the card reader when you wave the card close by. It can store information. For EV charging, the only information used is an 8-digit serial number that is unique to each card.
RFID cards provide an easy way to start and stop a charging session instead of using the charging network's smartphone app. Furthermore, they work when your phone battery is flat or you have poor mobile reception (eg, in an underground car park). You will also find that RFID cards are often just faster and more convenient.
Love it! How do I get a card?
AEVA members can purchase a card online using this form. Your card will be posted out to you.
How do I use the card?
Once you start a charging session with your RFID card, you can open the app for the charging operator you are using and see the progress of your charging session just as if you had started the session with your phone.
The back of the card contains a QR code that takes you to the AEVA website. You can let others scan the QR code if you would like to introduce them to the AEVA. The back of the card also provides some simple instructions. This web page gives more complete instructions for users new to RFID cards.
Which networks use RFID?
At present, the following networks are known to use RFID cards:
- BP Pulse
- Chargefox
- Evie Networks
- EVX
- Exploren
- Wevolt
Setting up the apps
Every RFID card carries an 8-digit hexadecimal (0-9 and A-F) number on the front. Here is a fictitious example.
The charging operators listed above all provide a facility within their app to register an RFID card. These are also known as "RFID fobs", "RFID tags", or similar. This page will cover three common examples. The other networks work similarly.
Chargefox
In the Chargefox app, use the "3 bars" button to show the menu and select "My Profile". Scroll down to the "RFID cards" section and press "Add card". Enter the 8-digit card number and press "Submit" to finalise. That's it!
Evie
In the Evie app, press the "Profile" button on the lower menu bar and select "Evie Pass" (this is what Evie calls its own RFID card). Now press the "Activate Evie Pass" button and enter the 8-digit card number. Tick the "I understand" box and press "Activate Evie Pass" to finalise. That's it!
Exploren
In the Exploren app, use the "3 bars" button to show the menu and select "RFID Cards". Press the "Add RFID Tag" button, then press "Enter RFID Tag Manually". Enter the 8-digit card number and give the tag a helpful name (like "AEVA card"). Press "Add RFID Tag" to finalise. That's it!
What happens if I lose my card?
If you lose your card and another EV driver was to find it, they could use your card to tap onto chargers and your account would be billed for their charging session. As most charging operators send notifications, SMS messages, or email you a receipt, you ought to discover this quickly. If you do find that you've lost your card, you should open all of the apps that have the card registered and delete that card number from each app. Easily dealt with.