Drive Secure Access Into Your EV Charging Station

Electric vehicles (EVs) are accelerating in popularity. It’s estimated that 26 million EVs will be on the road in 2030. To support all this buzz about town, approximately 14.6 million EV charging stations will be required globally to keep everything in motion*.

An important component within this expanding EV universe is security. As charging locations become more prevalent, managing access is essential to protect all players — charging station owners, power grid operators and end users. Fortunately, there’s an easy route to lock in proven avenues to authenticate — and the RFID technology might already be in tow.

Charging Into a New Era

First, let’s look at this new realm of EV charging, and where it all takes place:

• Private: Most people today recharge at home
• Semi-Private/Membership: These charging stations are provided at regularly visited locations such as tenant buildings, corporate campuses and fleet depots, or available at select destinations such as hotels, gyms and shopping centers
• Public: Some access pay-as-you-go charging in public venues such as gas stations

EV charging is an on-ramp of opportunity for business owners, but also an expressway for cybercriminals. Without proper encryption and authentication, each station is a potential entry point for hackers to access user data, charging technology and industry power grids.

So how can we assure businesses they can offer EV charging without raising cumbersome red flags around managing security and access, while ensuring users have a seamless, convenient encounter each time they roll up and plug in?   

Extended Access in One Credential

The right access control system protects the semi-private charging station, its business and all related resources — from company data to brand reputation to engagement with patrons. For businesses that already use RFID technology to grant access to employees, visitors/guests, students, customers, etc., the very same credentials can easily be added and applied as new EV charging stations are installed in properties. Suppliers can take advantage of critical interoperability functions such as access authentication, payment integrity and data verification delivered in an all-in-one solution from premier providers of RFID technologies.

Authenticate. Charge. Unplug. GO.

Here's how it works:

• Users are securely identified and authenticated using their RFID credentials (access card, phone, key fob, watch app)
• They are granted charging access based on their authorization level. Without authorization, the station will not operate
• This unique user identification process allows stations to monitor start/end times, charge amounts and specific locations being used — fueling better station management and improved service to patrons
• RFID technology also allows for hygienic, contactless access so drivers can connect efficiently, get authorized and be on their way

In addition to fortifying EV charging systems, HID credentials give both station owners and users a best-in-class authentication experience that’s convenient, trusted and intuitive. This credentials course also allows RFID systems to evolve as markets evolve — enabling businesses to easily add, delete and upgrade functionality without changing the station’s entire infrastructure.

An expanding EV market requires protected pit stops along the way. Driving secure credentials into the EV ecosystem roadmap puts us all on a smart path.

Read the ebook Amplifying EV Charging Opportunities >> 

*MarketsandMarkets, 2022

Mohit is Sr. Manager, Product Marketing in the Extended Access Technologies business area. He has over 10 years of varied experience in product marketing, product management, business planning and engineering. His product portfolios included both B2B and B2C products in a diverse set of companies such as PDC IDenticard, Canon, Sears, General Motors. More recently he has been in the security industry for almost 4 years including his current role at HID Global.