Plug Into Secure Access: RFID Authentication for EV Charging Stations
The electric vehicle (EV) category is on an electrifying growth trajectory with the global charging station market, which is projected to surge from USD $7.3 billion in 2024 to USD $12.1 billion by 2030. As this new universe expands, the need for secure access to charging stations becomes critical. Each location isn’t just a convenient outlet — it’s a potential gateway for cyberattacks.
Without proper security measures, hackers can exploit vulnerabilities to access user data, disrupt charging operations and even compromise power grids. For example, one tactic that presents significant cybersecurity risk is QR codes. Malicious actors can easily replace legitimate QR codes with their own — redirecting users to fraudulent websites to steal sensitive information like credit card details, while also potentially infecting personal devices with malware. This “quishing” technique exploits user trust and attaches a negative association with EV charging locations.
To address security concerns, manufacturers and EV charging station integrators are focused on adding fortified access control technologies to their solutions. This not only protects their customers (and their customers’ customers — the drivers) but also enhances the overall EV charging experience.
Switching Gears for More Secure and Convenient Access
RFID technology is already widely relied upon to identify and authenticate users. We’re all familiar with utilizing RFID authentication to move through buildings or to access services at the workplace. Now, that secure, easy-to-use routine can be seamlessly integrated into EV charging stations to deliver secure access today with flexibility to pivot as requirements evolve tomorrow. RFID technology provides a robust and tamper-resistant method for authorizing charging sessions — minimizing the risk of data theft and enhancing the overall security of the EV charging process.
This is what Skytec Technology provides. Renowned for its advanced EV charging platform, they offer real-time monitoring, streamlined operations and data-driven decision-making. Skytec evolves its stations and incorporates heightened levels of security and convenience into its product offerings using proven, easy-to-integrate OMNIKEY® RFID modules from HID®.
The integration of OMNIKEY embedded modules also significantly helps mitigate the challenges posed by poor network connectivity in parking areas, such as underground garages or remote locations. Unlike app-based solutions that rely heavily on stable internet connections for user authentication and payment processing, RFID operates independently by leveraging short-range radio waves. This enables seamless and immediate charging session authorization and eliminates the need for network bandwidth-intensive data transfers.
HID OMNIKEY readers embedded into charging stations provide an exceptional charging encounter by conveniently delivering:
- Secure Authentication — A user authenticates via their RFID credential (mobile device, card, fob or wearable)
- Authorized Access — The system verifies authorization and grants access
- Efficient Charging — Users can charge their vehicles securely and conveniently
- Data-Driven Insights — Charging session usage patterns and other details are captured, protected and leveraged to optimize station operations, enhance the user experience, and drive business growth
Harnessing the Power of RFID for Secure Access
“Adding OMNIKEY authentication to EV charging stations really streamlines the entire experience both for our EV charging station customers and the users who pull up and plug in,” said Eric Kam, Project Sales Manager at Skytec. “The authentication process is intuitive. The wait time is reduced. And only an authorized user can access the charger.”
By embedding OMNIKEY modules into Skytec EV Charging stations, organizations can set new standards for secure and efficient EV charging — empowering both businesses and users to embrace the future of electric mobility with confidence. Benefits include:
- Strengthened Security:
- Only authorized users are granted access
- End-to-end encryption safeguards user data and system integrity
- Enhanced User Experience:
- Contactless authentication (via cards, phones, fobs, wearables)
- Friction-free encounters — authenticate, charge, unplug and go
- Efficient Operations:
- Real-time monitoring of charging stations
- Data-driven insights for optimized station management
- Scalability:
- Easily add, remove or upgrade credential functionality without changing the entire infrastructure of the station
- One Credential, Multiple Applications:
- Gain cost savings and extend access options you might already have in place by leveraging existing credentials (e.g., hotel room cards and employee IDs)
“As we expand our charging network and implement additional smart access applications, OMNIKEY solutions will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring seamless integration — helping improve operational management and support the secure and efficient proposition of using our EV charging systems,” said Eric Kam.
Learn more about how to drive secure access into EV charging stations:
Read more about RFID authentication from HID >>