Why Access Control Matters for EV Charging Infrastructure
Access control is critical for protecting the security of EV charging infrastructure, whether it's located in public spaces, at workplaces, or in residential buildings. Without proper authentication, charging stations are vulnerable to misuse, unauthorized access, and data breaches.
Strong Growth Forecasts for EV Charging
According to a recent report from has-to-be and BERG Insight, the electric vehicle market in the EU alone is expected to reach:
- €1-2 trillion annually by 2030
- €4-8 trillion annually by 2050
To keep up, EV charging infrastructure must scale accordingly — and secure access management is an essential part of that growth.
Private vs. Public Charging Stations – A Growing Need for Security
The EV charging sector includes both public and private infrastructure:
- Private charging: At apartment buildings, corporate campuses, and fleet depots
- Public charging: Highways, city centers, retail parking areas
Many companies and apartment buildings are now offering dedicated free EV charging stations for tenants, employees or guests. As fleet owners switch to electric—including both commercial and government fleets, such as emergency or postal service—they must also have charging infrastructure to support all those vehicles. Other parts of the market are fee-based, including public charging networks found along highways and in city centers and charging stations set up in retail parking lots as an additional revenue stream.
Whether free or fee-based, charging station managers need a way to track who is using their infrastructure and limit access to authorized users or members. For-profit stations must be able to track electricity usage or time by user and connect users to account information for billing. Private charging stations need a way to ensure that unauthorized users can’t load on their charging systems.
RFID and Mobile Technologies: Secure and Convenient Authentication at Charging Stations
Modern EV charging stations are increasingly equipped with RFID readers and mobile-based access solutions, embedded directly in the charging pillars.
How RFID Works
- Users authenticate by Radio-frequency identification (RFID) using a contactless card (employee badge, tenant IC, membership card etc.)
- The card’s chip communicates with the embedded RFID reader using a radio signal
How Mobile Authentication Works
- Uses smartphones with mobile authentication technologies and other mobile devices with Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) or Near-field Communication (NFC)
- Users install an app connected to their account
- Authentication happens by holding the phone near the reader
Benefits of Embedded Authentication Technologies
In both cases, authentication is simple and convenient for users: they simply wave their card or smartphone over the reader, which is embedded into the charging pillar. RFID and mobile authentication are also secure; communication can be encrypted to make it almost impossible to intercept communication between the device or card and the reader or clone the authentication credentials. This ensures that unauthorized users are locked out of the charging infrastructure and sensitive personal or company data is protected.
RFID and mobile technologies provide:
- Security for infrastructure and data
- Maximum convenience and safety for drivers
- Flexibility for charging station operators
Getting Started with Authentication for EV Charging
What should OEMs and station operators look for when it comes to an authentication solution for EV charging? The solution must be secure. It must be easy to implement, install and update. And it must be powerful and flexible enough to support changing technology, security and functionality requirements for the future. Partner with an expert for secure EV charging!
