Noodoe card is one of the most convenient and intuitive methods for charging EVs. Its simple tap-to-charge process makes it a popular option for users looking for quick and easy access to EV charging stations.
We often receive questions from clients asking if they can program their existing RFID cards to work with their charging stations. So, let’s address that question today.
The short answer is: it's complicated.
We’ve broken down the reasons into three main areas:
1. RFID and Station Compatibility
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology varies across different standards and protocols, and charging stations may only support certain ones. It’s crucial that the RFID card and the station can communicate seamlessly.
For example, the Mifare standard (a commonly used RFID protocol) alone has over 20 different variants. The RFID card will only work if the charging station supports the specific protocol the card uses.
2. UID Duplicates
Every RFID tag has a unique identifier (UID) encoded on the chip, which gets transmitted when scanned. While some cards display a printed serial number that corresponds to this UID, not all do. Cards that use older or less secure tags with shorter UIDs (such as 4-byte UIDs) can encounter problems in larger systems, where duplicate UIDs may arise. This can lead to conflicts or access issues if two cards have the same UID.
3. Endianness
Endianness refers to the order in which bytes are arranged in memory. For the system to read the card data correctly, the RFID reader and the RFID card must use the same byte order. If they don’t match, the system could misinterpret the card’s data, causing a failed transaction.
Why We Produce Our Own Cards
To ensure seamless compatibility and prevent the challenges outlined above, we produce our own RFID cards. This allows us to maintain consistent standards and monitor key factors like compatibility, UID uniqueness, and byte order.
Can You Use Third-Party RFID Cards?
Technically, it is possible to commission third-party RFID cards, but this would require extensive testing to ensure compatibility with your charging stations. You would also need to provide the serial numbers and UIDs of each card to avoid duplicate UIDs within your system.
If you’re aware of these challenges and are willing to invest the necessary time and resources, contact our technical support team at https://help.noodoe.com for assistance.