Do I Need An RFID Card To Charge My EV?

---

That depends on the charging network or the type of charger you use.

Type 1: If the charger supports RFID cards, you do not need to use RFID cards, such as Tesla, but only app-based activation or credit card payments, this is quite common and also the latest charging method. Especially in China, I often drive electric cars, and whether it's the charging stations at the highway service station or ordinary charging stations,  all public charging stations are required to accept a variety of contactless payment options, including all major credit and debit cards. Reference the more charging stations are support cardless payment.

Type 2: Some older charging stations require an RFID card for network authentication. It has essentially been abolished and is only used in some European countries.

Type 3: If you use the charger at home, you usually do not need an RFID card, unless it is a smart charger with access control (to restrict usage). This situation is relatively rare, unless in some remote areas where there are no charging stations or the distance to the charging stations is too far and there is not enough electricity to drive to the charging stations, people will choose to charge at home, and the charging speed at home is quite slow.

---

So what to do?
When you're out and about, find out about local charging networks and check whether an RFID card is recommended. Also look out for contactless payment symbols or refer to the charger manual to find out how to activate it.

At the same time, you should download the app of the respective charging network (e.g. ChargePoint, EVgo, Shell Recharge) as a backup copy.