EV Charging

NFC Wearable Credentials for EV Charging

NFCKEY is an NFC wearable that can function as a charging credential replacement, becoming an alternative to traditional EV charging cards and plastic key fobs. It functions as a wearable NFC credential for driver or vehicle identification at charging stations, while authentication, session control, and billing remain fully managed by the EV charging backend system.

Application

EV Charging

Examples

Public charging networks, corporate fleet charging, destination charging

Credential Management

System-managed (charging operator–controlled)

Important

NFCKEY provides a convenient, wearable NFC credential that lets EV drivers start a charging session with a simple tap at a compatible charging station. It’s designed for easy use by drivers, just like an EV charging card.

Charging network operators, fleet managers, and platform administrators are responsible for issuing, enrolling, and managing NFCKEY credentials within their charging system. End users (drivers) receive the activated NFCKEY from the operator and use it to access charging. End users do not configure or self-program credentials themselves.

What NFCKEY Replaces in EV Charging Systems

What NFCKEY replaces

NFC EV charging cards

Plastic RFID key fobs used for charger authentication

Physical charging credentials issued to drivers or fleet users

NFCKEY acts as a wearable NFC charging credential that is presented to a charger reader to identify the driver, vehicle or associated account.

What NFCKEY does not replace

EV chargers or charge points

Charging management software or backend platforms

Billing systems, tariffs, payment processing or energy management logic

NFCKEY does not start, meter, or bill charging sessions on its own. All authorization, session control, and billing decisions remain fully managed by the EV charging management system.

How NFCKEY Is Commonly Used in EV Charging

In EV charging environments, NFCKEY is commonly used for:

Driver or vehicle authentication at charging stations
Fleet charging access for company vehicles
Workplace or residential charging where credentials are issued by an operator
Subscription-based charging programs linked to user or vehicle accounts

The wearable form factor reduces lost or forgotten charging cards while preserving the same authentication flow already used by existing EV charging credentials.

Check Out Our Designs

Benefits of Using NFCKEY in EV Charging

When supported by an EV charging platform, NFCKEY provides practical benefits as a wearable EV charging credential

Always-With-You Form

Wearable stays attached to car keys, bags, or lanyards — reducing lost or forgotten EV charging cards

Reinforced Sleeve Mount

High-strength sleeve eyelet rated up to 40 kg pull strength — preventing breakage and credential loss in outdoor charging use

System-Native Charging Behavior

Operates with system-native authentication behavior — preserving existing charging authorization and billing logic

Customisable Design

Supports branded or differentiated credentials — enabling operators to identify fleets, user groups, or subscription types

IP68 Compliant Construction

Wearables built to IP68 ingress protection standards — withstanding water, dust, temperature changes, and outdoor handling

Reduced Plastic Consumption

Durable replacement for disposable EV charging cards — reducing repeated re-issuing and plastic waste over time

Who Uses and Who Manages NFCKEY for EV Charging?

Who uses NFCKEY:

NFCKEY is used by drivers or fleet users as a wearable EV charging credential
Drivers present NFCKEY to the charger reader to authenticate and start a charging session, in the same way as a traditional RFID charging card

Who manages NFCKEY:

NFCKEY is issued, enrolled, and managed by the charging point operator, mobility service provider, fleet operator, or system administrator operating the EV charging platform
Drivers do not configure, program, or manage EV charging credentials themselves

Typical setup and usage flow:

The EV charging platform defines users, vehicles, or accounts
NFCKEY credentials are enrolled and linked to driver, vehicle, or fleet records
Chargers authenticate the credential during session start
NFCKEY functions solely as a wearable NFC charging credential

NFCKEY cannot be programmed by drivers or private individuals. EV charging use cases require operator-controlled enrollment tools and backend systems, just like standard RFID charging cards.

Chip selection depends on the EV charging system and reader technology.

Explore Our Chip Types

What's next?

Confirm credential compatibility with your charging management system
Test NFCKEY with chargers in a controlled environment
Select standard or fully custom NFCKEY designs based on operational needs
Once compatibility is confirmed, NFCKEY can be issued and used in the same way as existing EV charging cards within your system

Explore NFCKEY Design Options Check Out Chip Types We Offer

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