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Starting a charging session with RFID
Starting a charging session with RFID

Get step-by-step instructions on starting sessions with a physical RFID card - without needing a phone or cellular connection.

Updated over a week ago

Note: If you haven't created a Hypercharge account, you'll need to do that before you can continue below. See this article for instructions on setting up your account.

Setting up your RFID card

You can use a Hypercharge RFID card to start sessions at any Hypercharge charging station with a simple tap.

To get started with RFID charging, you'll need to link a Hypercharge RFID card to your account.

The easiest way to obtain an RFID card is by ordering one through the Hypercharge app. If you get your card this way, it should arrive linked to your account and ready to use.

If you are using a Hypercharge station at a multi-unit residential building or workplace, your property manager or employer may have RFID cards available. Contact the site manager or [email protected] to find out more. If you receive a card this way, you'll need to link it to to your account.

You can confirm that your card is properly linked to your account on the Account page in the app, under the "Member Card" menu option.

This list shows the RFID cards which have been linked to your account. The number on the back of your RFID card should be shown in this list.

If your card number does not appear, follow the steps to link it to your account.

Charging with your RFID card

It is recommended that RFID users set up automatic balance top-ups for their account for the best experience. This will ensure that you don't need to use the app to add balance before starting your charging session.

If you are using an RFID card due to poor mobile connectivity at the charging station, you may not be able to start a charging session if you are unable to connect to add balance from the app.

Learn More


RFID is one of the simplest ways to start EV charging sessions. Follow the 3 steps below to get up and running.

1. Tap your RFID card on the charging station in the indicated location

The exact location varies depending on the model of the charging station, but is typically indicated by an RFID or NFC icon similar to the one below:


The RFID tap location may also be indicated by the Hypercharge logo. It is typically on or below the station's screen or indicator light.

If your account and RFID card are configured properly, your charging session should begin immediately.

2. Connect your vehicle to the charger


Plug the charging station's connector ("plug") into the charging port on your vehicle.

Note that on some charger models, session starts may time out after a few minutes. If your session does not start, disconnect the charger from your vehicle, wait 10 seconds, and then repeat the process of tapping your card and connecting to the vehicle.

3. Confirm your vehicle is charging

You can confirm that the charging session has started in several ways:

  1. Status light changes color to blue or green or begins blinking

  2. "Charging" status is indicated on the charger's screen (if applicable), and screen shows session time and energy delivered increasing

  3. The Hypercharge app shows that the session has started, and that energy is being delivered

  4. Your vehicle's dashboard or companion app shows that the vehicle is charging successfully

If your session does not start successfully

If your session does not begin successfully, you may be given an error message on the charger to indicate what caused the problem. The most common issues are:

  1. No or low account balance. The charger may indicate "Blocked" in this case.

  2. Attempting to start a session on a private or access controlled station which you have not been granted access to. The charger may indicate "Unauthorized" in this case.

  3. Attempting to start a session on a charging station which is not in service. This may be because the station is still under construction, requires maintenance, or is disconnected from the network.

If you followed the steps to confirm your RFID card was connected to your account above, your RFID card should be configured properly and is unlikely to be the source of the issue.

Head to the EV Charging Troubleshooting FAQ for help resolving these and other common charging issues.


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