What Is RFID on an EV Charger?
RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) lets you control who can use your charger. Users tap an RFID card against the charger to start a charging session. Only cards you've authorized will work.
It's the same technology used in:
How It Works on a GIZNT Charger
1. Install the charger — standard wall-mounted installation 2. Pair RFID cards — use the GIZNT app to register cards (cards are included with every wall-mounted GIZNT charger) 3. Tap to charge — authorized users tap their card on the charger to start a session 4. Track usage — every session is logged: who charged, when, and how much energy 5. Manage access — add or remove cards anytime via the app
Without RFID
If your charger doesn't have RFID, anyone who can physically reach the charger can plug in and charge. There's no way to:
5 Scenarios Where RFID Is Essential
1. Shared Driveway or Garage
Scenario: You and your neighbor share a driveway. You install an EV charger. Can you prevent your neighbor from using it?
Without RFID: Your neighbor can plug in anytime. The electricity shows up on your bill.
With RFID: Only you (and anyone you give a card to) can start a charging session.
2. Airbnb or Short-Term Rental
Scenario: You own an Airbnb and want to offer EV charging as an amenity.
Without RFID: You can't control or track guest usage. Some guests may charge excessively, driving up your electricity costs.
With RFID: Give each guest a card (or a digital key). Track their usage. Include charging costs in their booking if desired.
Revenue opportunity: Airbnb hosts with EV charging charge $10-25/night extra and earn $3,000-8,000/year in additional revenue.
3. Multi-Family Building
Scenario: You live in a building with shared parking. You install a charger at your assigned spot.
Without RFID: Anyone in the building can use your charger. Good luck figuring out who's been charging.
With RFID: Only your household has cards. Problem solved.
4. Small Business / Office
Scenario: You install an EV charger at your office for employees.
Without RFID: Employees charge freely, and you have no way to know who charged how much. Non-employees could also use it.
With RFID: Issue cards to authorized employees. Track usage per person. Use the data for expense reporting or cost allocation.
5. Street-Facing Installation
Scenario: Your charger is mounted on the exterior of your house, accessible from the street.
Without RFID: Passersby can plug in, especially at night.
With RFID: Your charger is locked until an authorized card is tapped.
RFID vs Other Access Control Methods
| Method | Security | Cost | Convenience | Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RFID Cards | ✅ High | ✅ Included (GIZNT) | ✅ Tap and go | ✅ Per-card tracking |
| App-only Unlock | 🟡 Medium | ✅ Free | ❌ Requires smartphone + app | 🟡 Per-account |
| Physical Lock | ✅ High | 🟡 $30-80 | ❌ Manual lock/unlock | ❌ None |
| PIN Code | 🟡 Medium | ✅ Free | 🟡 Enter code each time | 🟡 Per-code |
| Key Switch | ✅ High | 🟡 $20-50 | ❌ Manual, key can be copied | ❌ None |
Which EV Chargers Include RFID?
As of 2026, GIZNT is the only residential EV charger brand that includes built-in RFID access control at its price point.
| Brand | Model | RFID | Price | RFID Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIZNT | 7kW Wall | ✅ Built-in | $658 | Included |
| GIZNT | 11kW Wall | ✅ Built-in | $898 | Included |
| GIZNT | 22kW Wall | ✅ Built-in | $998 | Included |
| Tesla | Wall Connector | ❌ | $485 | N/A (not available) |
| Emporia | Level 2 | ❌ | $449 | N/A (not available) |
| Grizzl-E | Classic | ❌ | $499 | N/A (not available) |
| Wallbox | Pulsar Plus | ❌ | $649 | N/A (only on Commander 2 at $999+) |
| JuiceBox | Pro 40 | ❌ | $599 | N/A (not available) |
| ChargePoint | Home Flex | ❌ | $749 | N/A (commercial models only) |
How to Set Up RFID on Your GIZNT Charger
Unboxing
Every GIZNT wall-mounted charger includes 2 RFID cards. Additional cards can be purchased separately.Step 1: Register Cards in the App
1. Open the GIZNT app 2. Navigate to RFID Management 3. Tap Add Card 4. Hold the card against the charger's RFID reader 5. Name the card (e.g., "Mom's Card", "Guest Card")Step 2: Set Permissions
For each card, you can configure:Step 3: Monitor Usage
The app shows a log of every charging session:You can export this data for expense reporting or billing.
RFID + OCPP: The Power Combo
GIZNT chargers support both RFID and OCPP. Together, they create a powerful access control and billing system:
1. RFID controls access — only authorized users can charge 2. OCPP handles billing — charge users per kWh via the OCPP platform 3. Usage reports — detailed analytics per user, per card, per time period
This combo is normally only available on commercial chargers costing $1,500+. GIZNT includes both at residential pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many RFID cards can I register?
Up to 100 cards per charger — more than enough for any residential or small business use case.Can I use my existing transit card or building access card?
It depends on the card frequency. GIZNT readers support standard 13.56MHz MIFARE cards (the most common type). Some transit cards are compatible — check with support.What happens if I lose an RFID card?
Simply remove it from the app. The lost card will no longer work. Register a new card in its place.Does RFID work without WiFi?
Yes. The charger stores authorized card IDs locally. If WiFi goes down, authorized cards still work. Usage data syncs when WiFi reconnects.Can I charge without an RFID card?
You can configure the charger to allow or require RFID. In "open mode," anyone can charge without a card. In "RFID required mode," only authorized cards work.How much does the RFID feature add to the charger price?
On GIZNT: $0 — it's included. On other brands: $350-1,500+ (you'd need to buy their commercial model).The Bottom Line
If your EV charger is:
You need RFID. And GIZNT is the most affordable way to get it.
Every GIZNT wall-mounted charger includes built-in RFID, WiFi, OCPP, and IP65 weather protection — all included in the price, no add-ons or upgrades needed.
Explore GIZNT RFID-enabled chargers →
Last updated: June 2026