Flexible and safe charging with access protection.
This is how you protect your wallbox from unauthorized access.
In reality, the wallbox in your own parking space is not always as private as you would like. Under a carport or in a free-standing parking space, the charging station is often accessible from a public road. This may tempt one or the other "electricity thief" to briefly plug in the vehicle for charging in an unobserved moment. But even in underground garages or apartment buildings with many parking spaces, it must be possible to ensure that only authorized users charge at the charging stations intended for them. And it is precisely for such cases that there are wallboxes with access protection.
We explain what is important and how you can protect your PANTABOX from unauthorized access.
What access protection should my wallbox offer?
First of all, every access protection has the same effect: third-party access by unauthorized third parties is prevented and only those who have a "key" for authentication are allowed to charge at the protected wallbox. What is accepted as a key depends on the wallbox. Which "key technology" is the right one depends largely on user behavior.
Three questions that you should ask yourself as a user:
- Do I want a digital solution or do I prefer a classic physical key?
- What things – smartphone, keychain, wallet – do I usually have at hand with me?
- How many people should use the wallbox and what is their relationship to me?
Here are a few methods for authentication in detail:
RFID
RFID stands for Radio-Frequency Identification (German: Radio Recognition) and is used for contactless, encrypted data exchange. An RFID system consists of an RFID transporter and an RFID reader. A wallbox with RFID function has an RFID reader installed, usually marked with the RFID symbol.
The transponder is installed in an RFID card or RFID chip and stores the access data. When the card is held up to a reader, it reads out the data contained via electromagnetic waves. Important: RFID cards or RFID chips must be taught before they are used for the first time. With the PANTABOX, this can be done conveniently via the app.After training, the PANTABOX can read the information and identify users. Most wallboxes for semi-public and public areas today are equipped with an RFID reader.
RFID offers another advantage: RFID makes it easy to assign the charging processes individually to individual users. The charging processes for each electric car can thus be recorded, evaluated and billed separately from each other. Most RFID cards or RFID tags can be taught on the PANTABOX, provided they transmit at the required frequency of 13.56 MHz. So you can also easily use your EC/ATM card for authentication.
App
Authentication via app is particularly practical for regular smartphone users. All it takes is a valid and authorized user account in the app. With the PANTABOX app, users can easily be authorised to charge by e-mail or make access requests. Another advantage of using the app: I can monitor and control the status of the charging process at any time via my smartphone.
PIN
Some wallboxes also have access protection by means of a PIN. This can be entered via the screen. This means that only those who know the correct combination of numbers can start the charging process. With a PIN, you benefit from very easy handling and the group of users is practically unlimited – but for those who belong to the forgetful type, this alternative may not be the right choice.
Key
And then there is actually the classic key solution. The wallbox is activated via a key switch. The key can be conveniently stored together with the vehicle key and is not susceptible to technical defects or malfunctions, but if the key is lost, it is not so easy to replace.
How do I activate access protection on the PANTABOX?
With the app, your smartphone is the key to the PANTABOX. Protect your PANTABOX from unauthorized access. Simply activate the authentication feature in the app and you have full control over who can charge with your PANTABOX.
RFID tags or an app user account can be used for authorisation.
With the Keyless Charge function, the device is unlocked as soon as you are near the PANTABOX as an authorised user with your smartphone. And you have your hands free for other things.
Find out more here.