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Autocharge is an automated charging system that allows electric vehicles to start charging without the need for using the mobile app or RFID cards for authorization. It uses a unique Vehicle ID Token to identify and authorize the vehicle, streamlining the charging process for users. It is also an ideal us case for fleets, since they are able to see charging data at the vehicle level, and it simplifies charging for drivers. This guide walks through how to setup Autocharge for a vehicle from Network Manager, since fleets may not be using a mobile app.

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Initial Setup

Important: Before proceeding, please ensure that your charging station supports Autocharge functionality.
  1. Choose a driver profile in your system to store the Vehicle Id Token(s). Best practice is to use a driver account associated with a Site Host or fleet manager
  2. Ensure you have access to the station’s Real-Time Logs for the next steps (Network Manager > Stations > Real-Time Logs)

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Adding the Vehicle ID Token

The Vehicle ID Token is a unique identifier for the vehicle. For stations supporting Autocharge, this ID is automatically retrieved upon plugging in the charger. The station will attempt to start a transaction using this ID by first sending an Authorize.req message to the Charge Point Operator’s Central System. Therefore, the Vehicle ID Token will need to be added in our system for the authorization request to be accepted. Start by retrieving the Vehicle ID Token:
  1. Open Real-Time Logs for the charging station that has Autocharge enabled
  2. Plug in the vehicle on the station
  3. In the logs, look for an Authorize message. The idTag field should contain a string starting with “VID:”. This is the vehicle’s Vehicle ID Token VID Note: If this is the first time setting up Autocharge for this vehicle, the Authorize message will likely be Rejected. This is normal and expected
  4. Copy the entire Vehicle ID Token (including the “VID:” prefix)
  5. Add this token to the driver profile you chose during the Initial Setup step: in the driver’s Authorization section click Add New, select Vehicle as the Auth Method Type, and paste the token into Auth Method ID VIDTOKEN

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Verify Autocharge is Working

After adding the Vehicle ID Token to the driver, you should verify that Autocharge is working.

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Verification Process

  1. Unplug thevehicle from the charging station (if currently plugged in)
  2. Wait fo the station status to return to Available
  3. Plug the vehicle back in
  4. Check Real-Time Logs
    • There should be a new Authorize message
    • This time, the Authorize message should be Accepted
    • A new charging transaction should start automatically