Checklist: the process of setting up a charger

A step by step guide from installing to operating a charger

Setting up a charger can initially seem like a complex process. To make this process more approachable, we aim to provide a clear overview of the key steps involved. This guide will serve not only as an introduction but also as a practical checklist, helping you navigate each stage of the setup with greater ease and confidence.

Install and configure your hardware
By configuring the charger locally, you ensure that all functions have been set as required and match the POI data displayed in eMobility apps and navigation systems. After installation, carry out the configuration using the configuration software from the manufacturer of your charger, which is usually included with the hardware. For further information, please refer to How to configure a charger and the hardware specific Installation guides.
Make sure to check if a connection between your charger and the vaylens portal can be established by using our Charging Station Connectivity Tester. Read here how to do so.
Onboard your charger
Create a charger in the vaylens portal based on the hardware configuration you performed in the previous step. Our guide How to onboard a charger helps you add a charger to your charging infrastructure.
Put your charger into operation
After creation, a new charger is still in "planned" status and needs to be put into "operational" status, so it can be used to its full extend. To put a charger into operation, please refer to How to put a charger into operation.
Assign products to your charger
Major functionalities are linked to purchased products. Whether a functionality is available for a specific charger depends on the products assigned to it. Learn How to assign products.
Choose authorization types for your charger
Define which access methods can be used to authorize a charging session at your charge point. Charging sessions can, for example, be authorized via RFID card or Direct Payment.
Select your charger from your charging infrastructure, go to the Charge Port Details page and open Configuration. Under Authentication types, you can set which authentication types are to be supported. These settings are sent to external services via Roaming+ so that it is transparent which authentication options are offered at the charger. The authentication types "RFID" and "Remote" are automatically enabled when creating a charger.

Click on the Edit icon and select the authentication types you want to be supported at the chosen charge point.

For further information on possible configurations, please refer to Charge port details and Charging station details.
Commercialize your charger
To make your charger visible to EV drivers in the Roaming or Roaming+ network, enabling them to locate and use it, the charger must first be commercialized. Select your charger from your charging infrastructure, go to the Charging Station Details page and open Access.

Click on the Edit icon to activate the individual commercialization options. Switch the toggle "Display charging station publicly (POI)", so your charger appears in eMobility apps and navigation systems. Then, activate "Commercialization" and customize the access options. Activate "Roaming" if you want to give access to EV drivers within the vaylens network.
Activate "Direct Payment" to allow payment via ePowerDirect.
Activate "Roaming+" if all requirements are met to publish your charger in external networks. Please note that en EVSE-ID is required if you wish to activate Roaming+ for your charge point.
Set and assign a CPO tariff
As Direct Payment provider or eMarketplace CPO, you can define and configure your individual marketing conditions of your charging infrastructure. Define pricing and assign different tariffs to different chargers. Fur further information on the process, please refer to How to assign CPO tariffs.