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Charging Network Manager FAQ

How do I sign up for an account?

  1. Start by scanning the QR code on the charge station with your mobile phone’s camera.  Open the web page associated with the QR code using your phone’s web browser.
  2. Once on the webpage, create an account by selecting the Sign-up link at the bottom of the page.  You will need to input your phone number and email.
  3. If the station requires payment, add your credit card under the Payments tab.
  4. If the station has access control, you may be required to request access to the station from the site owner before you can initiate a charge session.

What is the relationships between Eaton & ChargeLab? Are they the same company?

Eaton has chosen ChargeLab as their charging station management software provider. Eaton sells the ChargeLab service through its standard sales channels and ChargeLab provides all session management and support for EV drivers.

How can I find a charge station on the ChargeLab network?

The ChargeLab app can be used to locate all public stations on the ChargeLab network. In addition, ChargeLab-managed stations can be found on public services including PlugShare, ChargeHub, and Google Maps. 

Can I use other ChargeLab stations? Or just Eaton-branded stations?

Drivers have access to all chargers that are powered by ChargeLab, not just Eaton-branded stations. 

How do I get access to a restricted charge station?

Site hosts need to give a driver access permission to use a restricted charger. To request access, contact the local site host and provide them with the email address associated with your account. Once the site host adds you to their access list, you will be able to charge at the station when you are logged into your account on your mobile device.
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What are the different pricing options for charge stations?

Pricing is set by site hosts and is shown in the mobile interface for each charger. Site hosts have the option to charge by:

  • $ per kWh of energy dispensed
  • $ per hour the car is plugged into the charging station
  • $ per hour the car is actively drawing power

Who determines the price for using a charge station?

The owner-operator of the charging station exclusively determines usage fees. Neither Eaton nor ChargeLab have any control of the pricing policy defined by the owner-operator.

How do I view my payment history?

Payment history can be viewed from within the ChargeLab mobile app (and coming soon to the mobile web interface).

How do I change my payment method?

Payment method can be modified from within the ChargeLab mobile app (and coming soon to the mobile web interface).

When will my charge session transaction be processed?

After each charge session is completed, a receipt will be sent to the email address associated with the account which was used to initiate the charge session. This receipt will include a detailed breakdown of the charging session.

In order to minimize credit card processing fees, the credit card associated with the account will be billed at the start of each month for the prior month’s charging sessions.

When the payment is processed, how will it appear on my credit card account?

Credit card transactions will appear on statements with “ChargeLab” as the vendor of record.
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How do I use an Eaton RFID network card? If I already have a ChargeLab RFID do I need to get an Eaton RFID?

To use an RFID at a station, look for the RFID symbol (at right) and tap your card on the reader. Then simply plug in your EV and go!

If I already have a ChargeLab driver account, do I need to create a new one for Eaton charge stations?

No. If you already have a ChargeLab account, you can use it at any publicly accessible Eaton station. If you use the ChargeLab mobile app, simply sign in with your existing account credentials.

Can I change the phone number or email associated with my account?

Drivers can update or change this information in the ChargeLab mobile app (and soon in the Eaton mobile web interface!)

What is a ChargeLab network RFID card?

RFID stands for Radio-Frequency Identification. It is a common technology used in many applications including building access, grocery store affinity programs, and more.

Eaton or ChargeLab RFID cards are associated to a driver account and can then be used with any public ChargeLab charger.  It may also be used with private charge stations if the associated user account has been given access to the charge station.

In general, RFID cards are network specific. This means that an Eaton or ChargeLab RFID may only be used at charge stations on the ChargeLab network and cannot be used at charge stations that are not managed by ChargeLab.

Where can I get a ChargeLab RFID network card?

You can order an RFID card by visiting Eaton.com/CNM

Every Eaton RFID network card comes with a detachable key fob for extra convenience.

The key fob is functionally equivalent to the RFID card, so drivers can choose which suits their personal habits.

Your first RFID card is free. Replacement cards are $5. We always get your permission before billing for a replacement card.

I have a ChargeLab RFID card? Can I use it? Or do I need an Eaton RFID?

ChargeLab RFID cards can be used at any station on the ChargeLab network, so drivers can use the ChargeLab or Eaton RFID cards interchangeably.
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Where is my charging data? Why isn’t it updating in the app?

If the amount of kWh dispensed to the vehicle during a charge session is not updating in the mobile web interface, but the session status is still “Charging,” don’t worry. This is completely normal. Total energy dispensed will be updated when the session is complete.

If the amount of energy dispensed is not updating and the session does not maintain a “Charging” status, then there may be a vehicle issue (it has been unplugged or stopped charging for another reason), or there may be a network connectivity issue between the charge station and the network which is preventing an up-to-date session status.

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How do I report a bug?

Bugs can be reported.

How do I request a new feature?

Do you have an idea or functionality you would like to see in our app today? Please feel free to send your idea to support@chargelab.co.
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What is included in the Eaton CNM Basic Edition?

  • OCPP network connection
  • Dashboard
  • 24/7 EV driver support and API access

What is included in the Eaton CNM Standard Edition?

All of the features of the Basic Edition, plus: 

  • Access control/user management
  • Pricing policy management
  • Revenue collection

What is included in the Eaton CNM Pro Edition?

All of the features of the Standard Edition plus: 

  • Power management
  • Vehicle management for fleet
  • Third-party integrations

Is cellular data included with my license?

Generally, cellular data plans are purchased separately. However, Eaton offers a product bundle that includes cellular data plans for an uplift over the standard subscription price. 
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How do I add a new user to my organization?

To invite a new admin to your site host dashboard, click Add on the Company tab.

Enter the new user’s email address, click Next and then Done.

The new user will receive an email invite which they must accept in order to get access to your dashboard.

Do all users have the same access, control and capabilities within the system? Or can I restrict capabilities on a user-by-user basis?

All users have access to all licensed features. In the future, the platform may provide an option to restrict user privilege by function or location.

Note that drivers are not considered users and do not have access to the driver portal unless explicitly granted by the site host.

What are the different types of users?

As of today, all users are considered administrators for the organization of which they are members.

Is there a difference between a user and a driver?

Yes, Users are defined as a role that gives the individual access to the administration portal and dashboard.

The term Driver applies to EV driver who generally will not have access to the administration portal unless specifically granted access by another administrative User.

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What is an organization?

The organization is the name of the company owning and managing the charging stations.

How do I create a new organization?

Contact ChargeLab customer support (sitehosts@chargelab.co) for the initial set up of your organization.

Can my organization have multiple locations?

Yes, a company can have unlimited locations.

How can I create a new location?

Contact ChargeLab customer support (sitehosts@chargelab.co) for assistance with setting up a new location under your organization.

Do I need to have a location associated with my organization?

Yes, every organization must have at least one location.
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How do I add a new charge station to my organization?

To add a new charger or group of chargers, click Add Chargers from the Chargers page. Enter the charger details and settings until you can click the submit button.

How do I claim a charge station for my organization?

By adding it to your organization and applying a valid license key.

How do I assign a charge station to a location?

To add a charger to a location or new location, click on the +Add Chargers button on the Chargers tab.

What if I don’t have a license key? Where can I get one?

Contact the contractor who installed your Eaton charge stations and they will acquire them from your local Eaton reseller.

Can I still claim a charge station for my organization even if I don’t have a license key?

No, a license key is required to claim a charge station on the ChargeLab network.

How can I tell if my charge station is functioning properly?

Charger status and management all can be viewed on the Overview tab or in the Charger tab.
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Can I limit access to my charge stations through the ChargeLab platform?

Yes. Contact sitehost@chargelab.co to set up a power management profile. This feature is only available with the Pro plan.

How can I grant access to my charge stations to specific users?

To assign drivers to a charge station or a group of charging stations, you can grant access through the Access tab by adding them as individuals or by company.

Can I add access for multiple drivers at one time?

Yes. You can assign multiple drivers by including a company domain name in the Access tab.
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How do I set the pricing on my charge station?

What are the pricing options for charge sessions?

What are the pricing options for charge sessions?

How and when do I receive payment for use of my charge stations?

ChargeLab remits funds once a month through an ACH account.

Do I receive all of the revenue from the transactions at my charge stations? Or do ChargeLab or Eaton withhold money as “service” or “processing” fee?

ChargeLab will remit all revenue minus credit card fees (usually ~3% of the total transaction amount + $0.35 per transaction).
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How does Load Management work in the ChargeLab platform?

[See Power Management Guide]

Can I define my own load management configurations?

Power management is complex and requires an understanding of the specific wiring of the device from the panel to the charge station.  For this reason, ChargeLab performs this activity on behalf of customers that require it.  For information, contact ChargeLab support team directly to configure power management for your site(s): sitehosts@chargelab.co
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What is meant by vehicle management within the ChargeLab system?

For fleets, you can assign and track vehicle-specific data.

Can I prioritize the charging of certain vehicles?

The Prioritization Power Management feature can prioritize vehicles in the system.

How are drivers associated with vehicles?

For fleets, RFID cards are associated with vehicles not drivers.  
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