What are the main differences between the Twin 5 and the Twin 5 Plus?
The opening for the LED interface has been enlarged to support placing a display window. The construction method is a combination of how the LED interface is mounted (metal bracket + gasket) and how the RadioWave window is mounted (taped).
For the display window the gasket is replaced by the same tape that is used to bond the RadioWave window.
Why does the Twin 5 Plus have a display?
Because of the AFIR requirements, charging stations are required to give price transparency and support ad-hoc payments (payments without mobility service provider (MSP)).
A display has been added to show the tariff information (price transparency) and QR codes (ad-hoc payments).
I still have stock of Twin 5 charging stations without a display in my warehouse, can I still install them?
It is up to you if you want to install them after AFIR went into force (April 13th 2024), dynamic QR codes are a safer ad-hoc payment method compared to stickers which are needed on the Twin 5.
General EU cabinet size without display: till April 13th 2024 (depending on the grid operator.)
General EU cabinet size with display: from April 13th 2024 depending on the grid operator).
The enlarged cabinets that are necessary for some grid operators will be available in the future.
Should all existing Twin 5 charging stations be replaced with Twin 5 with a display (Twin 5 Plus)?
No, only newly installed chargers must comply with the new AFIR regulations.
Is there a retrofit kit available to convert the Twin 5 to the Twin 5 Plus?
The Smart Controller Board of the Twin 5 Plus is backward compatible with the Twin 5.
However, the Smart Controller Board of the Twin 5 is not forward compatible with the Twin 5 Plus.
What is the stand-by power consumption of the Twin 5 Plus?
The power consumption of the Twin 5 Plus has a maximum of 20 Watts.
What is the best way to clean the charger?
1.1 General Maintenance Procedure:
Warning! Risk of Injury and Electrocution.
- Installation, (De)commissioning, and Maintenance should only be performed by a qualified electrician.
- Ensure proper safety precautions to prevent injury or electric shock.
1.2 Casing cleaning procedure
Note!
The casing of the charging station can be damaged. Do not use any aggressive cleaning agents, high-pressure cleaner, scouring pads, or similar.
1.2.1 Fully close the Front Cover/Door of the charger before any cleaning procedure.
1.2.2 Annual Cleaning:
- Use water and mild soap to clean the casing of the charging station.
1.2.3 Annual Polishing:
- Polish the charging station using wax suitable for cars.
- Be cautious not to damage the casing.
1.3 Display cleaning procedure
Note!
Handle the display delicately to ensure proper drying and prevent damage and color change. Do not use any aggressive cleaning agents, high-pressure cleaner or abrasive materials.
- Fully close the Front Cover/Door of the charger.
- Blow off the dust/sand:
Use a gentle stream of air to remove any dust or sand particles.
- Rinse with water or mild detergent:
Rinse the surface with a generous amount of water or a mild detergent solution.
- If the surface appears to be clean, let the remaining water evaporate.
- If needed, gently remove any remaining dirt and water:
Use a clean, soft brush.
Brush from top to bottom.
Apply minimal force.
Avoid circular motions.
Note!
Be cautious with cards, tags, keys, and jewellery to avoid damaging the display window. Do not use a chamois, squeegee, or cloth.
What is the expected lifetime of the Twin 5 Plus?
The expected lifetime is the same as for the Twin 5.
Is the display touchscreen?
No, the display is not touchscreen.
Is the display impact and shock resistant?
The housing of the charging station is IK10 compliant.
What is the resolution of the screen?
The resolution of the screen is 1024 x 600 pixels.
What are the specifications of the display?
7" IPS color display, 1000cd/m2, resolution: 1024*600 pixels.
Does the display dim automatically?
When the QR code is displayed, the screen is set to full brightness.
An auto-dim function is based on “Time of Day” without option to select other dimming configurations yet.
Can the display detach if it is struck?
Under normal operating conditions the display should not become detached.
What if I do not want a display?
Due to AFIR regulation Alfen does not offer double socket chargers without displays.
With a display an EV driver can be informed in more ways about the current status, charging speed, used energy and time and now also pay with QR code and see current pricing models.
Can a personal logo be added to the display?
The display is not yet customizable. This will be possible in future firmware updates.
What are the QR codes for?
The QR code is to start a session and pay for the session. The QR code leads to a payment URL from the CPO.
Can I use the QR code if the charger is offline?
When the charger is offline, the QR code is not shown on the display and a session cannot be started this way. Then, if it’s configured, it will accept all tags or all known tags etc.
If the QR code doesn't work or if the payment goes wrong, who should the customer contact?
The customer should call the Charge Point Operator (CPO).
Is the QR code configurable through the back office or do you have to go to location to configure it?
It can only be configured using the back office. And with Ace Service Installer version 3.6.13 or higher, the QR code can also be configured locally.
Does the charger need a stable Internet connection for the QR codes to work correctly?
Yes, a stable internet connection is required.
Can the QR code feature be turned off for e.g. in a business area?
Yes.
Why is the charging station not responding when I scan the QR code?
The display lights up when it receives a request from the back office, not when the QR code is scanned. If there is poor or no reception, the charging station will not respond at all.
Do I need a license for AFIR?
Yes, the charger needs to have the license 'Direct Payment Solutions' unlocked.
What additional expenses should I anticipate for the QR code solution?
The license fee for Direct Payment solutions (100EUR RRP) and subscription and transaction fees by your payment service provider (just as with debit/credit card transaction).
Is AFIR mandatory?
Yes, because this is European law, it will be in effect from April 13th 2024 onwards.
Do the AFIR regulations apply only to the Twin 5 or to all platforms?
QR Codes are supported on all platforms where a display is present.
- Eve Single Pro-line (9044600xx)
- Eve Single Pro-line DE (9044601xx)
- Eve Double Pro-line (904461xxx)
- Eve Double PG-line (9044620xx)
- Twin 5 Plus (9344527xx)
Supported for Eve Single/Double products with firmware 6.6.0 or higher
Supported for Twin 5 products with firmware 2.0.0 or higher
Does authorizing with RFID work when the charger is online/offline?
Yes, if it’s configured to accept all tags or all known tags etc. there is no change with the current implementation.