This article describes how to connect and configure a supported Alfen charging station with the reev Platform step by step.
Supported Models
The following Alfen charging stations are supported:
Eve Single S-Line
Eve Single Pro-Line
Eve Double Pro-Line
Eve Double PG-Line
Note: For further technical information on each device, refer to the respective Alfen installation manual.
Prerequisites
Hardware and Accessories
The following materials are required for the configuration:
Laptop with Windows operating system (no laptop with restricted network access)
RJ45 data cable to connect the laptop to the charging station
Active internet connection – via Ethernet or GSM, to establish the connection to the reev backend
Housing key to open the charging station
Login credentials for the charging station's user interface
Note: The charging station to be configured must be switched on. Make sure you have access to the electrical distribution board if the station is not yet in operation.
ACE Service Installer Tool
The ACE Service Installer Tool is required to access the Alfen charging station. It is only compatible with Windows PCs.
The following steps are required to prepare the tool:
Download the ACE Service Installer: Download ACE Installer
Log in with the following credentials:
Username: Post
Password: prEze8
Note: The ACE Service Installer Tool is exclusively compatible with Windows PCs. Configuration with other operating systems is not possible.
Establishing a Connection to the Charging Station
The following connection options are available:
Direct connection: Connect the laptop directly to the charging station using an RJ45 cable.
Network connection: Connect the charging station to a router via Ethernet cable. You can then access the user interface via the same Wi-Fi network.
Note: The laptop and the charging station must be on the same network. Otherwise, the charging station will not be detected in the ACE Service Installer.
Configuration via the ACE Service Installer
Step 1: Connect to the Charging Station
The following steps are required to establish the connection:
Connect the laptop to the charging station using an RJ45 cable.
Open the ACE Service Installer.
The charging station will appear automatically in the overview. If it does not, refresh the view.
Note: After each of the following configuration steps, save the settings before proceeding.
Step 2: Name the Charging Station
The following steps are required to name the station correctly:
Open the first tab in the ACE Service Installer.
Enter the station name under Customer Ident. Number in the following format:
ALFEN_[Serial number]
Example: ALFEN_100321424
Step 3: Upload Security Certificates
The reev security certificates must be uploaded to the charging station to establish the connection to the reev backend.
The following steps are required to upload the certificates:
Navigate to Upload Firmware in the ACE Service Installer.
Upload the following certificates (available as attachments below):
USERTrust.fwiGODaddy.fwi
Firmware Update (if certificate upload fails)
If the certificate upload fails, a firmware update must be performed first. The following steps are required:
Open the myEVE App by Alfen on your mobile device.
Update the charging station to the latest firmware version.
Note: Firmware versions below 5.0 do not require a password. From firmware version 5.0 onwards, a username and password are required. These are provided together with the charging station.
After the firmware update, upload the certificates again via the ACE Service Installer (see Step 3).
Step 4: Configure Connectivity Settings
The following steps are required to configure the connection settings:
Navigate to the Connectivity tab in the ACE Service Installer.
Select the reev template.
Verify the settings using the sections below.
LAN Connection (Ethernet)
Check the settings under Network Profile -> Wired:
Setting | Value |
Protocol | OCPP 1.6 |
CSMS URL |
|
Security Profile | 0: Default |
Note (yellow): The CSMS URL is filled in automatically when the reev template is selected. Nevertheless, verify that the value is entered correctly.
SIM Card Connection (Mobile)
Check the settings under Network Profile -> Mobile:
Setting | Value |
Protocol | OCPP 1.6 |
CSMS URL |
|
Security Profile | 0: Default |
Note: Approximately 2,500 SIM modules in the NG920 model are defective. If no connection can be established after configuration, a new SIM module must be ordered from Alfen.
Step 5: Disable the Unused Network Connection
Depending on which network connection is used, the unused connection must be disabled.
Example: If the charging station is connected via LAN, the mobile connection (SIM) must be disabled – and vice versa.
Step 6: Restart the Charging Station
After all settings have been saved, the charging station must be restarted for the configuration to take effect.
The following steps are required to restart the charging station:
Navigate to the restart function in the ACE Service Installer.
Execute the restart.
Wait until the charging station has fully booted up and established a connection to the reev backend.
Commissioning with the reev Companion
Once the charging station has been successfully configured, it can now be commissioned using the reev Companion.
Troubleshooting
Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
Charging station does not appear in the ACE Service Installer | Laptop and charging station are not on the same network | Check the network connection; refresh the view in the tool |
Certificate upload fails | Firmware version is too old | Update the firmware via the myEVE App, then upload the certificates again |
No connection to the reev backend after restart (model NG920) | Defective SIM module | Order a new SIM module from Alfen |
CSMS URL not entered correctly | Template not selected or incorrectly configured | Re-select the reev template and verify the CSMS URL manually |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I perform the configuration using a Mac or Linux computer?
No. The ACE Service Installer is exclusively compatible with Windows operating systems.
What should I do if the charging station does not appear in the ACE Service Installer?
Make sure the laptop and the charging station are on the same network. Then refresh the view in the tool. Also check whether the charging station is switched on.
Do I need to upload both certificates?
Yes. Both certificates (USERTrust.fwi and GODaddy.fwi) are required to establish the connection to the reev backend.
What happens if I do not disable the unused network connection?
Connection issues may occur, as the charging station will attempt to communicate via both connections. Always disable the unused connection.
Where can I find the serial number of the charging station?
The serial number is located on the rating plate of the charging station, typically inside the housing or on the back of the device.