What’s an MIFARE keyfobs (M1 RFID tags) – and Why Does It Matter for EV Charging?

We recently got an unusual inquiry from a Turkish customer. Instead of asking about charging stations or accessories, they wanted MIFARE keyfobs (M1 RFID tags) – those tiny, waterproof tags that work with swipe-style EV chargers. If you're dealing with EV projects, you might find yourself confused when it comes to choosing cards: M1? ID? IC? They sound similar, but they work very differently.

At XTECK, we’ve handled all kinds of EV charging scenarios, so let’s walk through what these cards are, how they work, and why we usually recommend the M1 RFID tag.

1. What is an MIFARE keyfobs (M1 RFID tags) ?

You’ve probably used a transport card or a company access badge. Now imagine a smaller, tougher version made to start EV chargers with a quick tap. That’s what an MIFARE keyfobs (M1 RFID tags) is.

It’s based on the MIFARE 1K chip, often called the M1 chip. The chip is sealed in a durable, waterproof coating—usually shaped like a round or square keyfob. The card holds a unique ID. When it’s tapped on a compatible charging station, it instantly starts the charging session—no QR code or internet needed.

These cards are a solid fit for:

· Locations with poor or no internet connection

· Regular users like employees or tenants

· Fleets or internal company charging

· OEM projects that come with pre-configured keyfobs

2. How Does the Card Communicate With the Charger?

Each M1 card has a unique serial number, like a fingerprint. When the card is tapped, the charger reads the number and checks whether it’s on the approved list.

How this check works depends on your system setup, and it usually happens in one of two ways:

· Online: The card is recognized and managed through a cloud platform. You can even assign cards remotely.

· Offline: The card data is written using software, and chargers store an internal list of approved cards.

3. Are All M1 Cards Interchangeable?

Haha, we've actually been asked this question by customers quite a lot.

If your charger supports MIFARE (13.56 MHz) protocol, any properly written M1 card will work, regardless of shape—round, rectangular, or square.

! Note: Make sure not to choose the wrong chip model, and avoid mixing M1 cards with ID cards or other encrypted cards.

4. What's the Difference Between M1, ID, and IC Cards?

The primary distinctions are outlined below:

We suggest steering clear of ID cards—they're outdated, can’t link to individual users, and don’t meet the needs of today’s EV setups.

5. Why We Recommend MIFARE Keyfobs (M1 RFID Tags)

·Stable and Secure: Every keyfob comes with its own ID number

·Widely Supported: Works with the majority of current ev charger

·Easy to Manage: You can link cards to people, teams, or vehicles

·Flexible Setup: Works both online and offline, depending on your system

·Budget-Friendly: Affordable, simple to configure, and quick to deploy

6. Conclusion: Make the Best Choice for Your Needs

Whether you're rolling out chargers overseas or running a fleet that needs consistent card use, MIFARE keyfobs (M1 RFID tags) are a solid, proven choice. In ev charger wholesale projects, we rely on them ourselves—they’re simple to set up, hold up well in all kinds of settings, and get along with most charging hardware out there.

Not quite sure which card fits your use case? Feel free to contact us anytime! Good results always start with the right guidance.