Why the EasyTrip RFIDs are not working on these vehicle models

RFID is the abbreviation for Radio Frequency Identification. As you might have heard, major Luzon expressways – like the NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX, CALAX, among others – will start implementing a no-cash policy for toll fees by November. Because of this, motorists have since been flocking to installation tents (AutoSweep and EasyTrip) at the expressways to get the RFID stickers installed, and some have even ordered online so they can DIY-install the kits themselves. 

Though RFID systems are extremely reliable and can achieve a 99.9% system reliability on their RFID network, some motorists have reported that their RFIDs are performing poorly, and worse, their identification tags are not read. 

And these issues seem to concentrate on the EasyTrip RFID and some vehicle models their tags are attached to. 

What are the vehicle models?

So far, the EasyTrip folks have identified a total of 9 vehicles with specific year models that have problems with headlamp installation. Note that this is an initial list and are just based on EasyTrip's experiences.

1. Toyota Fortuner 2017 -2019
2. Toyota Hilux 2017 -2019 with bull bar
3. Toyota FJ Cruiser 2019
4. Toyota Rush 2019
5. Mitsubishi Xpander 2018
6. Mitsubishi L300
7. Mitsubishi Montero 2015 - 2018
8. Mitsubishi Strada 2019
9. Mazda 2017 - 2018

I am not quite sure about which Mazda model are they talking about – but staring at the list, I could only assume that they meant all the brand's models which came out from 2017 to 2018. Let's hope they can furnish us a specific list in the coming days. 

Why the headlamp installation?

There are two locations where the stickers are applied: it will be either the vehicle’s headlamp on the outside, or on the front windscreen on the inside. It is stated that the RFID is not able to work near metal, hence the reason why it must be fitted on the exterior. As most of our vehicles would have solar tint installed, there could also be interference between the scanner and the sticker as some tints are metallized. Thus, the reason why most tags are attached to headlamps.

Why these particular vehicle models?

Some like the Toyota Fortuner and Rush, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Xpander, and Strada, have slim headlights, the 'singkit' type so to speak. RFID readers require hardware and stuff that differs from a standard reading environment, and if these requirements are not met, the reading speeds are substantially compromised. Performance results dramatically change according to the application and the environment. 

Also, some headlamps are just too close to the vehicle's metal grilles and bolts. RFIDs don't work in close proximity to metal, rendering them totally ineffective. It is important to keep the tags away from them as much as possible.

So, if your vehicle is one of those listed above, you may have to install on your windshield. Just make sure yours is not heavily tinted or else it would be another issue altogether.

Is the DIY Kit properly installed?

RFID has antenna patterns. The antenna produces a directional field that has an angled beam with specific gain, and polarization that is prone to picking up stray reflections and developing possible reading holes at the farther distances. As DIY kits are installed by the vehicle owners themselves, it is critical for them to follow the instructions carefully for the positioning of the stickers when attaching them to the headlamps.

Various components work together to comprise the RFID system functionality and are necessary for the technology to work including RFID tags, antennas, readers, cables, and the mounting itself.  Together they form an effective RFID system. 

Clearly, the reader and tag are codependent.  One cannot function without the other.

CLICK HERE to find out more about RFID installations.

ANY THOUGHTS? Share your ideas by commenting below.