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Matchmaking Feature Overview

Jytte Wetzel-Pring
Updated

This guide explains how Access Requests and Bookings work, and how they are used together to manage controlled access and scheduled charging at your locations.

Access Requests control who can use your location and Bookings control when and where charging happens
 

Access Requests

Access Requests allow fleets to request permission to charge at semi-private locations.

This feature helps you share your charging infrastructure while keeping full control over who can use it.

How it works

For Fleet Managers

Fleet managers in the TruckCharge Network can:

  • Find restricted locations in TruckCharge Connect
  • Request access to a location
  • Track the status of their request (pending, approved, rejected)
  • Start charging or create bookings once access is approved

For Operators (Depot Owners)

As a site owner, you can:

  • View incoming access requests
  • Approve or reject requests
  • See which fleets currently have access to your location

When to use Access Requests

Use Access Requests when you want to:

  • Share your depot with external fleets
  • Control exactly who is allowed to charge
  • Avoid making your location fully public

This is typically used for semi-private locations.

Bookings

Bookings allow fleets to reserve a charging slot in advance for a specific time window.

This ensures that a charger is available when the driver arrives.

How it works

For Fleet Managers

Fleet managers can:

  • Create a booking for a driver
  • Select:
    • Location and charger (bay/connector)
    • Date and time window
    • Charge key (RFID or vehicle)
  • View, edit, or cancel bookings (depending on conditions)

For Operators (Depot Owners)

As a site owner, you can:

  • Define when chargers are available for booking (booking schedules)
  • View upcoming and past bookings
  • Cancel bookings if needed

For Drivers

Drivers can:

  • See booking details (via app or fleet communication)
  • Arrive at the correct charger at the scheduled time
  • Start charging using:
    • RFID
    • App
    • Vehicle-based authentication

Important: Booking Validation

At locations where booking is required:

  • A charging session will only start if there is a valid booking
  • The system checks that:
    • The correct charge key is used
    • The booking matches the charger and time

If no valid booking exists, charging will be rejected.
 

When to use Bookings

Bookings are especially useful when:

  • Charging demand is high and needs to be scheduled
  • You want to avoid queues or conflicts
  • Operations depend on predictable charging times
     

 

How Access Requests and Bookings Work Together

In a typical workflow:

  1. The operator configures the location
    • Sets visibility and defines access rules (semi-private)
    • Configures booking schedules
  2. A fleet manager requests access
    • The operator approves or rejects the request
  3. The fleet manager creates a booking
    • Selects time slot, charger, and driver
  4. The driver arrives and charges
    • The system verifies the booking during authentication
    • Charging starts if the booking is valid

 

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