Electric Vehicle Plug & Charge

Plug & Charge is the simplest, most secure way for drivers to charge their electric vehicles. All drivers need to do is connect their EV’s charging cable to the charge point, and the vehicle is immediately starts to charge – — with no additional user steps required. Plug and charge is enabled by ISO 15118, the international standard for charging electric vehicles, which is focused on securing the future of vehicle charging while delivering simplicity of use.

Why should EV owners care about Plug & Charge?

EV owners should care since this technology streamlines the EV charging experience. Instead of having to use a credit card, presenting an RFID tag, or using a mobile app, all they need to do is connect their vehicle to the charge point – via cable for AC or DC charging vehicles or Wi-Fi for wireless charging.

How does Plug & Charge work?

During a charging session, security is paramount. The transaction, information about the vehicle and owner, the billing details, and the charging network all need to be protected from third-party manipulation. ISO 15118 ensures this happens with encryption, decryption, and two-way authentication.

 

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Plug & Charge uses a variety of cryptographic tools to secure communications between the vehicle and the charging infrastructure, protecting the driver’s personal information, the vehicle’s systems that are “touched” during the charging process, and the charging infrastructure – from malicious third-party actors during the charging process. Once the vehicle-charge point connection is established, all identification and authorization happen across a highly secure communications link, to ensure data is exchanged in a confidential and authenticated way.

Unlike Autocharge, ISO 15118’s Plug & Charge relies on digital signatures and public key infrastructures. This security paradigm is built into the Plug & Charge identification mode, as defined by ISO 15118.

Authentication standards allow the EV to automatically identify itself to the charging network and have the backend system “issue” validation, and then begin the charge. Each vehicle is linked to an individual billing account, whether personal, family, corporate, or other EV owner, and the transaction will be accurately documented to reflect the energy that was supplied to the EV.

What is the benefit of Plug & Charge?

By complying with ISO 15118 and making this technology available for their customers, eMobility service providers ensure drivers enjoy a more convenient and secure charging experience, while streamlining EV charging operations.

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