Plug&Charge makes it possible to automatically start a charging session as soon as the vehicle is plugged in, with no badge, no app and no action from the user.

This feature relies on a standardized protocol, ISO 15118, which enables secure identification of the vehicle.

How it works

With Plug&Charge:

• the user simply plugs in their vehicle,
• the vehicle is automatically identified,
• charging starts without manual authentication.

 Charging authorization is based on the vehicle, and not on a badge or a user.

The protocol used: ISO 15118

Plug&Charge relies on the ISO 15118 protocol, an international communication standard between:

• the vehicle,
• the charging station,
• the supervision system.

This protocol enables:

• automatic identification of the vehicle,
• secure exchange of certificates,
• charging authorization without user action.

ISO 15118 is mainly used on compatible DC charging stations and recent vehicles.

Conditions of use

To use Plug&Charge, several conditions must be met:

• the charging station must be Plug&Charge ISO 15118 compatible,
• the vehicle must be Plug&Charge ISO 15118 compatible,
• the vehicle must be declared in Chargekeeper,
• the vehicle must be associated:
  • with a company and/or a user,
  • with a group that has a valid pricing on the zone.

Plug&Charge uses the same access rules as the other charging modes (groups, zones, pricing).

Difference with Open Charge and Auto Charge

• Plug&Charge
  Automatic identification of the vehicle → immediate start on connection.
• Auto Charge
  Automatic vehicle recognition → without action from the user. 
• Open Charge
  Charging authorized without identification (zone open to everyone).

The developments are carried out by Chargekeeper and are currently undergoing joint validation with charging station manufacturers and vehicle manufacturers.