ISO 15118-20 Standard and Plug & Charge: Working Principles Across All Pillars
In a significant stride towards a more sustainable future, Plug-and-Charge technology is transforming the electric vehicle (EV) charging landscape across Europe. This innovative solution, enabled by the ISO 15118-20 standard, aims to make EV charging intuitive and almost effortless.
Technically advanced regions have already equipped their charging stations with compatible CCS chargers that support Plug-and-Charge. Simultaneously, economic interest in the DACH countries is driving rapid adoption, while slower networks and lack of deep backend infrastructure in Southern Europe are hindering development.
ISO 15118-20 offers several key features, including multiple contract certificates per session, bidirectional power transfer, support for wireless charging, and automatic connection systems (ACD). It also provides a continuous protocol between the vehicle and the charging pole for Vehicle-to-Grid communication via TCP/IP.
The Plug-and-Charge scenario operates on the principle of seamless integration. For it to function effectively, vehicles, charging poles, certificate infrastructure, and backend systems must work together smoothly. The vehicle requires a contract certificate stored in the OEM system, while the charging pole needs its own SECC certificate.
The backend receives billing and contract data in Plug-and-Charge, allowing the charging process to start automatically and be accurately documented. This automated process not only facilitates charging for individual vehicles but also for fleets and energy networks.
Several vehicle manufacturers and network operators in Europe have integrated or are conducting field tests for Plug-and-Charge. Porsche offers Plug-and-Charge in the Taycan with Ionity fast chargers, and Audi, Mercedes, and VW are following suit. Network operators like Electrify America in the USA are preparing ISO 15118 support.
Power-Line Communication (PLC) is used for the physical connection in ISO 15118-20. The standard formalizes and enables Plug-and-Charge, regulating communication and securing it via TLS encryption and certificates. Roaming hubs connect charging station operators and mobility service providers via standardized interfaces like OCPI or OICP, enabling cross-border authorization and billing.
However, many providers are hesitant to implement ISO 15118-20 due to the complexity of integrating Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). Daimler Buses have demonstrated integration with advanced charging solutions, having implemented a complete charging infrastructure with 28 high-power charging points for electric buses at Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG in Stuttgart as of September 2025.
The system could integrate decentralized energy systems, such as solar panels on parking lots or home energy storage, in the future. Europe is benefiting from regulatory guidelines like AFIR, which will mandate new charging stations to be equipped with ISO 15118-20 from 2027 onwards. TLS 1.3 with modern cipher suites is mandatory in ISO 15118-20, providing more robust security.
As Plug-and-Charge technology continues to evolve and gain traction, it promises to revolutionize the electric vehicle charging experience, making it more convenient, secure, and sustainable for all.
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