ISO 15118-20 is the “next-generation” part of the ISO 15118 series that defines secure EV ↔ EVSE communication for AC and DC charging, with expanded support for bidirectional charging and additional use cases (including wireless communication for conductive and wireless charging scenarios).
What ISO 15118-20 Adds Compared to ISO 15118-2
Key expansions commonly associated with ISO 15118-20 include:
Bidirectional energy transfer readiness
– A broader framework to support bidirectional charging use cases such as V2G / V2H / V2B, where vehicle, charger, and regulations permit two-way power flow.
Stronger baseline security
– ISO 15118-20 is often described as tightening security expectations, including requiring TLS 1.3 for ISO 15118-20 sessions (whereas ISO 15118-2 used TLS 1.2 and typically mandated it mainly for Plug & Charge contexts).
Wider communication scope
– The ISO standard page for ISO 15118-20 states it defines requirements for wireless communication for both conductive charging and wireless charging, and also mentions communication requirements for automatic connection devices and information services.
What It Means for Charging Infrastructure
For EVSE and operators, ISO 15118-20 generally implies:
– More advanced EV↔charger session negotiation data models (future-proofing beyond basic CP/PWM control logic)
– Higher requirements around certificate and PKI lifecycle if implementing Plug & Charge at scale
– A clearer pathway to grid-interactive transport features when paired with bidirectional-capable hardware and compliant interconnection rules
Practical Note
ISO 15118-20 is a communication standard—real-world capability still depends on:
– Vehicle support + charger hardware support
– Backend readiness (contract handling, certificate management)
– Local regulations and grid rules for any export/bidirectional operation
Related Glossary Terms
ISO 15118
ISO 15118-2
Plug & Charge
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
Certificate Management
V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid)
Bidirectional Charging
Wireless Charging (WPT)
OCPP
Grid Services