Plug & Charge is an EV charging experience in which the driver simply plugs in the cable, and charging starts automatically without using an RFID card, app, or payment terminal. Plug & Charge relies on digital certificates that securely identify the vehicle and authorize the session, typically based on ISO 15118 communication between the EV and the charging station.
What Is Plug & Charge?
Plug & Charge is a form of automatic authentication and authorization for EV charging.
– The EV presents a trusted digital identity using certificates
– The charger verifies the vehicle identity during the charging handshake
– The backend authorizes the session based on the vehicle’s contract and tariff
– Charging starts with no additional driver action beyond plugging in
Plug & Charge is designed to make public and fleet charging as simple as “plug in and go.”
Why Plug & Charge Matters in EV Infrastructure
Plug & Charge reduces friction and increases successful sessions, especially at scale.
– Faster, simpler user experience with fewer failed starts
– Less dependency on RFID distribution, app onboarding, or roaming login issues
– Better fleet operations by linking sessions to vehicles automatically
– Strong security model compared to manual credentials when certificate management is done correctly
– Supports a premium customer experience for public networks and enterprise sites
How Plug & Charge Works
Plug & Charge is built around secure communication and certificate-based trust.
– The vehicle and charger establish a communication session (vehicle-to-charger handshake)
– The EV provides a contract certificate that represents the charging agreement
– The charger validates certificate trust and forwards authorization to the backend
– The CPMS confirms the contract and tariff, then starts the charging session
– Session records are generated for billing, reporting, and roaming settlement, where applicable
Successful Plug & Charge depends on robust PKI, certificate lifecycle handling, and correct backend integration.
Key Components Behind Plug & Charge
– ISO 15118 vehicle-charger communication support
– Certificate management (issuance, renewal, revocation)
– Secure charger identity and backend authentication
– Encrypted communications between charger and CPMS
– Clear mapping of vehicle contracts to tariffs, billing, and fleet accounts
– Operational tools for onboarding, troubleshooting, and support
Where Plug & Charge Is Commonly Used
– Public charging networks aiming for a seamless customer experience
– Fleet depots where vehicle-based identification simplifies cost allocation
– Workplace charging for assigned vehicles or corporate mobility programs
– Premium destination charging where convenience is a key differentiator
– Roaming ecosystems where vehicle identity can streamline cross-network access
Key Benefits of Plug & Charge
– Frictionless start: no cards, apps, or manual authorization steps
– Higher session success rate and reduced support load
– Vehicle-linked billing and cleaner reporting for fleet accounts
– Stronger security when certificate governance is correctly implemented
– Better customer satisfaction and repeat usage
Limitations to Consider
– Requires compatible vehicles, chargers, and backend systems
– Certificate onboarding and lifecycle management add operational complexity
– Misconfigured certificates can cause “plug-in but not charging” failures
– Roaming compatibility varies by ecosystem and integration maturity
– Strong cybersecurity processes are needed to protect keys, certificates, and update workflows
Related Glossary Terms
ISO 15118
Encrypted Communications
Certificate Management
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
OCPP 1.6 / 2.0.1
Charging Session
Fleet Accounts
Secure Update Pipeline