The spread of EVs has led to a growing demand for new technologies to ensure an increasingly easy charging experience. In this sense, Plug and Charge technology is quite promising because it allows electric vehicles to automatically communicate with charging stations for a simplified and hassle-free charging experience. With this system, EV drivers no longer need apps or cards, but connect directly from the socket and charging starts immediately, while billing and authentication take place automatically. This technology, developed through the ISO 15118 standard, has been quickly embraced by major charging networks and vehicle manufacturers, offering several benefits.

1.       Easy and cost-effective
With Plug and Charge, the charging process for electric vehicles becomes as simple as refuelling a traditional gas car. No more apps or physical cards are needed for drivers to initiate charging sessions. This simplifies the experience and decreases waiting times, making charging more accessible, especially for new EV drivers who may be unfamiliar with the process.

2.       High Sicurity
The Plug and Charge system enables secure authentication through encrypted communication between the vehicle and the charging station. Vehicles are uniquely identified, allowing only authorised users to be invoiced. This leads to an increased level of security, allowing the risk of unauthorised charging or data violations to be drastically reduced.

3.       End-to-end seamless billing
Plug and Charge facilitates payment by connecting directly to the driver's chosen payment method, often stored in the EV system. Invoicing is automatic and occurs at the beginning of each session, removing the need to interact with multiple payment systems on different charging networks. The advantage here is especially for drivers who prefer charging while travelling.

With its roll-out, Plug and Charge holds the promise of enabling even more convenient and user-friendly electric vehicle ownership, helping to accelerate the transition to electric mobility.

The Challenges and Inconveniences of Plug and Charge

The other side of the coin, however, Plug and Charge services have challenges and drawbacks that could hinder its widespread adoption. 

1.       Rescrictive Compatibility
One of the main problems of Plug and Charge is its limited compatibility. Not all charging stations support the ISO 15118 standard and only some electric vehicle models are equipped with the necessary software to use Plug and Charge. This lack of standardisation means that drivers cannot rely on this function in different charging networks, creating potential inconvenience, especially for those travelling in areas with limited infrastructure. Electric vehicle drivers may need multiple applications or subscription cards for networks that do not support Plug and Charge, jeopardising their convenience.

2.       Challenging implementation and maintenance costs
The implementation of Plug and Charge demands that charging stations keep their hardware and software up-to-date, an important expense that not all operators are willing to make. This barrier to entry slows the spread of the technology and makes Plug and Charge less accessible for many electric vehicle users, especially in rural or underserved areas.

Plug and Charge has the potential to revolutionise electric vehicle charging, but tackling these issues is key to making it a trusted and universal option for all motorists.