What is Plug and Charge?
Plug and charge is a technological concept that enables a more user-convenient and secure way of charging electric vehicles (EVs) at any charging station that supports this standard. It is applicable to both wired and wireless charging use cases. With plug and charge, the EV and the charging station can automatically authenticate each other and initiate a charging session without the need for any user intervention, such as using an RFID card or a smartphone app. This simplifies the user experience and reduces the risk of data manipulation or fraud.
How Can Plug and Charge Benefit Fleet Operators?
Plug and charge can help a fleet operator by providing access to a large network of compatible charging points across different charge point operators (CPOs) and e-mobility service providers (EMSPs). A fleet operator can manage their EV charging policies, access controls, user groups and reporting through a single charge point management system (CPMS) that integrates with plug and charge. This can reduce the administrative burden and the operational costs of running a fleet of EVs. Plug and charge can also increase the reliability and availability of charging infrastructure for fleet operators, as it reduces the need for physical tokens or cards that can be lost or damaged.
What are the fundamental technical components and security measures involved in the implementation of plug and charge?
Plug and charge is based on the international standard ISO 15118, which specifies the communication protocols and cryptographic algorithms for securing the data exchange between the EV and the charging station. Plug and charge requires both the EV and the charging station to have digital certificates that prove their identity and authorization. These certificates are issued by trusted third parties called certificate authorities (CAs) that are part of a public key infrastructure (PKI). The PKI ensures that only legitimate entities can participate in plug and charge transactions.
What are the Advantages of using EKOS?
EKOS EV is a charge point management (CPMS) system that allows you to monitor all your energy sources from a single pane-of-glass. Having a single system that can manage both types of vehicles during the transition period, which may last for several decades, has several benefits, such as:
Reducing the complexity and cost of developing and maintaining separate systems for ICE and EV vehicles
Leveraging the existing infrastructure and expertise of ICE vehicles while investing in the innovation and expansion of EV vehicles
Enhancing the competitiveness and reputation of the industry as a leader in environmental and social responsibility