Will Plug & Charge (ISO 15118) pave the way for widespread EV adoption?

Mark Winn, Head of EV Strategy at SMS, delves into the latest technology in the EV market Plug & Charge (ISO 15118), exploring how the advanced technology is reshaping the EV charging landscape, driving adoption, and accelerating the journey to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

As the UK embarks on its critical journey to net zero, electric vehicles (EVs) are expanding rapidly across the nation as governments, organisations, and consumers recognise the urgent need to address climate change.

Since EVs hit the road, the market has witnessed a remarkable transformation, primarily driven by major technological advancements. Among the latest advancements to revolutionise the customer experience is Plug & Charge, a standardised technology that enables EVs to automatically charge and authenticate payment at compatible charging stations. The feature integrates charging and payment authorisation into a single mechanism, simplifying the process, and helping pave the way for future adopters.

Redefining the EV driver experience

The fundamental benefit of the technology lies in its ability to eliminate friction points for EV users, such as removing the need to download apps, remember a payment card, or operate multiple platforms. By streamlining the charging process, the technology enhances the overall experience for drivers, offering simplicity, convenience, and efficiency. This is particularly crucial for those who are new to the EV market, or hesitant about the transition. By addressing the needs and concerns of the EV market, the technology plays a pivotal role in driving mass adoption.

The feature also encourages healthy market competition and innovation among EV manufacturers. While many manufacturers strive to advance and incorporate the feature, those who have already implemented it can direct their efforts towards enhancing other aspects of their models that prioritise driver experience, such as battery range and efficiency.

Unlike standard EV chargers, Plug & Charge provides clear and transparent cost information by enabling interoperability between EVs and charging stations. It sends the exact cost per kilowatt-hour to the vehicle’s interface, instilling trust and confidence in EV infrastructure. Additionally, the feature ensures encrypted communication, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches. This transparency means hesitant buyers feel at ease about charging and are more likely to embrace EVs, fostering greater adoption.

Powering the future: How Plug & Charge drives smart grid integration

As Plug & Charge becomes more widely adopted, its benefits extend beyond the EV market. The emergence of Plug & Charge presents a compelling prospect for the future of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. By integrating with smart grid systems, EVs equipped with Plug & Charge can participate in demand-response programs and V2G initiatives. It also can enhance the accessibility and scalability of the V2G scheme. By enhancing interoperability, Plug & Charge enables a powerful synergy that transforms EVs into smart, grid-connected assets. This transformation unlocks new possibilities for optimising energy use, enabling efficient energy management and grid stabilisation.

Furthermore, the implementation of Plug & Charge has the potential to fuel the growth of public charging infrastructure. By eliminating the need for complex authentication procedures, the technology encourages more drivers to make the switch, thereby propelling the expansion of charging stations nationwide. This expansion of the charging network effectively helps tackle the widespread concern among prospective EV owners regarding the availability and convenience of charging infrastructure.

Overall, the technology marks a significant milestone in shaping the future of the EV market. Its ability to streamline the charging process, provide transparency, and enhance interoperability contributes to the critical need to create a frictionless experience for EV owners. With continued support from industry leaders and government bodies to incorporate this technology in regulatory framework, it has the potential to eliminate the key barriers preventing widespread adoption of EVs. The increasing integration of this feature will serve as a pivotal driver in expediting the transition toward sustainable transport and supporting the nation’s critical target of achieving net zero.

Mark Winn

Head of Site Acquisitions

Mark Winn is Head of Site Acquisitions at SMS.  Since joining SMS in 2020, he has been at the forefront of SMS’s proposition to deliver hardware agnostic charging solutions to the public and private sector as we transition to the electrification of transport.

Mark has spent over a decade working with fleets in the acquisition and management of operational and business use vehicles, followed by a career move into the energy industry.