A Universal Plug-and-Charge Protocol Set to Launch in 2025
A collaborative effort by industry stakeholders aims to introduce a universal plug-and-charge protocol for electric vehicles in the U.S. by 2025. This initiative will enable all electric vehicles to automatically start charging at public stations simply by plugging in.
Announced recently, the project is a joint endeavor between the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the federal government’s Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, and the Electric Vehicle Public Key Infrastructure (EVPKI) consortium. This consortium represents various entities such as automakers, charging networks, hardware manufacturers, and other private interests.
2023 Cadillac Lyriq at EVgo DC fast-charging station.
While some automakers have already introduced plug-and-charge capabilities within their charging ecosystems, the new protocol aims to standardize this feature across all electric vehicles, chargers, and charging networks. The goal is to reduce reliance on individual automakers and ensure seamless communication among all components.
The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, a collaboration between the Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Transportation (DOT), will oversee the development of a Certificate Trust List (CTL) by the consortium. This list will include vehicles, hardware, and payment platforms that meet specific standards for quick authentication during the charging process.
2023 Nissan Ariya at EVgo charging station
With a focus on cybersecurity and efficient authentication processes, this protocol will streamline the EV charging experience and eliminate the need for multiple accounts or access devices. While no specific timeline has been provided for the full implementation, this advancement represents a significant step towards a more user-friendly and accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure.