Plug & Charge (PnC)
Certificate-based EV charging where authorization happens automatically when the vehicle is plugged in—without RFID cards or mobile apps.
Technical Details
Plug & Charge is enabled by ISO 15118 using TLS-encrypted communication and contract certificates. If the EV does not have a valid contract certificate (missing, expired, or revoked), certificate installation can be performed (often before charging) via ISO 15118 certificate installation procedures.
Fleet Applications
Reduces driver friction and operational errors in depots by eliminating manual authentication steps. Supports scalable fleet operations where vehicles can charge with minimal human intervention.
Related Terms
OCPP 2.0.1
Version 2.0.1 of the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) that standardizes communication between charging stations and a Charging Station Management System (CSMS).
ISO 15118 (Plug & Charge)
Family of standards for high-level communication between an electric vehicle (EV) and a charging station (EVSE), enabling certificate-based "Plug & Charge" and advanced charging control (including bidirectional charging in newer editions).
Contract Certificate (ISO 15118)
A digital certificate stored in the EV that enables contract-based authorization and billing for Plug & Charge sessions.