The fragmented and frustrating nature of today’s EV charging experience has long been a barrier to widespread electric vehicle adoption. Every EV driver knows the drill: download another app, input payment details, authorize the account… and then hope the charger actually works. It’s a hassle.

But change is coming. A new universal Plug and Charge protocol is set to roll out in 2025, promising a seamless and secure charging experience for all EV drivers. Here’s what you need to know about this game-changing solution.

What is Plug and Charge?

The existing ISO 15118 Plug and Charge standard was designed to simplify EV charging. It enables secure communication between EVs and chargers so that billing and authentication happen automatically as soon as you plug in.

The problem? Automakers currently need to individually approve each charging vendor’s secure certificates, a process that requires extensive cybersecurity checks and constant maintenance. This creates duplicative work, slows adoption, and fragments the ecosystem.

The Universal Solution: A Certified Trust List

The new framework—developed by SAE’s Industries Technology Consortia (ITC), automakers, charging operators, and the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation—will simplify everything with a Certified Trust List.

Think of the trust list as a universal directory of approved, secure certificates. Instead of EV manufacturers negotiating one-on-one with charging providers, the list allows pre-vetted, trusted certificates to be included by default.

Why It Matters:

1. Simplified Security: All vendors meet rigorous cybersecurity standards, with processes in place to revoke compromised certificates.

2. Seamless Roaming: The system supports multiple Public Key Infrastructures (PKIs), enabling interoperability across networks. You can charge at any compatible station without extra steps.

3. Efficiency for Automakers: By relying on a single, universal trust list, automakers can streamline adoption and reduce the administrative burden.

How Plug and Charge Will Work in 2025

Here’s what drivers can expect from the universal Plug and Charge protocol:

1. Plug In and Go: Once implemented, Plug and Charge will enable EVs to authenticate, charge, and bill automatically. No apps. No cards. Just plug in and let the technology do the rest.

2. Enhanced Security: The Certified Trust List ensures that every vendor meets strict security requirements. Sensitive data, such as payment details, will remain protected through robust encryption and authentication mechanisms.

3. Roaming Capability: Drivers will benefit from interoperability across networks. The trust list allows multiple PKIs to communicate seamlessly, enabling a consistent experience at charging stations from different providers.

Industry Collaboration is Key

This new solution is an industry-led initiative, with automakers, charging operators, and government agencies collaborating to make Plug and Charge a reality. Key partners include:

1. Automakers: Ford, General Motors, Tesla, Rivian, Toyota, BMW

2. Charging Providers: BP Pulse, ChargePoint, Electrify America

3. Government Support: Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Transportation)

Tim Weisenberger, Program Director for SAE ITC EVPKI, emphasized the collaboration: “Nobody’s free riding... Everybody’s involved, working hard. It’s really cool to see that they’re all just in it to make this all work.”

Benefits for Drivers and the Grid

The universal Plug and Charge framework will do more than make EV charging easier. It sets the stage for a smarter, more resilient energy ecosystem:

1. Hassle-Free Charging: No more apps, cards, or logins. Simply plug in and go.

2. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Capabilities: Secure communication enables bidirectional charging, allowing EVs to send power back to the grid and help balance energy loads.

3. Resilient Infrastructure: Standardization simplifies operations, accelerates adoption, and future-proofs EV charging networks.

A Future-Ready Solution

The rollout of universal Plug and Charge in 2025 represents a major step forward for EV charging infrastructure. By simplifying security, improving interoperability, and enhancing the user experience, this initiative will accelerate EV adoption and strengthen the charging ecosystem.

As Gabe Klein, Executive Director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, put it: “You just go anywhere you want, boom, you plug in, it accounts for everything in the cloud, charges your card, and you walk away.”

With universal Plug and Charge, the future of EV charging is simple, secure, and seamless.

Want to learn more? Get in touch with one of our EV Charging Experts.