In a bid to revolutionize electric vehicle (EV) charging, a powerful consortium comprised of Mer Germany, Hubject, and Driivz is set to unveil their visionary Plug&Charge initiative at the forthcoming Intercharge Network Conference in Berlin, taking place from August 29 to 30, 2023. This groundbreaking solution aims to redefine the charging landscape by seamlessly integrating automatic authentication and charging authorization, while eliminating the need for conventional RFID cards and mobile apps. The three key players are also enlisting Alpitronic’s Hyperchargers to play a pivotal role in this game-changing venture.
The concept behind Plug&Charge is ingeniously simple yet transformative: it leverages the ISO 15118 standard to enable direct communication between EVs and charging stations, ushering in an era of hassle-free charging experiences. This collaborative effort builds upon a partnership established two years ago, demonstrating the steadfast commitment of the trio to drive the adoption of Plug&Charge technology.
Mer Germany spearheads this strategic partnership, positioning itself as the initiator, while Hubject takes on the vital role of certification authority. Meanwhile, Driivz contributes its cutting-edge software platform for charging and intelligent energy management, which is endorsed by ISO 15118 certification. This synergy empowers Mer and other Driivz clientele, including Shell Recharge, to seamlessly integrate Plug&Charge features into their services, enhancing the convenience for end consumers.
The initial implementation of Plug&Charge will focus on Alpitronic’s Hyperchargers, renowned for their advanced capabilities. The consortium plans to initiate the rollout of Plug&Charge across all Alpitronic Hyperchargers in Germany during the final quarter of this year. Notably, Alpitronic’s HYC150 (150 kW) and HYC300 (300 kW) Hyperchargers have already passed Hubject’s rigorous audit for Plug&Charge compatibility, underscoring their readiness for this innovative solution.
However, the consortium’s expansive vision is not without its complexities. The ambitious statement by Mer, Hubject, and Driivz, proclaiming the integration of Plug&Charge across “all Alpitronic Hyperchargers in Germany,” raises eyebrows, particularly given the skepticism voiced by Alpitronic’s major customer, EnBW. While the trio forges ahead, EnBW remains cautious about the purported complexity of Plug&Charge, expressing a preference for the simpler yet contentious AutoCharge alternative, which Plug&Charge proponents argue is less secure.
See also: Hubject Launches Plug&Charge System with V2G PKI for Asian Markets to Drive EV Adoption
Christian Hahn, CEO of Hubject, sheds light on their imminent presentation at the IAA Mobility event in Munich, stating, “Half a decade of dedicated engagement with ISO 15118 and Plug&Charge has endowed us with invaluable expertise. The result is a solution that propels the EV charging sector toward widespread adoption by delivering a seamless and secure charging encounter for EV drivers. This collaborative demonstration serves as a testament to how international standards foster interoperability among all stakeholders within the EV charging landscape.”
As the EV industry continues its rapid evolution, the trio’s ambitious Plug&Charge project marks a significant stride toward simplifying and enhancing the charging experience for electric vehicle users, underscoring the transformative potential of unified industry standards and forward-looking collaborations. The unveiling at the Intercharge Network Conference is poised to set the stage for a new era of seamless EV charging.
