Hubject and Japanese charging infrastructure company Plugo are partnering to expand Plug&Charge technology in Japan, aiming to simplify the process of identifying, charging and paying for electric vehicles without requiring drivers to use charging cards or mobile applications.
The cooperation combines Hubject’s Plug&Charge technology and technical expertise with Plugo’s presence across Japan’s charging infrastructure market. The companies plan to work with charge point operators (CPOs), electric mobility service providers (eMSPs) and vehicle manufacturers to support deployment.
Automatic EV Charging and Payment
Plug&Charge is designed to automatically identify an electric vehicle when it is connected to a compatible charging station. Once the technology has been configured in the vehicle, authentication, charging and payment can take place without the driver needing to use a separate charging card or app.
Hubject and Localiser Partner on EV Charging Data to Improve Infrastructure Planning
Hubject has been developing and supporting Plug&Charge for several years. The technology is based on the international ISO 15118-2 standard and forms part of the company’s broader charging interoperability activities.
Plugo Covers Multiple Charging Services
Plugo operates across several parts of Japan’s charging ecosystem.
The company develops and manufactures AC and DC charging stations, operates a public charging network and provides charging management software and white-label solutions.
The partnership therefore combines Hubject’s Plug&Charge platform with a Japanese company that operates across charging hardware, backend systems and charging-point operations.
Hubject Partners With Road to Expand EV Charging Roaming Network
Plugo plans to support Plug&Charge deployments compatible with the CHAdeMO standard while expanding the technology to NACS and other international charging standards.
“We have been working to bring a seamless ‘just plug in and charge’ experience to drivers in Japan through the practical implementation of Plug&Charge compliant with the CHAdeMO standard,” said Naoki Okawa, CEO of Plugo.
Okawa said the partnership with Hubject will allow the company to extend the experience to NACS and other charging standards used internationally.
Plug&Charge Expands Across Markets
Hubject said Plug&Charge is already supported by more than five million electric vehicles worldwide.
The technology has also been deployed by charging operators in several European markets. In Germany, Aral Pulse introduced Plug&Charge at its charging stations in 2022, followed by operators including Mer Germany and Allego.
The Japanese partnership adds another market to the international expansion of automatic EV charging and payment.
“Plugo has already proven that a seamless EV Charging Experience is fundamental for Japanese drivers,” said Christian Hahn, CEO of Hubject.
Hahn said the partnership will support Plug&Charge across its lifecycle, including certification and everyday operation.
Hubject Partners With Flipturn to Link Fleet Depot Charging With Public Networks
The companies intend to develop a charging environment in Japan in which drivers can use compatible EVs across different charging standards with less dependence on separate authentication methods.
