Most of the time, using a public charger is a pretty hassle-free experience, but electronics behemoth ABB has developed a way to make it even more convenient. The company’s new Autocharge feature allows a charge session to be automatically started by simply connecting the vehicle to the charger – no RFiD card or mobile app required.

Autocharge is based on a unique identifier called EV-ID, which is passed on by a CCS-equipped vehicle when it is plugged in. After a first-time registration by the charging station operator, all chargers in the network will instantly recognize a customer’s vehicle and initiate charging automatically.

The Autocharge function should work with both older and new vehicles with a CCS charging connection. ABB’s tests have shown that most EVs manufactured since 2012 can communicate their unique ID and use the Autocharge feature.

Autocharge is based on standard OCPP communication and the default properties of the CCS protocol, so implementation requires minimal adaptation to standard OCPP-based back offices. The feature is available immediately for testing, and can be made available via over-the-air-updates to the installed base of ABB chargers.

Source: ABB