Today, using most public charging stations requires having the right charging card or smartphone app. This can be a hassle, especially in Europe, which has a patchwork of charging networks. To simplify this process, Berlin-based Hubject, a joint venture of several German automakers and suppliers, has developed a solution that enables customers to access charging stations by means of a digital certificate.

Hubject’s Plug&Charge charging solution uses international ISO standard 15118, which governs the automated, secure exchange of information between the vehicle and the charging infrastructure based on digital certificates. Once the connection between the vehicle and the charging station is established, authorization data from the driver is transmitted, the charging process starts automatically and the payment process is carried out without any further user input.

Hubject, in cooperation with Daimler and charging operator ebee smart technologies, has concluded a pilot of the Plug&Charge system, using the new smart EQ fortwo/forfour, the first production EV to support the new system.

“Together with Daimler, we are drawing closer to our vision: simple charging and payment for electric vehicles for everybody, everywhere. Charging with Plug&Charge via ISO 15118 is our next step on the way towards a fully automated, customer-friendly charging experience,” says Hubject CEO Christian Hahn.

Source: Hubject