The Plug & Charge system, which will enable EV charging with no need for a membership card or smartphone app, is expected to be operational in 2020. In order to support a more secure implementation of Plug & Charge, SAE International plans to form an industry-led research project to create a common Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

The project aims to create a strong two-way authentication method to connect the EV, the charging station and the network, which will support advanced charging capabilities, improve security and ensure information privacy.

Jack Pokrzywa, Director of Global Ground Vehicle Standards at SAE International, said, “SAE International is uniquely positioned as a third-party neutral convener to lead the development of an industry-led PKI solution to secure the EV charging connection and services. Currently, the proposed implementations of Plug & Charge could create vulnerabilities that could result in cybersecurity risks to drivers and station hosts. The purpose of this initiative is to develop consensus on a PKI design that establishes the level of security and trust that’s needed between EVs, charging stations and networks.”

Source: SAE International