ISO 15118 Standard (Plug & Charge Protocol) for EV Chargers

In a world increasingly focused on sustainable mobility, the efficient and secure charging of electric vehicles has become a priority. The ISO 15118 standard has emerged as a crucial communication protocol between electric vehicles (EVs) and charging stations, facilitating interoperability, security, and user convenience. In this article, we take an in-depth look at what ISO 15118 is, its features, advantages, and how it integrates into the electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

What is ISO 15118 for electric vehicle chargers?

ISO 15118, also known as the “Road vehicles — Vehicle to grid communication interface”, is an international standard that defines the communication protocols between electric vehicles and charging stations (EVSE). Developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this standard is designed to enhance the charging experience, ensuring that any compatible vehicle can connect and communicate effectively with a charging station, regardless of make or model.

The importance of ISO 15118 in electric mobility

The importance of ISO 15118 lies in its ability to standardise communication between different charging systems and vehicles. This not only facilitates interoperability but also enables advanced features such as Plug & Charge, where the vehicle automatically authenticates itself at the charging station, eliminating the need for RFID cards or mobile apps. This level of automation not only simplifies the user experience but also increases security by reducing the potential for authentication errors.

Advantages of ISO 15118 over previous regulations

ISO 15118 introduces several significant improvements over previous standards such as IEC 61851. The following are some of the main advantages:

• Plug & Charge: The most prominent feature of ISO 15118. This functionality allows the vehicle and the charging station to communicate automatically, performing authentication and payment without user intervention.
• Enhanced Interoperability: ISO 15118 ensures that any compatible vehicle can connect to any compatible charging station, regardless of the manufacturer, facilitating the expansion of charging infrastructure.
• Bi-directional Communication (V2G and V2H): The standard enables the integration of technologies such as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), where electric vehicles can return energy to the grid or power a home, respectively.
• Reinforced Security: Communication under the ISO 15118 standard is encrypted, ensuring that data exchanged between the vehicle and the charging station is protected against potential cyberattacks.

ISO 15118: Plug & Charge and the simplification of charging

The Plug & Charge function integrated into ISO 15118 is perhaps one of the most anticipated breakthroughs in EV charging technology. Imagine arriving at a charging station, plugging in your car, and simply starting the charge with no further steps. This is exactly what Plug & Charge offers. Once the vehicle is connected, it automatically authenticates with the charging station, establishing a secure communication channel that allows for the instantaneous and transparent transfer of energy and billing data.

CCS Combo charging protocol under ISO 15118

The CCS Combo charging protocol, widely used across Europe for rapid EV charging, is also regulated under the ISO 15118 standard. This protocol, supported by the CharIN association and adopted by major car manufacturers, enables high-power Direct Current (DC) charging, significantly speeding up the charging process. Unlike the more closed CHAdeMO protocol, CCS Combo under ISO 15118 promotes an open standard, facilitating global adoption and compatibility.

Technical aspects of ISO 15118: Communication layers

ISO 15118 is divided into different parts covering everything from general requirements to technical details:

• ISO 15118-1: Defines general information and use cases.
• ISO 15118-2: Sets network and application protocol requirements.
• ISO 15118-3: Details physical and data link layer requirements.
• ISO 15118-20: Introduces the second generation of network and application protocol requirements, including improvements in interoperability and wireless charging.

Practical and future applications of ISO 15118

The adoption of ISO 15118 by the automotive industry and charging infrastructure operators is growing. It is expected that this standard will be key to the expansion of the global charging network, facilitating not only public charging but also the integration of EVs into domestic and commercial energy systems.

Challenges and outlook for ISO 15118

While ISO 15118 offers many advantages, its implementation presents challenges, such as the need to upgrade existing charging stations and ensure compatibility with all electric vehicles. However, the industry is responding with innovative solutions that promise to make ISO 15118 the global standard for EV charging.

The powerful ISO 15118 technical standard

ISO 15118 is much more than a technical standard; it is a catalyst for the global expansion of electric mobility. With its ability to improve interoperability and promote advanced technologies like V2G, this standard is paving the way for a future where electric vehicles are the norm on the road.

At V2C, we are constantly innovating to provide the best features in our EV chargers, ensuring top-tier connectivity and ease of use.