The world of EV charging is evolving, and Monta, in partnership with Hubject, is at the forefront of that evolution.
The two companies have joined forces to bring Plug & Charge technology to the masses—an innovation poised to change how EV drivers interact with charging infrastructure.
Plug & Charge technology, underpinned by the ISO 15118 protocol, offers a frictionless, secure charging experience, making it a game-changer for EV drivers and charge point operators (CPOs), particularly those with DC fast chargers.
To put this cutting-edge technology to the test, Monta and Hubject embarked on a road trip from Berlin to Versailles, culminating at the prestigious CharIN Testival.
This article takes you through the journey, dives into what Plug & Charge is, and highlights its importance for the future of the EV industry.
The road trip: A real-world test of Plug & Charge
On October 7th and 8th, a team from Hubject drove from Berlin to Versailles in a BMW electric vehicle, making stops at various DC charging points along the way.
This wasn’t just a scenic journey—it was a real-world demonstration of Monta’s Plug & Charge integration in action.
With Plug & Charge, there’s no need for additional apps, RFID cards, or multiple accounts. The vehicle simply plugs in, charges, and the payment is automatically handled. This road trip showcased how easy and secure charging can be, all while demonstrating to CPOs that a Plug & Charge solution can optimize the user experience at their own stations.
Plug & Charge in action
Throughout the journey, the BMW leveraged Plug & Charge technology at various JET DC charge points, proving the ease of use that this technology can deliver.
Each time, the process was straightforward: plug in, and charging begins automatically. No more fumbling with apps or scanning cards. To quote Steffen Rhinow, Director of Plug & Charge at Hubject, "it worked like a charm.” It’s the perfect illustration of how Plug & Charge simplifies the charging process, making EV adoption even more attractive.
One key highlight of the journey was the demonstration of real-time interoperability. The BMW was able to communicate securely with multiple charging stations, thanks to Monta’s integration of Plug & Charge. This is significant, as it reveals that the technology is not limited to specific networks or locations, but can function smoothly across different providers.
What is Plug & Charge and why does it matter?
So, what exactly is Plug & Charge? At its core, Plug & Charge is a technology built on the ISO 15118 protocol that allows electric vehicles to authenticate themselves directly with the charging station. Here's a simplified breakdown of how it works:
- Vehicle authentication: The EV automatically identifies itself to the charging station.
- Session initiation: The charging session begins once the connection is established.
- Automated payment: Payment details are automatically exchanged between the vehicle and the charge point, removing the need for manual input.
- Charge management: Charging is optimized based on the vehicle's needs and the charge point’s capacity.
- Session termination: Once charging is complete, the session ends, and the vehicle can unplug and drive away.
| Vehicle Authentication → | Session Initiation → | Automated Payment → | Charge Management → | Session Termination ✅ |
Plug & Charge vs. AutoCharge
It’s important to note that Plug & Charge is often confused with AutoCharge, but the two are fundamentally different. While AutoCharge also provides a streamlined process, it lacks the encryption and security features of Plug & Charge. Plug & Charge offers a far more secure method of authentication, ensuring that only authorized vehicles can charge. For EV drivers and CPOs alike, this added layer of security is critical.
Why Plug & Charge is such a game-changer
For drivers, Plug & Charge makes charging a breeze—no more apps, cards, or complicated registration processes. It’s all handled automatically, allowing them to focus solely on driving.
For CPOs, this means enhanced charge point utilization, better customer satisfaction, and improved management for fleets. Monta and Hubject are leading the way by making Plug & Charge the standard for the future of EV charging.
CharIN Testival: The live demonstration of Plug & Charge
Held on October 8th, the CharIN Testival is a key event for the EV industry, bringing together experts and companies to test and showcase interoperability across various charging solutions. Interoperability is the backbone of the EV ecosystem, ensuring that vehicles and charge points from different manufacturers work seamlessly together.
Monta and Hubject’s live demo
At the Testival, Monta and Hubject delivered a live demo of Plug & Charge, using a BMW electric vehicle and a JET DC charge point.
This demo highlighted the ease of use, security, and real-time vehicle-to-charge point communication that Plug & Charge enables. Attendees were able to see firsthand how simple it is to plug in and charge, without any need for additional input or authentication.
Monta: Spearheading interoperability in EV charging
Monta’s mission goes beyond just simplifying the charging process. The company is dedicated to advancing interoperability across Europe’s EV infrastructure.
With platforms like Monta’s, CPOs can ensure their stations are future-proof, ready for the growing demand for Plug & Charge, and capable of providing a seamless experience to drivers, regardless of their vehicle make or charging network.
You can follow Monta’s journey on social media, or get in touch to learn more about how we can power the future of EV charging together.
