Learn what Plug&Charge is, what your vehicle needs, why you cannot set it up in Monta Charge, and how Plug&Charge sessions are billed.
Plug&Charge authorizes and starts a charge session automatically when you plug in, with no app and no RFID card needed. This article explains what it needs to work, why you cannot set it up in Monta Charge, and what to use instead.
What is Plug&Charge?
Plug&Charge is a feature defined in the ISO 15118 family of standards, for secure communication between a vehicle and a charge point. When configured, your vehicle holds an encrypted digital contract. When you plug in, the vehicle presents that contract, the charge point checks it with the network, and the charge session starts.
You do nothing beyond plugging in. There is no app to open, no card to tap, and no QR code to scan.
What do I need to use Plug&Charge?
Two things, and Monta provides neither of them:
- A vehicle that supports ISO 15118 and the Plug&Charge feature.
- An active charging contract from an e-Mobility Service Provider (eMSP) that has installed a contract certificate in your vehicle. The contract is usually entered with the vehicle manufacturer or a company associated with them.
If you are not sure whether you have support and a contract, check with the charging service that came bundled with your vehicle.
Can I set up Plug&Charge in Monta Charge?
No. Monta does not issue Plug&Charge contracts to vehicles, so there is nothing to activate in Monta Charge and Monta cannot enable it for you.
If your vehicle already holds a contract from another provider, you can use Plug&Charge at any charge point that supports it, including charge points operated in the Monta ecosystem.
How is my charge session billed?
By the provider that issued your contract, not by Monta.
- The charge session does not appear as a payment from your Monta wallet.
- It appears in the app or on the invoice of the provider that issued your contract.
- The price is the roaming price that provider has agreed, which is often higher than the price shown at the charge point.
This is expected behavior. Contact your contract provider about the amount, since Monta does not set that price and does not invoice you for it.
What if I want charging to start automatically with my Monta account?
Use Autocharge. It gives you the same experience, plug in and charging starts, and you set it up yourself in Monta Charge. Autocharge identifies your vehicle by its own identifier rather than a contract certificate, so no certificate is needed.
Autocharge works on many more charge points than Plug&Charge does, and it bills to your Monta wallet.
See How do I use Autocharge? for the setup steps.
Plug&Charge or Autocharge?
- Plug&Charge needs a contract from a third-party charging provider. You cannot set it up in Monta Charge. Billed by that provider.
- Autocharge needs a supported charge point and a one-time setup in Monta Charge. Billed to your Monta wallet.
Troubleshooting
Charging did not start when I plugged in
- Check that the charge point supports Plug&Charge. Not all do, but typically this is shown in your provider's app or in your vehicle's infotainment system.
- Check that your vehicle holds an active contract certificate and that Plug&Charge is enabled. Check your vehicle's infotainment system, or ask the provider that issued it.
- Start the charge session from Monta Charge instead, so you are not left waiting.
- If your vehicle supports Autocharge, set that up so future sessions start automatically.
Charging started, but I cannot find the session in Monta Charge
The session was authorized by your contract provider, so it appears in their billing system rather than in Monta Charge. See How is my charge session billed? above.