ISO 15118 and Plug & Charge — do you need them?

ISO 15118 and “Plug & Charge” come up in charging specifications, and it’s worth knowing what they do — and whether you need them.

What it is

ISO 15118 is the standard behind Plug & Charge: a vehicle and charger recognising each other automatically the moment they’re connected, so charging starts and bills correctly with no app, card or manual step. In a depot, it means a driver simply plugs in and the system already knows which vehicle it is.

Why it’s useful

The benefits are smoother operation and better security. There’s less faff for drivers, less chance of a mis-started or mis-billed session, and the vehicle-charger communication is authenticated. It’s also the foundation for more advanced capabilities like bidirectional charging, which relies on this family of standards.

Do you actually need it?

For most depots today, ISO 15118 is a genuine nice-to-have rather than a day-one essential. A well-run depot works fine without it, using simpler identification. But it’s becoming more common, and where it’s available at little extra cost it’s worth specifying — smoother daily use and a more future-ready system.

How to treat it

Put it on the “specify where sensible” list rather than the “must have” list. Your non-negotiable is OCPP compliance; ISO 15118 is a welcome enhancement on top. Include it in your future-proofing checklist and take it where it’s offered without paying a heavy premium for it today.