SAE Works Towards 'Universal' Plug & Charge in the U.S.
SAE International, a global standard-setting body, has partnered with the U.S. government to develop a framework for "universal" Plug & Charge, aiming to make charging processes fully automated and billable for any electric vehicle (EV) at any public station. The initiative's first trials are expected to begin in 2025.
The SAE Industry Technologies Consortia (ITC) and its Electric Vehicle Public Key Infrastructure (EVPKI) group are collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy's Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to create a unified Plug & Charge framework. The EVPKI consortium, which includes major automakers, charging infrastructure providers, e-mobility service companies, and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) service providers, is at the heart of this project. PKI technology is key to verifying the identity of users, vehicles, and devices in the Plug & Charge process.
Currently, the U.S. charging landscape is fragmented, with car manufacturers and charging networks using various proprietary systems for authentication and authorization. Some networks offer Plug & Charge functionality, but others do not. To address this, the SAE EVPKI solution aims to standardize security, allowing vehicles, chargers, and networks to communicate securely and work together seamlessly, ensuring true interoperability.
This new framework promises faster and more convenient charging experiences. Drivers will be able to simply plug in their vehicles and charge, without needing multiple apps or payment methods. The solution is built around a Certificate Trust List (CTL), which outlines the criteria for integrating PKI providers into the SAE EVPKI model. The goal is to create an interoperable PKI system that fosters competition in the e-mobility sector.
Tim Weisenberger, Director of SAE EVPKI, said, "Our focus is on interoperability, scalability, and flexibility for EV charging. The release of the SAE EVPKI and its Certified Trust List marks a significant milestone in advancing universal Plug & Charge, which will have a huge impact on the electric mobility ecosystem." He anticipates the full implementation of the EVPKI solution by 2025, with a thriving market for secure and cost-effective charging solutions.
Gabe Klein, Executive Director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, added, "Universal Plug & Charge will make the EV charging process as simple as filling up with gas. Soon, every EV driver will be able to plug in, charge, and drive off, with the network handling the payment automatically. This step is key to unlocking the future of vehicle-to-grid integration and bidirectional charging, a crucial development for energy and transportation."
Original News Website:
electrive.com, prnewswire.com
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