Key technical themes:
- Interoperability & standards: Implementation progress on ISO 15118-20, SAE J3400/NACS, and SAE J3068 highlights advances in Plug & Charge, fleet electrification, and cross-platform compatibility.
- Cybersecurity validation: Real-world exploit mapping and automated fuzz testing underscore the need for continuous security assurance across EVSE networks.
- Scalable systems design: Enabling a secure, reliable, and seamless charging.
- Policy & funding dynamics: As NEVI transitions from deployment to maintenance, state and municipal programs are shaping long-term sustainability models.
- Bidirectional integration: ISO 15118-20 and SAE J3072 enable coordination of bidirectional power flow and grid services, supporting V2G, V2H, and distributed energy resource aggregation.
The CharIN Conference reaffirmed that interoperability, security, and scalability remain the cornerstones of EV infrastructure evolution, guiding the transition toward a more resilient and intelligent charging ecosystem.
The following sections dive deeper into each panel, showcasing the insights, challenges, and breakthroughs that shaped this year’s discussions.
Standards in Motion: Driving Reliability and Interoperability in EV Charging
The evolution of charging standards and their real-world impact on EV infrastructure.
Key developments:
- ISO 15118-202: The newly released standard introduces flexibility in EV-to-EVSE communication, enhancing Plug & Charge, diagnostics, and interoperability. It is a major step forward, but real-world testing reveals that ongoing challenges persist, including certification hurdles, inconsistent performance, and interoperability issues, which slow adoption.
- SAE J3400/NACS: This standard continues to gain traction in North America, offering a unified approach to charging and fostering cross-industry collaboration.
- SAE J3068: Provides a cost-effective path for medium- and heavy-duty fleet electrification by leveraging three-phase AC charging to deliver DC-like power, reducing infrastructure costs.
Challenges & Opportunities:
- Certification and interoperability: While standards are evolving, real-world testing shows that certification and interoperability remain critical hurdles.
- Cost-effective solutions: SAE J3068’s approach to three-phase AC charging offers a promising, lower-cost alternative for fleet electrification.
- Industry alignment: The session emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that standards translate into scalable, real-world solutions.
"There are two aspects that are important: First, the availability of chargers for end-users, and then the functionality. [… ] And that’s why it is so important to have reliable standards."Cliff Fietzek, Board Member CharIN Inc. and Head of Asset Management of ABB E-Mobility
Silver lining: The convergence of these standards: ISO 15118-202, SAE J3400/NACS, and SAE J3068, is reshaping the reliability, scalability, and economics of EV charging. The industry is at a pivotal moment where automakers, fleets, and charge point operators (CPOs) can align on practical implementations to drive progress.
Securing the EV Charging Frontier: Real-World Threats, Zero-Days, and Next-Generation Test
Addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the rapidly scaling EV charging infrastructure.
Key developments:
- Emerging threats: Recent penetration tests and global competitions have exposed critical vulnerabilities, including roaming fraud, backend exploits, firmware manipulation, and protocol-level attacks. These threats can compromise vehicles, networks, and backend systems, revealing gaps in current defenses.
- Standards under scrutiny: While frameworks like ISO 15118-20, NIST IR 8473, IEC 62443, and UN R155 provide essential guidelines, they often lag behind the sophistication of evolving cyber threats.
- Field-tested solutions: The session showcased real-world exploits and mapped vulnerabilities to global standards, emphasizing the need for continuous, automated fuzz testing to uncover hidden flaws before deployment.
"As a strategic recommendation, I would draw your attention to one that is secure by design. The earlier you start on cybersecurity, the more affordable it is and the better the outcome."Brandon Barry, CEO and founder of Block Harbor
Silver lining:
The panel demonstrated that while cybersecurity challenges are daunting, advanced tools and proactive strategies, such as integrating automated testing into conformance and certification, can significantly enhance resilience. By addressing weak configurations and leveraging cutting-edge solutions, the industry can build trust and security into the EVSE ecosystem.
Beyond the Charger: Scaling Secure, Reliable, and Seamless EV Charging
Innovations in infrastructure scalability, focusing on reliability, security, and interoperability.
Key developments:
- Containerized IoT & cloud-native systems: These technologies are revolutionizing EV charging infrastructure by enabling rapid deployment, scalability, and resilience. Containerization allows for modular, flexible systems that can adapt to growing demand and diverse environments.
- Roaming-based Plug & Charge: This approach simplifies cross-network charging, eliminating the need for complex bilateral agreements. Standards-based roaming architectures enable drivers to charge effortlessly across different networks, enhancing convenience and adoption.
Silver lining:
The panel showcased how the integration of containerized IoT, and roaming-based PnC is paving the way for the next generation of EV charging infrastructure. Real-world case studies and demonstrations highlighted the transformative potential of these technologies, offering a blueprint for scalable, secure, and user-friendly charging solutions.
Beyond NEVI: Will State and Local Governments Lead the Way?
The evolving role of state and local governments in driving EV adoption and ensuring a seamless customer experience as federal NEVI funding slows.
Key developments:
- Shifting leadership: With NEVI’s initial momentum slowing, state and local governments are stepping up to fill the gap, becoming pivotal in scaling EV infrastructure and adoption.
- Customer-centric policies: Beyond funding early deployments, these governments are prioritizing affordability, reliability, and user experience in their policy frameworks. Innovative programs are being designed to ensure charging is accessible, convenient, and equitable for all drivers.
- Diverse approaches: Different states and localities are experimenting with unique strategies, such as public-private partnerships, targeted incentives, and community-focused initiatives, to accelerate EV adoption and improve charging infrastructure.
"More customers will buy EVs when they see more infrastructure. We wanna see NEVI as a positive news story."Kathy Knoop, Manager Advanced Transportation Infrastructure Policy of GM
Silver lining:
The panel underscored that while federal funding laid the groundwork, state and local leadership are now critical to sustaining and expanding EV infrastructure. By focusing on customer experience and long-term reliability, these governments are not only filling gaps but also setting new standards for what a successful EV transition looks like.
From Home to Grid: Unlocking the Full Potential of Bidirectional Charging
The transformative role of bidirectional charging in turning EVs into flexible energy assets for homes, grids, and renewable integration.
Key developments:
- Bidirectional charging as a game-changer: EVs are evolving from mere vehicles to mobile energy units, capable of stabilizing the grid, powering homes, and optimizing solar self-consumption. This shift is enabled by standards like ISO 15118-20, OCPP 2.1, and SAE J3072, which provide the foundation for interoperability and communication.
- Economic and environmental value: Bidirectional charging offers significant cost savings, energy resilience, and scalability. By allowing EVs to feed energy back into homes or the grid, users can reduce energy bills, enhance grid stability, and maximize the use of renewable energy.
- Real-world challenges: Early pilot programs reveal critical hurdles, including the need for aligned protections, standardized communication protocols, and seamless coordination between vehicles, chargers, and utilities. Reliable performance under real-world conditions remains a priority.
Silver lining:
The panel highlighted that bidirectional charging is not just a technological advancement; it’s a paradigm shift. When automakers, utilities, and policymakers collaborate to address interoperability and grid coordination, the potential for economic and environmental benefits is immense. This integration can accelerate the transition to a more resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem.
Impressions of the CharIN Testival & Conference NORTH AMERICA 2025 – California
The CharIN Conference NORTH AMERICA 2025 illuminated the path forward for the EV industry, showcasing how innovation, collaboration, and bold leadership are shaping the future of electric mobility. From advancing global charging standards and securing infrastructure against cyber threats to unlocking the potential of bidirectional charging and scaling seamless, customer-centric solutions, the conference underscored one clear message: the transition to electric mobility is not just inevitable, it’s an opportunity to build a more sustainable, resilient, and interconnected world.
As industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators continue to align on practical implementations and forward-thinking policies, the vision of a fully electrified future grows closer to reality. The conversations and insights shared at this year’s conference will serve as a catalyst for action, driving the industry toward a future where EV charging is secure, scalable, and seamless for all.
The road ahead is charged with possibility. Let’s drive it forward, together.
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News Info
Published on: 11/13/2025
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