Plug & Charge allows automated communication and billing processes between the electric vehicle and the charging station without the need for external identification (e.g., RFID cards, Debit/credit cards, or charging apps) while ensuring high IT security at the same time.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has defined the necessary interfaces in the ISO standard 15118.
CharIN supports the development and harmonized implementation of Plug & Charge standards, but does not operate charging services or PKI systems.
Making charging your vehicle as easy as charging your phone.
Task Force Open Protocol Network Charging
Open Plug & Charge Network Communication protocol
The Open Plug & Charge Network Communication (OPNC) Protocol is a neutral, industry-developed API coordinated by CharIN to enable supplier-agnostic Plug & Charge interoperability across the global EV charging ecosystem.
Building on ISO 15118 and extending existing protocols such as OPCP and PNCP, OPNC supports multi-V2G-PKI and multi-mobility-operator PKI environments, addressing the complexity of real-world charging infrastructures across regions, including specific market requirements in North America.
Developed by the CharIN OPNC Task Force using insights from deployed Plug & Charge implementations, the protocol provides a unified and standardized communication layer between stakeholders and PKI ecosystems. With backward compatibility and an open, international framework, OPNC lays the foundation for scalable, efficient, and globally aligned Plug & Charge deployments, marking an important step toward harmonized industry adoption.
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) activities
Project PKI Governance 2025
CharIN actively participates in the Sustainable Transport Forum Subgroup on PKI, contributing its prior work on the OPNC protocol and the PKI Europe project to support the establishment of EU-wide PKI governance rules alongside industry and institutional stakeholders.
Within the STF framework, CharIN acts as a neutral coordination platform, focusing on interoperability in line with AFIR and ISO 15118-2 and ISO 15118-20, and supporting a multi-PKI architecture for the EU e-mobility ecosystem. CharIN contributes to activities related to Certificate Trust List governance and roles such as Trust List Management or E-mobility Point of Contact, without acting as a PKI service provider or certificate issuer. Through structured cooperation with the European Commission, the Joint Research Centre, and security and IT experts, CharIN helps enable scalable Plug & Charge and V2G deployment across Europe with PKI governance activities.
Project “Plug & Charge Europe” 2023
The goal of the project “Plug & Charge Europe” was to set up a neutral Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), a technology needed to enable secure authentication and authorization via Plug & Charge in accordance to ISO 15118, with the aim of a Europe-wide rollout.
15 active members have participated in this project, namely BMW AG, bp, ElaadNL, EDF, EnBW, Groupe Renault, IBIL, Ingeteam, innogy eMobility Solutions, Porsche AG, Shell Global Solutions Deutschland GmbH, Stellantis, Total, Tritium and Volkswagen AG, and additional supporters
Guidelines for PKI from Plug & Charge Europe Project
PKI Guidelines available
CharIN V2G PKI root: operational handover to Irdeto in 2024
The CharIN V2G (vehicle-to-grid) PKI (public key infrastructure), a fundamental component in the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, has been fully legally and operationally transferred by CharIN to the expert IT company, Irdeto. With this handover, CharIN fully exited operational PKI activities and retained a neutral, non-operational role.
Originally established as a CharIN member-funded project, the CharIN V2G PKI has achieved its objectives to create openly defined market guidelines and a Certificate Policy, as well as offering an open market solution.
The decision to handover operations to a specialized entity will also enable further services and supports an attractive market product.
The Plug&Charge Ecosystem Overview by Hubject
Take a look at the overview
Watch our videos to get a deeper understanding of Plug & Charge and CharIN's work on this topic:
Plug & Charge Logo and Icon
Plug & Charge
Logo
Plug & Charge
Icon
You want to use the logo and the icon "Plug & Charge"?
Pre-conditions for the permission to use the Plug & Charge logo and/or symbol which must at least be fulfilled and proven in advance:
Mandatory:
- Self-certification in accordance with at least ISO15118-2 or ISO15118-20 and the following
Recommended:
- Verification of interoperability at least at one CharIN Testival
- Recommendation for certification of the respective product according to "CharIN Conformity Certification”
- Participation in CharIN Academy ISO 15118 Training
CharIN Academy Training on ISO 15118 Advanced
Check CharIN´s Training on ISO 15118 Advanced to build your expertise on PKI and Plug & Charge!
