ChargePoint, a prominent player in the electric vehicle (EV) charging sector, has announced that its entire range of charging hardware is now compatible with Plug & Charge (PnC) technology. This development is significant as the global EV market is projected to see a substantial increase, with an estimated 116 million electric vehicles expected to be on the road by 2026.

Plug & Charge technology, which operates based on the ISO 15118-20 communication standards, aims to streamline the charging process for users. The system allows drivers to simply park, plug in, and charge their vehicles without the need for manual authentication or billing processes, which are handled automatically between the vehicle and the charger. This innovation is expected to enhance the user experience significantly, making EV charging more accessible and efficient.

ChargePoint’s flagship charging solutions, including the Flex-Line, CP6000, and Express DC systems, are now equipped to support this technology. These systems are also OCPP 2.0.1-certified, ensuring they meet the latest interoperability standards necessary for widespread adoption.

The company anticipates that Plug & Charge will play a crucial role in expanding EV charging infrastructure, particularly in fleet operations and car-sharing services, where seamless integration between vehicles and charging networks can drive higher adoption rates of electric vehicles.

Starting January 1, 2027, compliance with ISO 15118-20 will become mandatory under European Union regulations, affecting both private and semi-public charging stations. This legislation is also expected to influence the UK market, as it lays the groundwork for advanced features such as secure vehicle-to-charger communication and bi-directional charging capabilities.

Daniel Brown, Senior Director of Product Management at ChargePoint, emphasized the growing consumer demand for Plug & Charge technology. However, he acknowledged the complexities involved in scaling access to this technology across various stakeholders in the market. He identified four key areas that need to be addressed: the need for Charge Point Operators (CPOs) to procure hardware and backend software that is compatible with PnC, and the integration of these systems with relevant market players.

As the EV market continues to evolve, ChargePoint’s commitment to developing reliable standards and enhancing user experiences through innovations like Plug & Charge could play a pivotal role in facilitating the transition to electric mobility.