To charge an electric vehicle (EV) at a DC fast-charging station, you typically need a credit card reader, an app for that charger’s network, and a working touchscreen. This process can be confusing and time-consuming, especially for new EV owners. However, a new initiative called “universal Plug and Charge” from SAE International aims to simplify the charging process by allowing cars and chargers to communicate and handle payment details through a cloud connection.
This initiative, set to launch in early 2025, could make charging an EV even easier than filling up a gas car. With plug-and-charge, drivers would simply plug in their car and let the charger and vehicle handle the rest. This system is already available for some car and charging network combinations, but the new initiative aims to make it a universal standard.
The Electric Vehicle Public Key Infrastructure (EVPKI) is a key component of this initiative, as it allows for secure authentication and authorization of vehicles at charging stations. This could also pave the way for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging, where EVs can help balance regional power loads and make the grid more resilient.
While the incoming Trump administration’s stance on EV policies may pose a challenge, the support and involvement of major automakers and industry leaders, including Tesla, suggest that this initiative is likely to move forward. With a standardized and secure system in place, charging an EV could become as easy as plugging in and going.
