Plug & Charge (ISO 15118) Explained: Set‑and‑Go EV Charging in 2025

Plug & Charge lets compatible cars authenticate and start billing automatically when you insert the connector—no app, no RFID. It’s powered by ISO 15118’s secure certificate exchange between the vehicle and charger.

How Plug & Charge works

Your car holds a contract certificate issued by your charging provider.
When you plug in, the charger and car negotiate a secure session.
Energy flows, billing runs in the background, and the session ends cleanly when you stop.

Close view of a public charging socket with status lights — If enabled on your account and vehicle, sessions start automatically after handshake.

How to enable it

Create/verify an account with a network that supports Plug & Charge.
In your vehicle settings, toggle Plug & Charge and add the contract if required.
Test at a known compatible site; bring a fallback payment method just in case.

Open payments vs Plug & Charge

Open card payments add convenience for casual use, while Plug & Charge removes steps for frequent users. Many new sites will support both to cover all scenarios.

Troubleshooting tips

If a session won’t start, cleanly reseat the connector and try a different pedestal.
Verify that your vehicle’s contract certificate is active and has not expired.
Update vehicle and charger firmware when available.

Security note: ISO 15118 relies on certificate trust. Keep your account secure with strong passwords and MFA on the provider app.