Universal EV charging standard is on the horizon

05 December 2024

The electric vehicle revolution slows down from time to time, but there's no doubt it is gaining momentum. Unfortunately, the charging experience can sometimes feel like a relic of the past. Fumbling with apps, trying to work out confusing payment systems, and wrestling with temperamental chargers - that's our everyday reality. It can test the patience of the most enthusiastic EV drivers. But there's a new initiative that promises to make this process as simple as it always should have been.

A group of automakers, charging companies, and the US government are joining forces to create a universal "plug and charge" system for all public charging stations in the United States. This ambitious project has one goal - to eliminate the need for multiple apps and payment methods. EV drivers will simply be able to plug in their vehicles and walk away, knowing that the charging process will start automatically without any hiccups.

At the moment charging an EV can be a frustratingly fragmented experience. Different charging networks use different authentication systems. That forces drivers to juggle a multitude of apps and accounts. This lack of standardization adds complexity and, as a result, creates barriers to wider EV adoption.

The new system will establish a common set of rules and standards for all players in the EV charging ecosystem. Automakers, charging companies, and equipment suppliers will need to adhere to these guidelines to ensure compatibility and security. With the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) firmly behind the idea, there's a chance it actually can work.

Tesla, Electrify America, ChargePoint, General Motors, Ford, and Toyota all support this new initiative. The US government is playing a key role in driving this effort through the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation.

Testing of the universal protocol will start in 2025, with public availability expected to follow. Widespread adoption will take some time, but the benefits of this system are undeniable. For EV drivers, the promise of a hassle-free charging experience is a major win. No more juggling apps, no more payment frustrations, just plug in and go.

Via