Electrify America’s fast charging network in the US now offers payment technology called Plug&Charge, which allows EV owners to begin a charge without first reaching for a wallet, smartphone or bank card.
After “brief” online registration, drivers can pay automatically for charging by simply plugging in the EV. The charger communicates with the vehicle to identify, authenticate, authorise and bill the customer’s registered account for the charging session. The entire process allows for a seamless charging experience for the customer.
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The technology is now available on all Electrify America chargers across the US in advance of the anticipated arrival in the coming months of Plug&Charge-capable EVs, including the 2021 models of the Porsche Taycan, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Lucid Air.
Electrify America said it was the first company to offer this service to multiple automakers.
“We are investing in customer-focused technologies like Plug&Charge to make the charging experience easier than filling up at a gas pump,” said Cliff Fietzek, senior director of technology.
The Plug&Charge feature is enabled by advanced vehicle to grid communication technology that uses encrypted security measures. It follows the ISO 15118 standard, an international standard that outlines the secured communication protocol that an EV and charging station should use to recharge the EV’s battery. It enables simplified charging functionality for the most prevalent EV charging connector type, called the Combined Charging System (CCS).
“We are proud to be the first public charging network to ensure drivers of Plug&Charge-capable vehicles, regardless of manufacturer, can benefit from this simple payment technology,” Fietzek said.
Electrify America, the largest open DC fast charging network in the US, has 500 charging stations open to the public with over 2,200 individual chargers.
