Plug & Charge: Building a Trusted Ecosystem for Public Charging

P&C relies on Public Key Infrastructure, which manages a hierarchical system of digital certificates. These certificates, serving as digital passports, are assigned to both vehicles and charging stations. 

Without this mechanism, it would be impossible to ensure that a transaction comes from a verified vehicle and is approved by a trusted network. “PKI is not just a technical component: it ensures that every Plug & Charge transaction relies on a recognized, secure digital identity, forming the trust required to move from pilot to industry  standard,” explains Adam Wilkinson, Solutions Architect at Irdeto.

The RAAR Process and Expanded Coverage via EV Roaming Hubs

The RAAR process defines the steps of a charging session activated via P&C, with PKI playing a central role. Secure certificate exchange, in accordance with ISO 15118, enables near-instant authorization as soon as the driver plugs in their EV.

Although PKI is fundamental to the RAAR process, EV roaming remains a key component. The authorization phase illustrates the complexity of this system, as it sometimes requires the use of an OCPI token to identify the EV driver. Combining PKI’s robustness with the reach of EV roaming hubs, the industry has achieved an architecture that enables the deployment of Plug & Charge. 

As Olivier Proulx, CTO of ChargeHub, explains:

"When an electric vehicle driver is not covered by a peer-to-peer agreement between the CPO and the electric mobility provider, we use an OCPI token to confirm their identity via the hub. This allows us to expand the coverage of Plug & Charge while maintaining a high level of security." 

In short, PKI provides security and reliability, while integration with EV roaming hubs expands coverage and manages cases outside bilateral agreements.

In North America, a fragmented ecosystem hinders the adoption of innovations like Plug & Charge, while also diminishing the quality of the charging experience offered to EV drivers. When each player operates independently, whether it is a CPO or an eMSP, drivers must navigate multiple activation methods or applications, which complicates their task and reduces confidence in the technology.

Closed Networks and the Risk of Vendor Lock-in

Vendor lock-in is another significant risk. When a player imposes its own system or PKI, it limits its reach. This forces each partner to establish a bilateral agreement with it. These agreements, which are often complex, increase costs and delays and make integration more difficult. 

“A closed network can quickly create friction for drivers and slow down the adoption of solutions such as P&C,” explains Olivier Proulx. “Trust is not built solely on technical aspects, but also on the ability to interact seamlessly with all stakeholders in the ecosystem.”

Open Standards to Tackle a Fragmented Ecosystem

Open standards, supported by interconnected infrastructures, provide a practical solution to a fragmented ecosystem. They simplify the charging experience for EV drivers, who can be authenticated and authorized at more charging points effortlessly. 

To overcome these challenges and accelerate adoption, the industry must combine open standards with strong partnerships and interoperable solutions.

Scaling a trusted ecosystem for P&C cannot rely on a single player; it requires close collaboration among automakers, CPOs, eMSPs, cybersecurity solution providers, and roaming hubs. By aligning these stakeholders, the industry can provide a safe and seamless experience for EV drivers.

Passport Hub: a Flexible EV Roaming Solution 

Bringing this vision to life requires solutions that seamlessly combine security and interoperability. With Passport Hub, ChargeHub partners with technology leaders to provide a robust PKI and EV roaming infrastructure capable of supporting large-scale P&C deployment. In addition to offering a flexible solution that connects to the PKI of your choice, ChargeHub has developed a turnkey P&C solution with Irdeto.

This empowers North American stakeholders to leverage a solution combining security, EV roaming, and seamless integration. “By combining the forces of cybersecurity and roaming, we are doing more than just deploying technology,” explains Adam Wilkinson. "We are helping to create an ecosystem of trust, where cooperation between partners becomes the driver of large-scale adoption. "

Plug & Charge can only become a standard if the industry chooses cooperation over fragmentation. By aligning security, EV roaming, and partnerships, we create an ecosystem that supports the mass adoption of Plug & Charge and other advanced charging technologies.