The ISO 15118 standard is a next-generation EV charging communication protocol that allows seamless, secure interaction between electric vehicles (EVs) and charging stations. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), it enables interoperability, automated billing, and advanced features like Plug & Charge and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality.
How This EV Charging Standard Evolved
This globally recognized electric vehicle communication interface began development in the early 2010s. The initial goal was to create a universal language between EVs and chargers, enhancing convenience and future-proofing the infrastructure.
What Makes This Smart Charging Protocol Unique?
ISO 15118 adds several advanced capabilities to the EV charging ecosystem, including:
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Secure data exchange: Protects the charging process from tampering or unauthorized access.
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Plug & Charge functionality: Eliminates the need for RFID cards or apps by enabling automatic vehicle authentication.
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Bidirectional energy (V2G): Supports energy flow from the car back to the grid, a key part of intelligent charging infrastructure.
How It Integrates with OCPP and Other Standards
This interoperable charging solution works hand-in-hand with protocols like OCPP.
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OCPP 2.0.1 supports the full range of ISO 15118 features, including enhanced security and user experience.
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Even OCPP 1.6, with help from the Open Charge Alliance, allows for Plug & Charge compatibility.
Regulatory Support for EV Charging Standards
New York: Mandating Future-Ready Charging Infrastructure
As of December 2023, New York requires all publicly funded EV charging projects to support this electric vehicle communication standard—both in hardware and software.
See the full mandate
California: Encouraging Smart Charging Systems
California is encouraging widespread deployment of ISO 15118-ready charging solutions, which offer a simplified EV driver experience and better energy management.
View the CEC recommendation
Plug & Charge: A Driver-Friendly Charging Experience
This EV charging automation standard allows drivers to plug in and start charging automatically—no card swipes, no apps. It’s built on the secure communication principles of ISO 15118.
Introduced by CharIN, the official Plug & Charge logo helps identify compatible charging points.
The official logo of Plug & Charge
Wevo Energy: Built for Interoperability and the Future
Wevo Energy’s platform is designed for the modern EV-to-charger communication system:
- Fully certified for OCPP compatibility
- Supports ISO 15118 Plug & Charge and V2G features
- Works across all scenarios—residential, workplace, fleet, and public charging
Explore Wevo’s platform
Discover our interoperable smart charging solutions
In Summary
The ISO 15118 protocol is more than a technical upgrade—it’s the foundation of a secure, intelligent, and user-friendly EV charging network. With regulatory backing and widespread industry support, it’s quickly becoming the go-to standard for smart EV charging.
