Charging an electric vehicle (EV) isn’t just about plugging in—it’s about how your car and the charging station communicate. ISO 15118 is a global standard that’s making this communication smarter, safer, and more convenient. It enables features like Plug & Charge, which lets you start charging just by plugging in—no apps, cards, or extra steps needed. It also allows your car to communicate its energy needs in real-time.
While ISO 15118 is sometimes linked to Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) power transfer, where EVs can send power back to the grid, the standard is mostly about improving how EVs charge today.
ISO 15118: What you need to know
ISO 15118 is a standard for Vehicle To Grid (V2G) communication interface that defines how extended communication between vehicle and charging station should take place. Due to the cryptographic requirements of ISO 15118, both the EV and the charging station must have the necessary hardware to support ISO 15118. It is not a capability that can be added via software.
- Zaptec Pro chargers come with ISO 15118 hardware built-in, making them future-proof for evolving smart charging solutions.
- Zaptec Go chargers do not currently support ISO 15118.
Plug & Charge
Imagine pulling up to a charging station, plugging in, and that’s it—charging starts automatically. No apps, no RFID cards, no extra steps. That’s Plug & Charge, one of the most exciting benefits of ISO 15118.
How does plug & charge work?
-
The EV and charging station establish a secure connection through the charging cable.
-
The system recognizes your vehicle and confirms your identity automatically.
-
Charging begins without needing to open an app, tap a card, or enter payment details.
This process is safe and secure, using multiple cryptographic mechanisms to protect your data and prevent unauthorised charging. As more EVs and charging stations adopt Plug & Charge, Zaptec will announce support for this feature when available.
State of Charge (SoC)
ISO 15118 also lets your EV communicate how much energy it needs in real-time.
Think of it like filling a water bottle: Instead of just opening the tap and guessing when to stop, your car tells the charging station exactly how much energy to deliver.
This means:
-
Your EV requests the exact amount of energy it needs.
-
Charging sessions can be personalized to match your driving habits.
-
Both the EV and the charger must support ISO 15118 for this to work.
Right now, only a few cars support SoC-based smart charging, but this feature is growing, and Zaptec is exploring how to integrate it in the future.
V2G: Can my EV send power back to the grid?
Some EVs can transfer power using their AC charging port, meaning they can power things like local appliances or even a home. But sending power back to the grid is more complex because different countries have different rules about how it should work.
-
V2G rules vary by country, so not all EVs and chargers support it yet.
-
Future AC power export will depend on government regulations and grid operator requirements.
The potential for V2G is exciting, but it’s still in early stages. While some vehicles already support vehicle-to-home (V2H) features, true grid integration is a work in progress.
What’s next for smart charging?
ISO 15118 is more than just a technical standard—it’s shaping the future of EV charging. Here’s what to watch for:
-
More Plug & Charge-ready EVs and chargers, making effortless charging the new standard.
-
Smarter grid integration, allowing EVs to communicate energy needs and optimize charging schedules.
-
A more seamless charging experience, where charging feels as natural as refueling a gas car—only smarter.
Zaptec is committed to staying ahead of these changes. As soon as new technologies and regulations align, we’ll be ready to support the next evolution in smart charging.
Updated