Allego, a European EV charging provider, has recently introduced what they claim to be Europe’s first deployment of the “world’s safest and most secure” Plug & Charge technology. This innovative technology is based on the open industry standard OCPP 2.0.1 and aims to simplify the EV charging process for users.
The Plug & Charge technology eliminates the need for apps, cards, and complicated sign-ins. If your EV is compatible, all you have to do is pull up and plug in. According to Jean Gadrat, Allego’s CMO, this technology removes digital friction points, allowing drivers to travel further and charge more conveniently.
So how does Allego’s Plug & Charge work? It is an ISO 15118-based authentication and payment method built on OCPP 2.0.1. Once your car is enabled for Plug & Charge, the process is completely hands-off. You simply plug in, and your EV and the charger exchange secure digital certificates to authenticate your account. There is no need for RFID cards, apps, or manual inputs.
Allego’s system is equipped with Mutual TLS encryption and certificate-based authentication, ensuring that only authorized vehicles can charge. This enhances security and eliminates billing errors or fraudulent access that may occur with older public charging systems.
Currently, Allego’s Plug & Charge functionality is available at over 5,000 fast and ultra-fast chargers across Europe. It also works seamlessly across partner networks, providing a cross-network Plug & Charge experience. The platform is future-ready, supporting remote firmware updates, advanced security features, and new functionalities as they become available.
Allego collaborated with Alpitronic, Hubject, and Ford to bring its cross-network Plug & Charge to life. This collaboration ensures that the technology remains compatible with new vehicle models and charging technologies as they emerge.
In conclusion, Allego’s Plug & Charge technology is revolutionizing the EV charging experience in Europe. By simplifying the process and enhancing security, Allego is making it easier for EV drivers to charge their vehicles conveniently and efficiently. This innovative technology sets a new standard for EV charging solutions and paves the way for a more seamless and user-friendly experience for all EV users across Europe.
