What Is Autocharge?
Autocharge is a technology that allows an electric vehicle to automatically start charging when plugged into a compatible charging station, without the need for manual authentication, such as using an app, RFID card, or scanning a QR code. Essentially, it streamlines the charging process by eliminating the usual steps that drivers need to take before their EV starts charging.
How Autocharge Works
Autocharge relies on a unique identifier tied to the vehicle, typically the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or MAC address from the EV’s charge controller. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the system works:
1. Vehicle Recognition: When an EV is plugged into an Autocharge-enabled charging station, the charging station receives the unique identifier of the vehicle via the communication line in the CCS connector. This is usually done through the car’s onboard communication system or by reading the MAC address of the EV’s charging hardware.
2. Authentication: The charging station then communicates this identifier to the GreenFlux platform, where it checks whether the vehicle has been registered for Autocharge. This registration is typically done by the end user as a one-time action via the Charge Assist app or a customer's self-built app connected to the GreenFlux Charge Assist API.
3. Automatic Start: Once the vehicle is recognised and authenticated, the charging session starts automatically without any further input from the driver.
4. Billing and Tracking: Just like with a regular charge session, the GreenFlux system will generate a CDR for the charging session with the calculated charging cost based on the billing rules related to the payment method that the end-user mapped to their Autocharge registration.
Key Benefits of Autocharge
Autocharge offers several benefits that improve the overall EV charging experience:
1. Convenience
The biggest advantage of Autocharge is its simplicity. By removing the need for manual authentication, drivers can simply plug in their vehicle, walk away, and let the system take care of the rest.
2. Faster Charging Experience
Without the need to use an app, swipe a card, or interact with a touch screen, the time it takes to start a charging session is reduced. Autocharge provides a faster, more efficient process, especially useful for frequent EV drivers or fleets that rely on quick turnaround times.
3. Enhanced User Experience
Autocharge simplifies the experience for both new and experienced EV drivers. For new EV owners, it removes the learning curve associated with different charging systems and methods. For experienced users, it provides a consistent and frictionless experience at compatible stations.
4. Reliable Billing
Since the system is tied to the vehicle’s unique identifier, billing is automatic and accurate. Drivers don’t need to worry about whether they selected the right charge card — everything is handled seamlessly and consistently.
Autocharge vs. ISO 15118 Plug & Charge
You may have heard of Plug & Charge, a similar feature that allows EVs to automatically start charging when connected to a charging station. While both Autocharge and Plug & Charge aim to simplify the charging process, there are multiple key differences in the background (not directly of relevance to end users) to be aware of:
- Autocharge: Typically works with a wide range of EV platforms (i.e. EV car models), including older generation EV platforms, and doesn’t require specific hardware or additional software protocols in the vehicle. It is a feature that can be provided by CPOs and makes use of the technology present in almost all EV platforms. In addition, the Autocharge functionality must be supported by the backend platform. GreenFlux supports Autocharge. There is a dependency on the charge station hardware and firmware, only certain charge station hardware products with certain firmware versions support Autocharge. Besides, specific settings must be made in charge station configuration settings in order to activate the Autocharge feature on a charge station, which in most cases can be done remotely via the GreenFlux platform. Autocharge in general only works on DC charge stations and only via the CCS connector, however a few charge station manufacturers can offer Autocharge on their AC charge station products - under specific technical conditions.
- Plug & Charge: Based on the ISO 15118 standard, Plug & Charge requires that both the charging station and the EV platform (i.e. EV car model) support this specific protocol. In addition, the ISO15118 Plug&Charge functionality must be supported by the backend platform, and an integration with a so-called certificate authority hub must be in place. GreenFlux supports ISO15118 Plug & Charge and is integrated with the certificate authority. There is a dependency on the charge station hardware and firmware, only certain charge station hardware products with certain firmware versions support ISO15118 Plug & Charge. Besides, specific settings must be made in charge station configuration settings in order to activate the ISO15118 Plug & Charge feature on a charge station, which can be done remotely via the GreenFlux platform. In contrary to Autocharge, where the CPO can activate Autocharge autonomously, regardless of the eMSP that the end user wants to use as long as it is a roaming partner, in ISO15118 Plug & Charge besides the CPO also the eMSP (of the subscription that the end user wants to use for payment) must be a participant in the ISO15118 Plug&Charge ecosystem. Compared with Autocharge, ISO15118 Plug & Charge offers additional security and encrypted communication between the EV, the charge station, and the backend platforms. ISO15118 Plug & Charge is not supported by older generation EV platforms; it can only be found in most recent EV platforms (i.e. the most recent EV car models). ISO15118 Plug & Charge can work on DC and on AC charge stations (of the latest hardware generations only).
As indicated, the GreenFlux platform supports both Autocharge and ISO15118 Plug&Charge.
How to enable Autocharge in the Charge Assist app
Important: you should make sure that your car supports Autocharge
Here’s a general guide to setting it up:
1. Create an Account: First, sign up for an account in Charge Assist (mandatory). It's not allowed for anonymous use
2. Request Autocharge: Request Autocharge from your account settings of the app, and follow the steps indicated in the Charge Assist, allowing the system to recognise your vehicle when connected to compatible charge stations
3. Activate Autocharge: After requesting Autocharge in the app, the next time you visit a charge station that supports this feature, a pop-up will automatically appear once you start charging. This prompt will ask if you’d like to enable Autocharge for future sessions, streamlining the process for even quicker and more seamless charging experiences.
4. Start Charging: Once registered, you can simply plug in your EV at any Autocharge-enabled station of a CPO that is using the GreenFlux platform, and the charging session will start automatically.