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ISO15118

19/01/26

ISO 15118 – The future way to charge an electric vehicle

ISO 15118 is an international standard that enables communication between the electric vehicle and the charger and paves the way for smarter, safer, and more automated charging. Charge Amps Dawn Professional and Charge Amps Luna support ISO 15118—the functionality is built into the charger and will be rolled out gradually through software updates.

 

Charge Amps is ready.

Charge Amps Dawn Professional and Charge Amps Luna support ISO 15118. This means our chargers are prepared for the functions of the future – when vehicles and the market are ready.

EU requirements for public chargers in 2026

From January 2026, new EU requirements will come into force for public charging installations, where support for modern communication standards (including ISO 15118) is a key component.

Plug & Charge – just plug in and charge

 

With Plug & Charge, charging becomes both easier and more secure. When you connect the charging cable, the vehicle automatically identifies itself to the charging station through encrypted digital communication. Charging starts immediately – with no apps, RFID cards, codes, or manual steps required.

All authentication and payment take place in the background between the vehicle, the charger, and the supporting service. The result is a seamless charging experience where you simply plug in and go on with your day. The technology is based on international standards and is designed to work regardless of operator, vehicle, or location – provided the systems are compatible.

Plug & Charge also reduces the risk of misuse and increases operational reliability, which is especially valuable in public, semi-public, and commercial environments.


V2X – when the vehicle can do more than just drive

The ISO 15118 standard is not only the foundation of Plug & Charge, but also a key building block in the development of V2X (Vehicle to Everything). V2X means that in the future, the electric vehicle can become an active part of the energy system – not only as a consumer, but also as an energy resource.

Examples of V2X solutions:

  • V2H (Vehicle to Home)
    The vehicle can store energy and help supply the home, for example during high electricity prices or power outages.
  • V2B (Vehicle to Building)
    Multiple vehicles can collectively contribute to a building’s energy needs and help smooth peak loads.
  • V2G (Vehicle to Grid)
    In certain solutions, the vehicle can feed electricity back into the grid and contribute to improved grid stability.

For V2X to work in practice, the vehicle, charger, and property must be technically compatible, correctly installed, and configured in accordance with applicable standards and regulations. While many of these functions are still under development, ISO 15118 is a key enabler of future smart, flexible, and sustainable energy systems.

Questions and answers

What is ISO 15118?

ISO 15118 is an international standard that describes how the electric vehicle and the charging station communicate digitally. It makes charging smarter and enables new functions.

Why is ISO 15118 important?

Because it can provide:

  • simpler charging (fewer manual steps)

  • better automation and security

  • support for future functions such as Plug & Charge and certain V2X solutions

What is Plug & Charge?

Plug & Charge means that the vehicle can automatically identify itself when you connect the charging cable. Charging can start without the need to use an app or a charging card.

Do I need Plug & Charge to charge?

No. You can still charge as usual. Plug & Charge is an additional feature that makes charging more seamless when both the vehicle and the charger support it.

 

What does V2X mean?

V2X stands for Vehicle to Everything. It is a collective term for functions where the vehicle can deliver electricity back to its surroundings, not just receive power.

 

What is the difference between V2H, V2B, and V2G?
  • V2H (Vehicle to Home): the vehicle can help power your home
    V2B (Vehicle to Building): the vehicle can contribute energy to a building (e.g. garage or housing association)
    V2G (Vehicle to Grid): the vehicle can supply electricity back to the power grid
Is it enough to have a charger that supports ISO 15118 for V2X?

No. For V2X / bidirectional charging, the following are required:

  • a charger that supports bidirectional charging

  • a vehicle that supports it

  • a building / electrical installation that is adapted and approved

Yes — Charge Amps supports ISO 15118.

Yes. Charge Amps Dawn Professional and Charge Amps Luna support ISO 15118 and are prepared for future features. The features will be rolled out gradually and require a software update of the charger.

What happens in January 2026 in the EU?

From January 2026, new requirements will be introduced in the EU for public charging installations. ISO 15118 is an important part of modern charging communication and is used to meet future needs.