The Supercharger Network, Tesla’s ecosystem of plug-in charging stations in the US, has been around since 2012. It allowed Tesla drivers to charge their cars and settle their bills as they go.
However, that hasn’t been the case for owners of non-Tesla electric vehicles (EVs). For these drivers, charging usually involves several swipe cards and RFID fobs. It may also include downloading various mobile apps to work with the different charging networks along their routes or calling a toll-free number to settle the bill.
The Plug and Charge technology significantly simplifies this charging process.
The protocol automatically identifies the EV plugged into its charging station, removing the need for fobs and apps. Upon identification, it will validate the vehicle with its automaker and obtain the billing information needed to start the actual charging process.
Electrify America developed and applied the Plug and Charge protocol to its charging stations. It tested dozens of its stations across the US to determine their compatibility with the latest EVs. The test included the EV prototypes still covered in camouflage that were brought to Electrify America’s labs in Virginia.
The protocol is similar to the European Plug and Charge protocol used by EV drivers on the pan-European Ionity network and more.
The Plug and Charge protocol is available for the latest generations of EVs in the US, including the 2021 Mustang Mach-E and Porsche Taycan. An editor for online publication Car and Driver that tested the Mach-E shared his experience with the Plug and Charge.
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