The Future of EV Charging Communication

ISO15118-20 enables seamless Plug & Charge, bidirectional power transfer, and secure V2G communication for the next generation of electric mobility.

What is ISO15118-20?

ISO15118-20 is the latest international standard for communication between electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. It revolutionizes EV charging with advanced features like automatic authentication, secure payment processing, and bidirectional power transfer capabilities.

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Plug & Charge

Seamless charging without cards or apps - just plug in and charge automatically.

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)

Enable bidirectional power flow for grid support and energy storage.

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Enhanced Security

TLS 1.3 encryption and digital certificates ensure secure communication.

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Smart Charging

Optimize charging based on grid conditions and user preferences.

Market Impact

The global EV charging infrastructure market is experiencing unprecedented growth

$32.26B

Market Size 2024

$125.39B

Projected Size 2030

25.5%

CAGR Growth

3M+

Global Charging Points

Stay Updated

Get the latest updates on ISO15118-20 development and industry news.

Protocol Overview

ISO15118-20 represents a significant evolution in electric vehicle charging communication standards. Building upon its predecessors, this latest version introduces revolutionary capabilities that transform the EV charging experience.

Key Improvements

  • Enhanced Plug & Charge: Streamlined authentication and authorization process with multiple contract support per session
  • Bidirectional Power Transfer: Native support for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)
  • Advanced Security: Mutual TLS 1.3 encryption with larger certificate key sizes (secp521r1/Ed448)
  • Wireless Power Transfer: Support for wireless communication and automated connection devices
  • Improved Interoperability: Better compatibility across different manufacturers and regions

Benefits for Stakeholders

For EV Drivers

  • Seamless charging experience with automatic authentication
  • Secure payment processing without physical cards
  • Energy cost optimization through smart charging
  • Revenue opportunities through V2G services

For Charging Operators

  • Reduced operational costs and complexity
  • Improved customer satisfaction and loyalty
  • Enhanced security and fraud prevention
  • Better integration with grid management systems

For Grid Operators

  • Grid stability support through V2G services
  • Peak load management and demand response
  • Enhanced renewable energy integration
  • Distributed energy storage capabilities

Implementation Timeline

The ISO15118-20 standard is being progressively adopted across the industry, with major OEMs and charging infrastructure providers implementing support throughout 2025 and 2026. Early adopters are already seeing significant benefits in terms of user experience and operational efficiency.

Communication Architecture

ISO15118-20 implements a sophisticated communication stack that enables secure, efficient data exchange between EVs and charging infrastructure using advanced protocols and security measures.

Security Framework +

Mutual TLS 1.3 Implementation

  • Enhanced encryption algorithms with Perfect Forward Secrecy
  • Mutual authentication between vehicle and charging station
  • Reduced handshake latency for faster connection establishment
  • Improved resistance to quantum computing attacks

Certificate Management

  • PKI-based authentication with secp521r1 or Ed448 curves
  • Automatic certificate provisioning and renewal
  • Enhanced OCSP certificate validation
  • Support for multiple contract certificates per session

Power Transfer Protocols +

Bidirectional Charging Support

  • AC and DC bidirectional power flow capabilities
  • Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V) charging optimization
  • Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) energy injection
  • Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) support

Smart Charging Features

  • Dynamic load balancing across multiple charging points
  • Time-of-use optimization and demand response
  • Grid constraint management and congestion relief
  • Renewable energy integration and carbon footprint reduction

Message Formats and Processing +

EXI Encoding Enhancement

  • Efficient XML Information Set with improved compression
  • Reduced message size for faster transmission
  • Enhanced parsing capabilities and schema validation
  • Support for new message types and parameters

Message Categories

  • Session establishment and management messages
  • Authentication and authorization protocols
  • Charging parameter negotiation and optimization
  • Power delivery control and monitoring
  • Bidirectional power flow coordination

Implementation Requirements

Successfully implementing ISO15118-20 requires careful attention to both hardware and software components:

  • Hardware Compatibility: Bidirectional power electronics and enhanced security modules
  • Software Stack: TLS 1.3 support with updated cryptographic libraries
  • Certificate Infrastructure: PKI integration with automatic certificate management
  • Testing and Validation: Comprehensive conformance and interoperability testing
  • Security Audits: Regular security assessments and vulnerability testing
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Advanced Plug & Charge

Experience the ultimate convenience with automatic authentication, authorization, and payment processing. No cards, no apps, no hassle.

Automatic Authentication

Secure certificate-based authentication happens automatically when you plug in.

Multiple Contracts

Support for multiple charging contracts and service providers in a single session.

Seamless Roaming

Charge anywhere with compatible infrastructure without additional setup.

Bidirectional Power Transfer

Transform your EV into an energy asset with Vehicle-to-Grid, Vehicle-to-Home, and Vehicle-to-Load capabilities.

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)

Support grid stability and earn revenue by selling energy back to the grid.

Vehicle-to-Home (V2H)

Power your home during outages or peak pricing periods.

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)

Use your EV as a mobile power source for tools, appliances, and events.

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Enhanced Security

State-of-the-art security with mutual TLS 1.3, advanced cryptography, and robust PKI infrastructure.

Mutual TLS 1.3

Both vehicle and charging station authenticate each other for maximum security.

Advanced Cryptography

Support for secp521r1 and Ed448 curves with quantum-resistant capabilities.

Certificate Management

Automatic certificate provisioning, validation, and revocation handling.

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Smart Charging Optimization

Intelligent charging that adapts to grid conditions, energy prices, and your preferences for optimal efficiency.

Load Balancing

Dynamic power distribution across multiple charging points for maximum efficiency.

Grid Integration

Seamless integration with smart grid infrastructure and demand response programs.

Renewable Energy

Prioritize charging when renewable energy is available for reduced carbon footprint.

Market Analysis

The global EV charging infrastructure market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by government mandates, technological advancements, and increasing EV adoption rates.

Market Size Growth

From $32.26B in 2024 to $125.39B by 2030, representing a CAGR of 25.5%

2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030

Technology Adoption

ISO15118-20 adoption is accelerating with major OEMs and charging providers implementing support

2025: Early adopters and pilot programs
2026: Mainstream implementation begins
2027: Widespread deployment across networks
2028: Standard becomes dominant protocol

Regional Leadership

Europe

Leading in standardization and V2G implementation

North America

Rapid infrastructure expansion and government support

Asia-Pacific

Largest market with aggressive EV adoption targets

Key Market Drivers

  • Government mandates for EV infrastructure
  • Declining battery costs and improved EV range
  • Corporate sustainability commitments
  • Grid modernization and renewable energy integration
  • Consumer demand for convenient charging

Future Outlook

The convergence of EV adoption, grid modernization, and renewable energy is creating unprecedented opportunities for ISO15118-20 technologies. Key trends to watch include:

V2G Revenue Streams

EV owners will generate significant revenue through grid services, with some estimates suggesting $1,000-$3,000 annually per vehicle.

Autonomous Charging

Integration with autonomous vehicles will create fully automated charging experiences without human intervention.

Energy Ecosystem

EVs will become integral to the energy ecosystem, providing storage, transportation, and grid services.

ISO15118-20: What's New and Why It Matters for EV Charging

By Technical Team January 15, 2025
ISO15118-20 Standards Overview

Comprehensive overview of the new features and improvements in ISO15118-20, including bidirectional charging, enhanced security, and wireless communication support.

The Evolution of Plug & Charge: From ISO15118-2 to 15118-20

By Protocol Experts January 10, 2025
Plug&Charge Evolution Security

Deep dive into how Plug & Charge functionality has evolved in ISO15118-20, with improved security, multiple contract support, and enhanced user experience.

Bidirectional Charging and V2G: The Future of Energy Management

By Energy Systems Team January 5, 2025
V2G Bidirectional Energy

Exploring how ISO15118-20 enables vehicle-to-grid applications, energy storage, and grid stabilization through bidirectional power transfer capabilities.

Enhanced Security in ISO15118-20: Mutual TLS and Advanced Cryptography

By Security Team December 28, 2024
Security TLS Cryptography

Technical analysis of the security improvements in ISO15118-20, including mutual TLS 1.3, enhanced cryptographic algorithms, and PKI infrastructure changes.

ISO15118-20 Implementation Guide: From Planning to Production

By Implementation Team December 20, 2024
Implementation Guide Development

Complete guide for implementing ISO15118-20 in your EV charging infrastructure, covering planning, development, testing, and deployment phases.

What is ISO15118-20 and how does it differ from ISO15118-2?

ISO15118-20 is the latest evolution of the EV charging communication standard, introducing bidirectional power transfer (V2G), enhanced security with mutual TLS 1.3, wireless power transfer support, and improved plug & charge functionality. Key differences include larger certificate key sizes (secp521r1/Ed448 vs secp256r1), multiple contract installation per session, and support for automated connection devices.

What are the main benefits of implementing ISO15118-20?

ISO15118-20 offers enhanced security through mutual authentication, bidirectional charging capabilities for V2G applications, improved interoperability across different charging networks, wireless communication support, and streamlined plug & charge experiences. It also enables advanced use cases like smart charging optimization and energy grid stabilization.

Is ISO15118-20 backward compatible with ISO15118-2?

ISO15118-20 is designed with migration pathways from ISO15118-2, but is not directly backward compatible due to changes in certificate key sizes, TLS requirements, and message formats. However, systems can be designed to support both standards during transition periods.

What is the current adoption status of ISO15118-20?

ISO15118-20 is in the early adoption phase with major OEMs and charging infrastructure providers beginning implementations. The standard was published in 2022, and we're seeing increasing interest from automotive manufacturers, charging network operators, and certification bodies.

What are the key technical requirements for ISO15118-20 implementation?

Key requirements include support for secp521r1 or Ed448 cryptographic curves, mutual TLS 1.3 implementation, updated PKI infrastructure, new EXI codec for message processing, and enhanced OCSP certificate validation. Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) may need upgrades to support the new key formats.

How does bidirectional charging benefit EV owners?

Bidirectional charging allows EV owners to earn revenue by selling energy back to the grid during peak demand periods, reduce electricity costs through smart charging optimization, and provide backup power for their homes during outages. This transforms EVs from purely cost centers to revenue-generating assets.

What testing is required for ISO15118-20 compliance?

Compliance testing includes protocol conformance testing, interoperability testing with multiple vendor implementations, security validation including penetration testing, and performance testing under various load conditions. Certification bodies provide standardized test procedures and validation services.

How does ISO15118-20 support wireless power transfer?

ISO15118-20 includes provisions for wireless communication during wireless power transfer, enabling the same secure authentication and authorization processes used in wired charging. This supports the development of automated parking and charging systems for future autonomous vehicles.

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Contact Information

Website: iso15118-20.com