- Europe-wide charging network Allego is gearing up to launch Plug & Charge technology across its 34,000-plus charging points, which allows for authentication of driving through the car’s charge port, removing the need for the driver to carry any charging card, debit card, or mobile phone, to begin the charging process.
- The new technology will start being rolled out from October, initially in The Netherlands and Germany, with other countries benefitting from the addition at a later date.
- The Plug & Charge capability comes from version 2.0.1 of the Open Charge Point Protocol, which also helps increase security between chargepoint and EV.
Allego will begin rollout of more convenient EV chargers this October
With Plug & Charge, EV drivers will be able to plug into an Allego charger, with the charging process automatically authenticated through the car, with payments also processed through the connection from charger to EV. This will completely remove the need for EV drivers to carry any mobile apps, charging cards, or payment cards. With a wider rollout, this will significantly simplify the EV charging process, which could help make them even more attractive for first time buyers, especially if other CPOs also subscribe to the universal Plug & Charge standard.
Guillaume Goijen, Director of Charging Solutions and Site Design at Allego, commented:
“We are pleased to introduce Allego’s Plug & Charge as part of our commitment to putting drivers first. This technology streamlines the charging process and ensures that every session is secure and tamper-proof, thanks to our implementation of certificate-based authentication with encrypted communication.”
With Ford and Allego already having a partnership to install ultra-fast chargers across its European dealer sites, the car manufacturer is also looking forward to receiving the Plug & Charge tech at its locations.
Joerg Hofmeister, European Head of Charging & Energy – Model e, at Ford, added:
“Ford is proud to collaborate with Allego in equipping European dealer sites with High Power Charging infrastructure and fully supports this innovative Plug & Charge technology, which aligns perfectly with our mission to make electric vehicle ownership more convenient and accessible. By simplifying the charging process, we are removing barriers to EV adoption and providing our customers with the seamless experience they expect from Ford.”
