Autocharge: What It Is, How It Works & How to Use It
As electric vehicles become more widespread, the cumbersome process of opening an app, scanning a QR code, and swiping a card to charge often frustrates owners. This article will provide a detailed overview of Autocharge’s principles, setup process, pros and cons, and suitable use cases.
What is Autocharge?
With Autocharge, drivers simply need to manually plug in the charging connector. There is no need for additional steps such as using an app, swiping a card, or scanning a QR code. The system automatically identifies the vehicle, completes authentication and billing, and starts charging immediately.
How Does Autocharge Work?
- Pre-registration and Linking
Autocharge identifies a compatible vehicle using a unique vehicle identifier provided through the charging communication system. Depending on the implementation, this identifier may be associated with the vehicle’s communication interface or MAC address.
- Inserting the charging connector and Establishing Communication
After the CCS charging connector is connected, the vehicle and charging station establish communication, allowing the charging network to obtain the identifier used for Autocharge authentication.
- Cloud-Based Identity Verification
OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is an open communication protocol that allows charging stations to communicate with backend charging management systems.
- Automatic Charging Initiation and Billing
The charging management system queries the backend database to verify whether the vehicle’s unique identifier is linked to a valid account. If authorization is granted, the charging station initiates charging immediately; once charging is complete, the charging management system collects the charging data and completes automatic billing.
What Are the Benefits of Autocharge?
Autocharge enables automatic authentication and charging as soon as the charging connector is plugged in, eliminating the need to scan a QR code, swipe a card, or use an app. This offers numerous practical advantages for vehicle owners, fleets, and charging operators:
- Greater convenience: After a one-time vehicle-account pairing, charging begins as soon as the charging connector is plugged in—no app, QR code, or card required. This avoids charging issues caused by poor mobile signal, app malfunctions, or lost charging cards.
- Reduced charging startup time: Vehicle identification and account verification occur in the background, eliminating manual authentication steps and simplifying the charging process.
- Enhanced Security: Automatic identity verification ensures that only authorized vehicles can initiate a charging session, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized use or billing errors. Charging network operators and automakers can also customize Autocharge to align with their respective security standards.
- Simplified Fleet Charging Management: Autocharge can simplify commercial EV charging by allowing companies to batch-link vehicle identifiers to corporate accounts, eliminating the need for drivers to pay individually. The system can automatically collect charging energy consumption and cost data, consolidate billing information, and facilitate cost tracking and control.
What Are the Disadvantages of Autocharge?
- Limited vehicle compatibility: Autocharge is available only for compatible vehicles and charging networks. Some Autocharge implementations rely on a stable vehicle identifier, so vehicles that use randomized or changing identifiers may not support automatic recognition.
- Limited network compatibility: You must link your account separately with each charging operator; when switching to another charging network, automatic authentication for charging is not supported.
- Account risks when reselling a vehicle: Before selling or transferring ownership of a vehicle, Autocharge must be manually disabled in the app; if you forget to unbind the account, the new owner’s charging fees will still be charged to the original user’s account.
- Less standardized than Plug & Charge: Autocharge uses network-specific vehicle identification and authentication rather than the standardized certificate-based authentication used by ISO 15118 Plug & Charge. As a result, security depends on how each charging network implements vehicle identification, authentication, and account protection.
Autocharge vs. Plug & Charge: What’s the Difference?
| Comparison Criteria | Autocharge | Plug & Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Charging Experience | Plug in and charging starts automatically after vehicle identification | Plug in and charging starts automatically after certificate-based authentication |
| Authentication | Network-specific vehicle identification | Certificate-based authentication |
| Main Standards | Implemented independently by networks/operators | ISO 15118 |
| Account Settings | Binding to a charging network platform or app | Configuration on the vehicle or service provider side |
| RFID Required | No | No |
| App Required for Charging | Usually not required | Not required |
| Security Model | Depends on specific implementation | Certificate-based authentication |
| Vehicle Support | Depends on the electric vehicle and network | Vehicle natively supports Plug & Charge |
| Key Advantages | Simple deployment, low implementation cost | Highly standardized, strong security |
How Do You Set Up Autocharge?
1. Download the charging network app
Download the app for your charging provider, create an account, and link a payment method.
2. Add Your Electric Vehicle
Enter your vehicle’s basic information on the account page to complete the vehicle registration.
3. Complete a Charging Session
Connect your EV to a compatible charging station and start the session through the provider’s app. This allows the charging network to identify and associate your vehicle with your account.
4. Enable the Autocharge feature
During or after charging, follow the pop-up prompts in the app to complete authorization, link your vehicle’s unique identifier to your personal account, and enable Autocharge.
5. Verify the configuration
Once Autocharge is enabled, plug into a compatible station operated by the same network. If the vehicle is recognized and authenticated automatically, the setup is complete.
Specific registration processes may vary by provider. For example, some networks require users to complete one successful charge before enabling Autocharge in the app.
How to Use Autocharge?
- Find a charging station that supports Autocharge: In the charging provider’s app, filter for compatible DC fast-charging stations marked with the Autocharge icon.
- Connect the charging connector: Plug the compatible charging connector into your vehicle’s charging port.
- Wait for the system to automatically recognize your vehicle: The charging station reads your vehicle’s unique identifier and verifies your account identity in the background.
- The charging session starts automatically: Once verification is complete, there’s no need to open the app or swipe a card—charging begins automatically, and the charges are deducted directly from your linked account.
- End charging: When charging is complete, simply unplug the charging connector; your charging history and billing information will be updated in the app in real time.
Comparison of Autocharge, RFID, and App Charging
| Charging Methods | User Workflow |
|---|---|
| RFID | Present or tap an RFID card → Connect the charging connector |
| Mobile App | Open the app → Select a charging station → Start charging |
| Credit Card | Swipe or insert the card → Start charging |
| Autocharge | Plug in the charging connector → Charging starts automatically |
| Plug & Charge | Plug in the charging connector → Background authentication → Start charging |
Autocharge vs. Plug & Charge: Which Is Better?
- In terms of ease of use: Both perform well, as charging starts automatically upon plugging in without any additional steps.
- Regarding standardized authentication: Plug & Charge has the edge.
- For drivers: The better choice depends on the compatibility between the vehicle and the charging network.
- Regarding deployment: Autocharge has lower deployment costs and is easier to implement.
- Suitable Scenarios: Autocharge is suitable for fleets and dedicated charging stations; Plug & Charge is better suited for public charging and future expansion needs.
Conclusion: Autocharge and Plug & Charge provide a similar “plug in and charge” experience, but they use different authentication approaches. When choosing an automated charging solution, it is important to consider vehicle compatibility, charging network support, and backend capabilities. ZENCAR Level 2 charging stations, paired with a robust backend system, can provide a stable and reliable charging solution.
FAQ
Is Autocharge safe?
When implemented properly, Autocharge can provide a safe, automated charging service; however, its safety depends on how the charging network handles vehicle identification, account authentication, and payment information.
Which electric vehicles support Autocharge?
Autocharge support depends on the vehicle, charging network, charging connector, and identification method used by the network. Many implementations support compatible CCS-equipped EVs, while some networks and vehicles may also support NACS-based Autocharge.
Do all EV charging stations support Autocharge?
Not all EV charging stations support Autocharge. Support depends on the charging station, charging network, backend system, vehicle compatibility, and the network’s Autocharge implementation.
Is there an additional fee for using Autocharge?
There is no additional service fee for using Autocharge itself, but charging rates, membership fees, and other network charges may still apply.
Can multiple electric vehicles use the same Autocharge account?
Rules vary by charging operator. Some accounts support linking multiple vehicles to enable Autocharge, while other platforms limit each account to a single vehicle.
Why isn’t my Autocharge working?
Autocharge failure is typically caused by factors such as network mismatches, changes to the vehicle identifier used for authentication, incompatible charging stations, or an account that hasn’t been properly linked.
Can I use Autocharge with a leased electric vehicle?
If the leased electric vehicle’s hardware is compatible, you can set up Autocharge; however, you must unlink the vehicle in the app before returning it. Otherwise, subsequent charging costs incurred by others will be charged to your account, so this is not recommended.
What happens to the Autocharge account when selling an electric vehicle?
Before selling or transferring the vehicle, you should disable this feature or remove the vehicle from your Autocharge account. This prevents future charging records from being associated with your account.
Does Autocharge support the CCS connector?
Yes. Some charging networks offer Autocharge support for compatible electric vehicles equipped with a CCS connector; however, having a CCS connector does not guarantee that the vehicle or charging network will be able to use this feature.
Does Autocharge support the NACS connector?
Support varies by charging operator and vehicle hardware. Several networks have rolled out Autocharge for NACS‑equipped EVs, though universal support is not yet available.
