Should TLS be Omitted to Have a Faster Charging Session Start?

The Plug&Charge (P&C or PnC for short) function in accordance with ISO 15118 enables a user-friendly and secure interface between the electric vehicle and a charging station, which eliminates the need for an additional user action for authorization for each charging process. After registering the vehicle once and authorizing it for a payment function, the user simply connects the electric vehicle and the charging station with the charging cable for each charging process. The vehicle automatically transmits the data required to authorize the payment process to the charging station.

This eliminates the need for the user to carry out the authorization process using charging cards, payment cards, apps or web interfaces.

"Plug&Charge" based on ISO 15118 is considered the best authentication mode for several reasons, especially in the context of electric vehicle (EV) charging. Here’s an in-depth look at why it stands out:

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Seamless User Experience

• Automatic Authentication: Plug&Charge allows the EV to automatically authenticate with the charging station as soon as it is plugged in. This eliminates the need for drivers to use RFID cards, mobile apps, or other manual methods for authentication.
• Convenience: The entire process is streamlined, providing a hassle-free charging experience. Drivers simply plug in their vehicle and charging starts immediately, making it extremely user-friendly.

Enhanced Security

• TLS Encryption: The use of Transport Layer Security (TLS) ensures that the communication between the EV and the charging station is encrypted, providing robust protection against eavesdropping, tampering, and forgery.
• Certificate-Based Authentication: Plug&Charge uses a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to authenticate the vehicle and the charging station. This involves digital certificates that verify the identities of both parties, ensuring a high level of security.

Standardization

• ISO 15118 Compliance: Being based on the ISO 15118 standard means that Plug&Charge is interoperable across different makes and models of vehicles and charging stations. This standardization promotes widespread adoption and compatibility.
• Future-Proofing: The standard is designed to be forward-compatible, accommodating future advancements and features in EV technology and charging infrastructure.

Efficiency and Reliability

• Reduced Transaction Times: The automated nature of Plug&Charge reduces the time taken for authentication and payment processing, leading to faster and more efficient charging sessions.
• Reduced Error Rates: Manual authentication methods can be prone to errors or failures, such as lost RFID cards or app connectivity issues. Plug&Charge minimizes these risks by automating the process.

Enhanced Privacy

• Anonymized Transactions: The use of digital certificates can help anonymize transactions, protecting the user’s personal information during the authentication and payment process.
• User Control: Users can have better control over their data and its use, as the communication is managed securely through the vehicle’s onboard system.

Economic Benefits

• Lower Operational Costs: Automated authentication reduces the need for extensive customer support and infrastructure for handling authentication tokens like RFID cards.
• Scalability: The system is scalable, allowing for easy integration with various charging networks and billing systems, which can lead to cost savings for operators and users.

Interoperability

• Cross-Network Compatibility: Because it adheres to a common standard, Plug&Charge enables interoperability between different charging networks. This means an EV can charge at any compatible station without needing multiple accounts or authentication methods.

Although P&C is the simplest and most secure authentication and authorization method for the EV-drivers, numerous systems of different market roles must communicate with each other in the background and the security of the communication must be guaranteed.

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TLS (Transport Layer Security) is a critical component of the P&C ISO 15118 standard, providing essential security features such as encryption, data integrity, authentication, and confidentiality. These features are fundamental for ensuring the secure and reliable operation of EV charging systems, protecting user data, and building trust in the overall EV ecosystem. TLS governs communication between electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure, for several reasons:

Data Security

TLS ensures that the data transmitted between the EV and the charging station is encrypted. This encryption protects sensitive information such as payment details, user authentication data, and vehicle-specific information from being intercepted and read by unauthorized parties.

Integrity

TLS provides data integrity, ensuring that the messages exchanged between the EV and the charging station are not tampered with during transmission. This is critical for maintaining trust in the communication process and ensuring that both parties are acting on authentic and unaltered information.

Authentication

TLS facilitates mutual authentication between the EV and the charging station. This means that both parties can verify each other's identities, ensuring that the EV is connecting to a legitimate charging station and vice versa. This is essential for preventing fraudulent activities and unauthorized access.

Confidentiality

By encrypting the communication channel, TLS ensures the confidentiality of the data exchanged. This is particularly important for protecting user privacy and preventing sensitive information from being exposed to eaves droppers.

Regulatory Compliance

Implementing TLS helps manufacturers and operators comply with various regulatory and industry standards related to data protection and cybersecurity. This is increasingly important as regulations around data privacy and security become more stringent.

User Trust

Using TLS helps build user trust in the EV charging infrastructure. When users know that their data is being protected by robust security measures, they are more likely to adopt and use EVs and charging services.

Secure Firmware Updates

TLS can also be used to secure firmware updates for both EVs and charging stations, ensuring that updates are delivered securely and are not compromised during the transmission process.

Recently, there have been numerous discussions as to whether TLS should be dispensed with to speed up the start of a charging process. Unfortunately, no reliable measurements have been carried out in this regard, but assumptions have been made.

Hubject has a specialized team offering interoperability testing for Vehicle (EV) and charging station (EVSE) manufacturer as well as charge point operators (CPOs) running their own charge point management system (CPMS) to prevent any interoperability and conformance issues in the field. Many well-known companies have used this service to support their software/hardware launch activates. (https://www.hubject.com/ecosystem-overview)

Providing these services Hubject was able to obtain many logs files with various EVSE and EV combination. Fig. 2 shows a real live example of a Plug&Charge session between a BMW X1e and a IoCharger IOCAH30 charger. The real measurements show that the estimation for the TLS handshake and for the contract validation are approximately 170% too high. In absolute numbers the TLS handshake takes just 1,52 seconds but gains a significant security boost (see TLS advantages mentioned above) in comparison to all other charging protocols like DIN Spec 70121 (DC charging) or IEC 61851 (AC charging).

The future of e-mobility (electric mobility) is poised to introduce a variety of innovative services that will enhance the convenience, efficiency, and integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into everyday life. Here are some of the key services expected to emerge:

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Integration

• Bidirectional Charging: EVs will be able to not only draw power from the grid but also supply power back to it. This can help stabilize the grid during peak demand times and provide additional income for EV owners.
• Energy Management: V2G technology will enable more sophisticated energy management systems, allowing for better integration of renewable energy sources and reducing the overall carbon footprint.

Smart Charging Solutions

• Dynamic Pricing: Charging stations will offer dynamic pricing based on demand, time of day, and grid conditions, encouraging users to charge during off-peak hours.
• Automated Charging Scheduling: EVs will automatically schedule their charging sessions to optimize for cost and grid impact, ensuring they are charged when electricity is cheapest and most abundant.

Wireless Charging

• Inductive Charging: Wireless (inductive) charging pads installed in parking spaces and garages will allow EVs to charge without needing to plug in. This technology will enhance convenience and reduce wear on charging connectors.
• In-Motion Charging: Experimental technologies are exploring the possibility of charging EVs while they are in motion on specially equipped roads, further extending their range and reducing downtime.

Integrated Mobility Platforms

• Multi-Modal Transportation: Platforms that integrate various modes of transportation (e.g., EVs, e-bikes, public transit) will offer seamless journey planning and payment solutions, enhancing the convenience of sustainable travel.
• Subscription Services: Users will have access to subscription-based models for various types of vehicles, allowing for flexibility in choosing the right mode of transport for different needs without the commitment of ownership.

Autonomous Driving and Shared Mobility

• Autonomous Ride-Sharing: Fully autonomous EVs will offer ride-sharing services, reducing the need for private car ownership and optimizing urban transportation.
• Self-Parking and Charging: Autonomous vehicles will be able to park and charge themselves, improving the efficiency of urban space usage and ensuring that EVs are always ready for use.

Advanced Navigation and Connectivity

• Route Optimization: Advanced navigation systems will optimize routes based on real-time traffic, weather, and charging station availability, ensuring efficient travel and reduced range anxiety.
• Connected Car Services: EVs will be integrated with smart home systems and IoT devices, enabling features like pre-conditioning the cabin temperature, remote diagnostics, and maintenance scheduling.

E-Mobility Hubs

• Integrated Service Centers: Hubs that combine multiple services such as charging, maintenance, retail, and dining, creating convenient locations for EV users to recharge both their vehicles and themselves.

Personalized User Experiences

• AI and Machine Learning: Personalized recommendations for charging times, routes, and maintenance based on individual driving patterns and preferences.
• Enhanced In-Car Entertainment: Integration of advanced entertainment and productivity services, making time spent in the car more enjoyable and productive.

The future of e-mobility promises a comprehensive ecosystem that not only makes owning and using an EV more convenient and efficient but also integrates them more seamlessly into the broader energy and transportation infrastructure. This all requires a high level of security, and the ISO 15118 with TLS support is so far the best and standardised way to fulfil these requirements.

A more technical description including detailed log files is available on request. If you are interested, please contact info@hubject.com.