ISO 15118
ISO 15118 is a multi-part international standard for high-level communication between an electric vehicle and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). It defines messages and use cases that can coordinate charging, identify contracts, exchange schedules, and support functions such as Plug & Charge and bidirectional energy transfer.
What the standard covers
ISO 15118 is not a connector standard and is not the protocol between a charge point and its management system. The physical connector, electrical charging system, vehicle-to-EVSE communication, backend connection, and mobility contract are separate compatibility layers.
Different parts and editions cover different functions. ISO 15118-2 defines the first-generation network and application protocol requirements. ISO 15118-20 defines a newer generation with additional charging and bidirectional-power-transfer capabilities. A vehicle or charger described only as ISO 15118 compatible may therefore support a limited part, edition, or feature set rather than every capability in the series. ISO 15118-1:2019 — General information and use-case definition ISO 15118-2:2014 — Network and application protocol requirements ISO 15118-20:2022 — Second-generation network and application requirements
Plug & Charge is one ISO 15118 use case, not a synonym for the entire standard. It also depends on certificates, trust infrastructure, operator integration, and an eligible charging contract. For the complete communication chain and the difference between vehicle, charger, backend, roaming, authorization, and payment protocols, see EV Charging Protocols and Services.