AI for EV Users

A User-Centric Approach to Improve Plug & Charge with AI

How Artificial Intelligence can enhance the User Experience at EV Charging

Mika Schröder

Published in

Mercedes-Benz Tech Innovation

7 min readJul 25, 2023

As the electric vehicle (EV) market continues to grow, the importance of a seamless charging experience becomes increasingly evident and Plug & Charge, based on the ISO 15118 standard, has emerged as a game-changing solution. By eliminating the need for physical cards or mobile apps when charging in the public space, Plug & Charge simplifies the charging process for EV owners, offering convenience. However, to fully optimize this system and ensure its widespread adoption, a user-centric approach that harnesses the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is crucial. This article discusses how AI can enhance Plug & Charge, focusing on the optimization of charging time and energy efficiency, as well as the selection of the best charging plans from multiple Electric Mobility Service Providers (eMSPs).

Plug & Charge — Simplifying EV Charging for Users

Plug & Charge revolutionizes the way EVs are charged by streamlining the process. This allows users to simply plug in their vehicles to compatible charging stations, eliminating the need for additional authentication steps. This seamless and effortless charging experience enhances user satisfaction and promotes the adoption of electric vehicles. When the charging session is finished, the payment (ad-hoc or per contract) will automatically be processed in the background. This feature minimizes the necessary interactions with the charging points. Especially due to the multiple manufacturers of charging infrastructure, this also prevents difficulties in handling and shortens the overall charging process, which helps to eliminate two major pain points for EV drivers.

Challenges in Current Implementation

While Plug & Charge offers numerous benefits, its widespread implementation faces challenges. One primary challenge lies in the need for infrastructure upgrades to fully support this system. As more charging stations become Plug & Charge compatible, the ecosystem will mature, leading to an increased adoption. Additionally, collaboration among car manufactures, charging network operators, and regulatory authorities is essential to ensure interoperability and a seamless charging experience across different networks and regions. But with such critical personal and financial data, there are plenty of legal hurdles for all companies involved. As a result, the most important aspect in the use of this technology is ensuring IT security through standards such as ISO 15118 along the car manufacturer (OEM), the charging point operator (CPO), the mobility service provider (eMSP) and the customer. At the same time, in the interest of competition, a free and simple selection of eMSP must be ensured so that the customer can always access any contract, as it is currently possible through various apps or charging cards. The car manufacturers must ensure this free but secure integration and, thus, deal with all CPOs and eMSPs, so the contracts can also be integrated, similarly to the eSIM in mobile phones.

The User at the Core

A user-centric approach is fundamental to the success of Plug & Charge. By understanding the needs, preferences, and pain points of EV owners, the vehicle and charging industries can develop solutions that cater to their requirements. This approach fosters a sense of trust and satisfaction among users, encouraging widespread adoption and long-term brand loyalty.

The Role of AI in Optimizing Plug & Charge

Artificial Intelligence plays a pivotal role in maximizing the benefits of Plug & Charge even though it is not indispensable. The basis for Plug & Charge is the communication of a compatible charging station with the contract installed and certified in the vehicle. A charging process can be automatically authorized and started by the protocols specified in ISO 15118 (Figure 1), just as well without AI. Users can simply plug their car into the respective charging point and the hardware immediately starts communicating. If suitable OEM vehicle certificates and eMSP contracts, installed in the car, match with the EVSE operator certificate in the infrastructure, the authentication and start of the charging session can automatically be done via the cloud, not needing any more user interaction. However, by leveraging AI technologies, charging time and energy efficiency can be optimized, delivering a more sustainable and cost-effective charging experience for users. The technology, thus, takes on the role of an intelligent travel assistant. In addition to the various functions, including charge stop planning which the EQ models for example already reliably feature, Plug & Charge utilizes maximum data usage of car and infrastructure for end customers.

AI-based predictive models for optimizing charging time and energy efficiency

AI-based prediction models analyze a multitude of data points, including user charging patterns, historical energy consumption, weather conditions, and grid load. By processing data from the charging stations as well as local data, AI algorithms can accurately forecast optimal charging times, considering factors such as energy prices, renewable energy availability, and peak demand periods. This predictive ability empowers EV owners to plan their charging sessions intelligently, ensuring their vehicles are charged at the most convenient times while minimizing load on the grid. Vice versa, charge point operators can benefit from these charging patterns and can better plan the energy demand for their sites. When planning to go to a charging station the driver can see the time an individual charging point will be occupied as well as the time at which the point will become available again, therefore, being able to plan his route knowing he will be able to fast charge upon arrival.

Optimal selection of charging contracts

The expansion of eMSPs offers users a range of charging plans and subscription options. However, navigating through this complex landscape to find the most suitable plan can be daunting for EV owners. Therefore, user-centric AI algorithms can analyze individual preferences, historical charging data, and real-time pricing information from multiple eMSPs to recommend the most cost-effective and personalized charging plans. By providing an automatic transparency in the jungle of charging service contracts, this not only simplifies the decision-making process for users but also promotes healthy competition among eMSPs to offer competitive pricing and innovative services. Especially when using so-called smart contracts with dynamic pricing, e.g. depending on the time of day or charging power, controlled to support the grid, AI-supported prediction can easily resolve these complex structures. Smart contracts offer great benefits to the customers too, especially when being featured in a most luxurious and individual way that every driver can wish for.

The Benefits for the Car and Charging Industries

By embracing a user-centric approach and integrating AI into Plug & Charge systems, the automotive and charging industries stand to benefit in several ways:

Differentiation and Competitive Edge: Vehicle manufacturers that prioritize user experience and invest in AI-driven charging solutions can gain a competitive advantage by offering a unique and seamless charging experience.
Enhanced Customer Loyalty: By prioritizing user satisfaction and convenience, the car industry can foster strong brand loyalty, leading to repeat purchases and positive brand associations.
Expanded Market Opportunities: As Plug & Charge with AI becomes the standard for EV charging, early adopters can penetrate new markets where charging infrastructure is well-established and EV demand is high.
Future-Proofing: With the EV market’s continued growth, embracing Plug & Charge with AI ensures that auto manufacturers stay at the forefront of industry developments and cater to the evolving needs of EV owners.

Conclusion

As the EV market accelerates, a user-centric approach to charging solutions becomes essential. Plug & Charge, combined with the power of AI, offers great potential for the car and charging industries. By optimizing charging time and energy efficiency through AI-based prediction models and simplifying the selection of charging plans from multiple eMSPs, it creates a seamless and personalized charging experience for EV owners. Embracing this user-centric approach not only ensures customer satisfaction but also positions auto manufacturers and charging infrastructure providers as leaders in the transition towards a sustainable and electric future.