Short answer: A digital certificate stored in your car that automatically identifies you and authorizes payment when you plug into a compatible charger.
Explanation
A Plug & Charge certificate is a cryptographic credential installed in your car's communication module. When you plug into a charger that supports ISO 15118 Plug & Charge, the car and charger exchange certificates to verify identity and authorize the session. No app, no card, no screen interaction needed.
Think of it like a digital passport for your car. The certificate links your vehicle to your charging account and payment method. Certificate management is handled by a Certificate Provisioning Service, and platforms like Hubject manage the trust chain that makes cross-network Plug & Charge possible.
Setting up a Plug & Charge certificate usually involves registering through your car manufacturer's app or portal and linking a payment method. Once installed, it works automatically at any compatible charger. Not all cars and not all networks support this yet, but adoption is growing steadily.
Where you'll see this
- In charging network apps
Common confusion
People sometimes think Plug & Charge works everywhere automatically. It requires both the car and the charger to support ISO 15118 with Plug & Charge, plus the certificate must be set up through your car's ecosystem.
Example
A BMW owner sets up Plug & Charge through the My BMW app, linking their Ionity account. From then on, plugging into any Ionity station starts and bills the session automatically.
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