Aral introduces Plug&Charge service throughout Germany

The new technology lets EV drivers charge their cars without the need of an app or charging card at more than 500 ultra-fast charging points.

Aral has unveiled its latest “Plug&Charge” service for EV drivers across Germany. The new technology will let customers charge their vehicles without needing to use an app or a charging card to plug the charging cable into their electric cars.

"Plug in the cable, charge up, drive off: The new Plug&Charge technology simplifies charging at our Aral pulse ultrafast charging stations enormously. The communication between all parties involved is encrypted and our customers' data is thus secure," said Alexander Junge, board member and responsible for the electromobility division of Aral.

The company will deploy the technology at its network of over 500 ultra-fast charging points throughout the country. Thanks to encrypted communication, the station can identify the connected EV and the existing charging contract to start the charging process within a short time. Once the charge is completed, the payment is fulfilled based on the contract that EV drivers have with their e-mobility service provider. The service provider establishes the connection between the driver and the charging station operator.

"In the medium term, the technology will become widespread and Aral pulse is playing a pioneering role in this. There is practically no easier way to charge your own e-car," added Alexander Junge.

All e-mobilists whose e-vehicle has the appropriate pre-equipment and whose e-mobility provider supports this technology in accordance with the ISO 15118 standard can use Plug&Charge at Aral pulse. ISO 15118 Road vehicles is an international standard that establishes vehicle to grid communication for charging and discharging electric vehicles.