EV charging technology evolves rapidly. New standards for communication, bidirectional charging, and grid integration are transforming how chargers work and what they can do.
Understanding these emerging standards helps you make future-proof installation decisions today.
New compliance updates and connection codes
ISO 15118, known as “Road vehicles – Vehicle to grid communication interface,” is an international standard outlining the communication protocol between EVs and charging infrastructure, including smart grids.
From January 1, 2027, all new or renovated public and private chargers must support EN ISO 15118-20:2022, the version enabling Plug & Charge plus bidirectional charging. It isn’t optional for new installations after that date. Compliance becomes mandatory across the UK and EU.
With the decision to adopt ISO 15118, this smart charging function is expected to be used as a standardised method from 2025. Several manufacturers already implement it in current models.
Plug & Charge capability eliminates authentication hassles. Plug & Charge automates authentication and authorisation, eliminating the need for driver intervention. Simply plug in to start charging. Drive your e-car to the charging station, connect the car and charging station with the cable, and you’re done. No apps, no RFID cards, no payment terminals.
Supported vehicles include model year 2021 Porsche Taycan, Mercedes-Benz EQS, Lucid Air, and Ford Mustang Mach-E; model year 2024 support includes BMW i4, i5, i7, iX, Ioniq 5 (2025), and Hyundai Ioniq 6. More manufacturers are adding support with each model year.
The system uses digital certificates located in the vehicle, allowing communication with the charge point management system (CPMS) for seamless end-to-end charging, including automatic authentication and billing. The vehicle and charger exchange certificates automatically, identifying the user and payment method without manual intervention.
V2G regulatory requirements introduce bidirectional capabilities. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality becomes mandatory for new commercial charge point installations rated above 22kW from March 2025. Workplace charging infrastructure must support bidirectional energy transfer protocols, enabling electric vehicles to supply power back to the grid during peak demand periods.
Home installations gain optional V2G pathways with government incentives for early adoption. Home charge point installations gain optional V2G compliance pathways, with government incentives available for early adoption.
Dynamic load management evolves beyond basic scheduling. Dynamic load management evolves from basic peak-time restrictions to sophisticated real-time grid balancing algorithms; charge points must respond to grid frequency variations within 2 seconds. This real-time response helps grid operators maintain system stability as renewable generation creates more supply variability.
Building Regulations Part S sets new construction standards. Part S came into force in England on June 15, 2022, requiring new residential buildings with parking to provide EV charging provisions. Charging equipment must be at least Mode 3, with a power capability of at least 7kW, with a universal outlet, supplied by a dedicated circuit. Price cap of £3,600 ensures EV charger installation isn’t excessively expensive for new residential buildings. If costs exceed the cap, developers must install cable routes for future chargers.
Smart Charge Points Regulations mandate connected functionality. Since June 30, 2022, all new home chargers must be smart per The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021. Mandated features include: interoperable smart functionality enabling integration with smart grid for load curtailment, demand side response services capability, and pre-set default charging times for off-peak usage with suitable user override.
Related topic: Integration of EV chargers with smart metering systems
Smart charger interoperability standards
OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is considered the de facto standard for charging infrastructure interoperability among equipment manufacturers, software providers, charging network operators, and research organisations. OCPP was developed by the Open Charge Alliance (OCA) for the EV infrastructure market, proven to optimise cost and minimise risk of networked infrastructure investments.
OCPP version progression reflects increasing sophistication. OCPP 1.6 supports extension of ISO 15118 (Plug & Charge), known as OCPP 1.6+. OCPP 2.0.1, released in 2020, offers new features, including support for ISO 15118 (Plug and Charge), enhanced security, and improved overall performance. OCPP 2.1 is the new version expected to be released in Q1 2025, bringing further enhancements.
OCPP provides flexibility for infrastructure operators to be equipment-agnostic, allowing easy switching between backend management systems without replacing physical chargers. This prevents vendor lock-in and protects long-term investment.
Commercial installations should prioritise OCPP 2.0.1 or newer for central management of multiple chargers, integration with existing business systems, future-proofing as standards evolve, and flexibility to change backend management software without hardware replacement.
ISO 15118 structure supports comprehensive communication. Part 1 defines terms and use cases covering all seven layers; Part 2 forms the standard’s core, where all application layer messages concerning EV charging communication are explained in detail. Part 3 deals with the lowest two layers—physical and data link layers —meant for wired charging, where higher-level communication is established.
Interoperability ensures universal compatibility. By establishing a standard communication protocol, ISO 15118 ensures interoperability between different EVs and charging infrastructure, promoting the wide-scale adoption of EVs. The standard is designed to be forward-compatible, accommodating future technological advancements in EV charging and grid integration.
Without interoperability standards, you’d need different chargers for different vehicle brands or a subscription to multiple charging networks. Standardisation creates the seamless experience users expect, similar to how any phone works with any cellular network.
OCPI enables roaming between charging networks. OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface) is designed for exchanging information about charge points between charge point operators and e-mobility service providers to enable scalable and automated EV roaming. This allows you to charge at any participating network using your home charging network’s account, with automatic billing and authentication.
Home users don’t need OCPI—it’s primarily relevant for public charging infrastructure. But understanding these standards helps you recognise which chargers support future capabilities and which remain limited to proprietary systems.
Integration with renewable sources
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) create bidirectional energy flow. ISO 15118 enables bidirectional energy flow, allowing EVs to draw and supply power back to the grid. V2H (vehicle-to-home) can cover household demand for several days; V2G feeds surplus electricity to the entire grid.
Bidirectional charging is said to have great potential in various areas: from increasing self-demand optimisation and self-sufficiency in the private sector (V2H) to providing balancing power and neighbourhood supply during blackouts (V2G).
V2H lets your EV power your home during grid outages or expensive peak periods. Vehicles with large battery capacity (60-100kWh) could power an average home for multiple days. During periods of high load, V2G bidirectional charging would ensure the electricity grid is relieved; in the future, electric car drivers could even be financially rewarded for implementing this variant.
Government support accelerates V2G deployment. A £12.6m innovation programme was launched in March 2022 to address V2X deployment barriers by 2025. This funding supports technical development, reduces consumer barriers, and makes V2G commercially viable.
V2G functionality becomes mandatory for new commercial charge points rated above 22kW from March 2025. This requirement drives infrastructure development and encourages vehicle manufacturers to add V2G capability to new models.
Smart grid integration optimises renewable energy use. ISO 15118 supports smart charging strategies considering grid load, energy prices, and renewable energy availability. When wind power is abundant at night, chargers automatically increase charging rates. When solar generation peaks midday, chargers prioritise this cheap renewable energy.
Smart charging enables easier integration of renewable energy sources, supporting the seamless addition of wind and solar power to the grid. EVs become mobile storage, helping balance supply and demand as renewable generation varies with weather conditions.
Demand response programs compensate for flexibility. Smart charging enables participation in demand response programs, where charging adjusts based on grid needs to prevent overloads and efficiently use energy resources. Grid operators pay you for allowing them to control charging during extreme demand events. Your vehicle still charges, just with timing adjusted by the grid operator rather than you.
Charge points must respond to grid frequency variations within 2 seconds and participate in automated demand reduction schemes during grid stress events. This rapid response prevents cascading grid failures during emergencies while maintaining essential services.
Solar and battery integration creates energy independence. Smart chargers integrate with solar panels and home batteries. The charger prioritises solar generation first (cheapest), then home battery discharge if solar is insufficient (second cheapest), and finally grid import only when necessary (most expensive). This maximises self-consumption and minimises grid dependence.
Combined with V2H capability, your EV becomes part of a complete home energy system. Solar panels charge your home battery and EV during the day. The EV powers your home during the evening peak. Grid import only covers gaps when local generation and storage are exhausted.
Future-ready infrastructure planning
IEC standards development continues beyond ISO 15118. IEC 63110 and IEC 63119 standards are expected 2025-2027 for bidirectional power flow and grid code support features. These standards will define technical requirements for advanced grid services, such as fast frequency response and integration with renewable sources.
The standards development process involves international coordination between ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation), IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), and regional bodies like CENELEC in Europe. Published standards progress from ISO/IEC international level to European adoption, sometimes causing significant delays.
Communication protocol evolution supports increasing complexity. ISO 15118-20 brings major architectural changes requiring a strong software-defined Linux-based architecture. Many current AC chargers running on low-cost microcontrollers cannot support ISO 15118-20. Upgrades need more powerful processors, increased memory, and PLC (Powerline Communication) modems for high-level communication.
All new or renovated public chargers must support ISO 15118-1 to -5; all new or renovated public and private chargers must support EN ISO 15118-20:2022 from January 1, 2027. This creates a clear upgrade deadline for existing infrastructure.
Cybersecurity becomes critical for connected systems. Requirements cover cybersecurity, grid stability, data security and privacy, as well as interoperability with Demand Side Response service providers. Connected chargers become potential entry points for cyberattacks on home networks or grid infrastructure.
ISO 15118-20 includes enhanced security mechanisms using cryptographic certificates and public key infrastructure (PKI) for authentication. These security layers protect payment information, prevent unauthorised vehicle charging, and secure communication between vehicles and charging infrastructure.
Compatibility testing ensures real-world interoperability. Without robust testing, certification delays or failures could cost months in time-to-market—and possibly entire market segments. The industry runs regular interoperability testing events where vehicle manufacturers and charger manufacturers test their equipment together.
With hundreds of new EV models expected by 2027, compatibility can’t be guaranteed by ad-hoc testing. Formal testing protocols verify that any vehicle can charge at any compliant charger without communication failures or safety issues.
Future capabilities require planning today. Installing chargers meeting current minimum standards risks obsolescence as new capabilities become mandatory. Consider these factors when selecting equipment:
OCPP 2.0.1 or newer support ensures backend management flexibility. ISO 15118 readiness (even if your current vehicle doesn’t support it) protects against future vehicle upgrades. Sufficient processing power and memory for firmware updates allow adding features remotely without hardware replacement. Bidirectional capability or upgrade path prepares for V2G adoption.
By 2025, governments mandate all new EV chargers be connected, with UK legislation already active and EU/US expected soon. Connected functionality isn’t optional—it’s becoming legally required for new installations.
Energy management systems integrate multiple technologies. Modern home energy systems combine solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, heat pumps, and smart appliances. Coordination between these systems maximises efficiency and minimises costs. The EN 50491-12 standard (expected after 2026) will define the integration of EVs into Energy Management Systems (EMS) for large-scale smart charging with improved interoperability.
Installing an EV charger today that can’t integrate with future home energy systems limits your options. Look for chargers supporting standard communication protocols and open APIs allowing third-party integration.
Grid connection codes evolve with EV adoption. Distribution Network Operators update connection requirements as EV adoption increases local network loads. Some areas now require load management systems for multiple chargers or high-power installations. Future requirements might mandate V2G capability for grid support services or restrict charging during peak periods without smart scheduling.
Stay informed about your DNO’s evolving requirements. What’s acceptable today might need upgrades tomorrow as network constraints develop in your area.
Regulatory landscape continues evolving. Applicants shall ensure that the infrastructure’s processor and memory have sufficient resources, or can be upgraded in the future, to support simultaneous use of multiple standard versions across all communication interfaces. This forward-compatibility requirement appears in public infrastructure specifications but applies equally to home installations wanting long-term viability.
Choosing equipment that can adapt to changing standards through firmware updates protects your investment. Hardware-limited chargers become obsolete when new requirements exceed their capabilities.
Planning future-proof EV charging infrastructure? Diligent Electrical Contractors stays current with emerging standards and recommends equipment meeting both current requirements and future developments. We install chargers supporting ISO 15118, OCPP 2.0.1, and smart grid integration across London. Our installations position you for upcoming capabilities like V2G and Plug & Charge. Contact us for forward-thinking EV charging solutions.