Learn about the plug and charge technology and see how it simplifies the charging experience.

Grzegorz is the Head of Development in Solidstudio and he has spent quite a few years here. He’s a skilled software developer that had a chance to work on numerous eMobility-related projects for clients from many different countries.

Grzegorz Bar

No matter if you build charging infrastructure, run an eMobility platform, or manage a fleet, the biggest friction point is usually the charging process. Complexity, fragmented systems, and clunky user experiences frustrate drivers and can slow down growth.

This evolving standard makes charging electric vehicles as simple as plugging in and walking away. No apps. No RFID cards. Just a secure, automated exchange between the vehicle, the charger, and the backend systems.

In this article, we’ll break down what Plug and Charge really is, how ISO 15118 powers it, and what it means for operators, EMPs, CPOs, and developers building EV services that actually scale.

) is a secure EV charging technology that lets drivers start a charging session simply by plugging in their vehicle without cards, apps, or manual authorization.

Everything happens automatically. The vehicle and the charging station recognize each other through a secure exchange of certificates. The system verifies the user, authenticates the charging contract, and initiates the session, all in a few seconds.

If you manage EV fleets, operate charge points, or offer mobility services, it’s a step forward in making the charging process easier, reducing support tickets, and delivering a frictionless experience at scale.

 between EVs, charge points, and platforms

It’s a smarter, faster way to handle the entire charging session, and it’s quickly becoming a standard across modern charging networks.

At a glance, Plug and Charge looks simple: you plug in the vehicle, and the charging starts automatically. But a lot is happening behind the scenes to make that seamless experience possible.

The whole process is built on the ISO 15118 standard, which handles secure communication between the EV and the charging station. Here's what happens during a typical Plug and Charge charging session:

As soon as the cable is plugged in, the car and charger start a secure data exchange.

The car holds a contract certificate tied to the driver’s charging provider (eMSP), and the station has its own EVSE certificate. These are used to verify identity and permissions without any manual action.

If the certificates check out, the charging process begins. The vehicle draws power, and the session is linked to the correct user for billing.

From start to finish, the system protects the integrity of the data; there are no exposed credentials or third-party interference.

What makes this powerful is how it connects every part of the EV charging ecosystem: vehicles, charging networks, and backend platforms, without adding complexity for the user. Drivers don’t have to do anything beyond plugging in, and you can trust that authentication, session tracking, and billing are handled securely in the background.

 relies on the ISO 15118 plug and charge standard, which enables secure, automated communication between electric vehicles and charging stations.

It lays the groundwork for encrypted data exchange, seamless driver authentication, and full interoperability across hardware and networks. 

, shaping much of what’s possible in modern EV infrastructure.

Plug and Charge is a secure identity system built around 

Each vehicle stores a contract certificate issued by the driver’s eMobility Service Provider (eMSP). When the car connects to a charging station, the charger verifies this certificate against its own credentials, typically an EVSE certificate. If everything checks out, the charging session begins without the driver doing a thing.

This exchange is handled using Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), ensuring that:

Only authorized users can start a session

Billing is accurate and tied to the correct account

All communication remains encrypted and tamper-proof

The result? Trust between the EV, the charge point, and the backend system without manual input or additional hardware.

For operators, this means fewer failed sessions and better data integrity across the entire charging process.

, introduced by Hubject, helps standardize how Plug and Charge is implemented across the industry.

By defining open interfaces for certificate exchange, OPCP improves interoperability between EVs, charge points, and service providers, making it easier to roll out Plug and Charge at scale.

It supports key features like multi-contract handling, role-based authentication, and compatibility with ISO 15118-20, all while reducing vendor lock-in.

Plug and Charge helps solve real problems for EV businesses. Drivers don’t need to fumble with cards or apps, and backend systems don’t have to manage as many moving parts.

 It reduces failed sessions, lowers support load, and makes billing more reliable, all without changing the physical setup.

 The user is automatically identified at the plug-in, which means fewer identification issues and smoother session tracking.

 It simplifies charging by tying everything to the vehicle itself; no need to issue RFID tags or manage multiple accounts per driver.

In short, it cuts complexity for everyone involved, from the car to the backend platform.

Bring Plug and Charge into your EV operations

As more networks and vehicles adopt ISO 15118, Plug and Charge is quickly shifting from a nice-to-have to a baseline expectation. If you're building out charging infrastructure, managing roaming partnerships, or scaling an eMobility platform, now’s the time to start thinking about long-term compatibility.

Solidstudio’s platforms already support Plug and Charge capabilities built around secure certificate handling, session automation, and ISO 15118 compliance. If you're exploring how to integrate this into your setup or want to see how it works in practice, we're happy to show you around.

 to see how it all fits together in real environments.

Discover how Plug and Charge simplifies EV charging. Learn how ISO 15118 ensures secure, seamless sessions across networks, charge points, and vehicles

What Is Plug and Charge? ISO 15118 EV Charging Explained

Learn about demand-responsive transport and see how it impacts the passengers and commute.

Experienced content writer with over 6 years of experience in the energy sector and many industry-related publications released.

Gabriela Stawiarska

Running transport in today’s cities and rural regions is a balancing act. Operators struggle with low ridership on fixed routes, municipalities face pressure to deliver accessible services without ballooning budgets, and passengers increasingly expect on-demand convenience.

 comes in. By matching vehicles to real-time passenger demand, it shifts transport from rigid schedules to flexible, data-driven mobility.

For operators, DRT means fewer empty miles and more efficient use of fleets. For municipalities, it offers scalable coverage in both dense urban zones and sparsely populated rural areas. And for passengers, it delivers a sustainable 

, one that adapts to their needs rather than forcing them into a fixed timetable.

Demand responsive transport (DRT), sometimes called 

, is a mobility model where vehicles adjust their routes and schedules based on real-time passenger demand. Unlike fixed-route services such as regular bus lines that run on a set timetable, DRT services operate flexibly: vehicles pick up and drop off passengers where and when they’re needed.

Booking or request platforms (apps, call centers, or online portals).

Dynamic routing technology that identifies the most efficient route.

Flexible fleets typically include minibuses, vans, or shared vehicles that can operate economically in both urban and rural areas.

This flexibility makes DRT particularly valuable in situations where traditional public transport struggles:

Rural communities with low demand and dispersed populations.

Urban areas during off-peak hours or outside main bus lines.

Specialized use cases, such as non-emergency medical transport or community transport schemes.

Demand-responsive transport sits between fixed-route public transport and private vehicles, offering a sustainable middle ground that adapts to passenger demand in real time.

How eMobility fits into demand-responsive transport

Demand-responsive transport is increasingly powered by electric vehicles, and that changes how the system needs to be managed. Unlike diesel fleets, electric DRT fleets must account for charging, energy costs, and availability in real time.

This is where CPOs, EMPs, and CPMS platforms become essential:

 ensure vehicles have access to charging infrastructure along flexible routes.

 manage payments, tariffs, and roaming, enabling operators to scale services across cities or regions.

By combining demand-responsive algorithms with eMobility platforms, operators gain a holistic view:

Fleet efficiency → vehicles are dispatched based on demand 

Cost optimization → dynamic tariffs and energy management reduce operational costs.

Sustainability impact → fewer empty miles and lower emissions, supporting municipal climate goals.

DRT and eMobility together form a software-driven mobility model that adapts to passenger and energy demand, as well as charging availability. This creates a scalable and sustainable alternative to traditional fixed-route services.

DRT replaces fixed timetables with real-time coordination. Instead of sending out half-empty buses on predetermined routes, vehicles are dispatched only when and where passengers request them.

The model relies on interconnected layers:

Riders book trips via apps, call centers, or online portals.

Requests are logged instantly, giving operators visibility into passenger demand.

Algorithms calculate the most efficient route, pooling trips where possible.

Vehicles adapt routes mid-journey, picking up and dropping off passengers at designated points or even door-to-door.

This digital backbone transforms DRT into a scalable mobility service:

Operators can balance fleet size against demand.

Municipalities can provide coverage in both dense urban areas and sparsely populated rural regions without overspending.

Passengers experience reliable, flexible mobility without needing a personal vehicle.

DRT works by combining real-time passenger demand data with software-enabled fleet management, ensuring that vehicles operate efficiently while staying aligned with both transport and energy infrastructures.

The DRT is already operational in many cities and regions worldwide. While models vary, the common thread is flexible routing matched to passenger demand.

 allows passengers to book trips by phone or app. Vehicles then pool requests and adapt routes in real time. These schemes are particularly useful in peri-urban areas and rural communities, where fixed routes are often underused.

In many regions, community transport services supplement regular bus lines. They are designed for older users, low-mobility groups, or areas with low demand, and often integrate with municipal CPMS/EMP platforms to ensure ticketing and payments align with the wider transport system.

3. Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT)

Healthcare providers and municipalities increasingly turn to DRT to manage NEMT. Patients can book trips in advance, vehicles optimize routes for multiple pick-ups and drop-offs, and integration with operator dashboards ensures compliance, safety, and billing transparency.

In many cities, DRT schemes are deployed as feeder services to traditional bus or metro lines. During rush hours, they help distribute passenger demand more evenly; outside peak hours, they provide coverage without running empty vehicles.

Some DRT providers offer door-to-door or corporate shuttle-style services. By integrating with EMP platforms, these can operate across borders, connect to eRoaming networks, and leverage dynamic tariffs for cost optimization.

Do DRT services work? Evaluating effectiveness

The short answer: yes, but context matters. Demand-responsive transport is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its effectiveness depends on where it’s deployed, how it’s integrated, and whether operators leverage technology to optimize it.

Where the demand-responsive transport system works well

Urban areas → as a supplement to fixed-route bus and metro lines, especially during off-peak hours or in zones underserved by regular public transport.

Rural communities → providing mobility in sparsely populated areas where running traditional bus services is inefficient.

Specialized use cases → including non-emergency medical transport, school routes, and community schemes.

A good example comes from Wales, where fixed bus routes in rural areas were often running nearly empty and draining local budgets. To address this, Transport for Wales launched Fflecsi, a demand-responsive transport service where passengers book trips by app or phone, and minibuses adjust routes in real time.

In Ruthin, the program introduced an electric 16-seat minibus, which cut costs compared to diesel services and supported local sustainability goals. Within its first year, Fflecsi delivered over 50,000 trips and attracted higher ridership, especially among younger passengers.

Quoting David Carnero, Head of International Business at Padam (DRT tech across Europe, Asia, and North America), “DRT is not the holy grail at all, but it is a component within an integrated transport policy or network offering that allows you to deliver against things like social exclusion.” [

Operators: Lower costs per passenger by matching fleet size to demand, plus real-time data for route optimization.

Municipalities: More efficient coverage without funding underutilized fixed routes, contributing to sustainable mobility goals.

Passengers: Flexible routing, shorter waits, and in many cases, door-to-door or designated pick-up point service.

Low demand areas: DRT may struggle if passenger numbers are too low to pool trips effectively.

Fleet management: Requires software-enabled coordination — without platforms like CPMS/EMP systems, operations can become fragmented.

Safety and accessibility: Ensuring reliability for older users and vulnerable groups requires oversight and standards.

Funding models: Municipalities need to balance subsidies with realistic fare structures.

Traditional public transport runs on fixed timetables and fixed routes, an efficient model when demand is high and predictable. But in rural or peri-urban areas, this often leads to half-empty buses, high operating costs, and limited flexibility.

In contrast, demand-responsive transport adapts to real-time passenger demand. Vehicles alter routes dynamically, pooling multiple requests into the most efficient journey. This means operators can right-size fleet deployment and municipalities can maintain coverage without subsidizing underutilized bus lines.

For decades, the main alternative to public transport has been the private vehicle. But car ownership is costly for individuals, contributes to congestion, and undermines sustainability goals.

DRT services offer a middle ground: more flexible than fixed-route buses, but far more efficient than everyone driving their own car. In many cities, DRT schemes have shown they can reduce reliance on private cars, particularly when integrated with first/last-mile feeder services to major transit hubs. For municipalities, this translates into lower emissions and fewer cars on the road.

The most successful DRT schemes don’t operate in isolation — they work as part of the wider public transport system. In this role, DRT often acts as a feeder service: connecting passengers from sparsely populated areas or peri-urban zones to major bus lines or metro stations.

For operators, this integration relies heavily on technology. EMP/eMSP platforms manage booking and payments, while CPMS and CPO platforms help coordinate charging for electric DRT fleets. Together, these ensure DRT is not just an add-on, but a seamless layer in a multimodal network, bridging the gap between traditional public transport and private mobility.

Comparison of demand-responsiveness by type

In urban areas, DRT supplements traditional transit. It’s most effective during off-peak hours or in underserved districts, providing feeder services to metro lines or bus corridors. The challenge lies in competing with taxis and ride-hailing apps, so integration with public transport systems is critical.

In rural areas, DRT often replaces underused fixed bus routes altogether. Here, the value is clear: fewer empty miles, sustainable coverage for sparsely populated areas, and essential access for older users or those without private cars. Rural DRT is typically subsidized but can still reduce overall costs compared to maintaining fixed timetables.

Journey-based DRT: Offers true door-to-door service, common in community transport and medical transport. It maximizes convenience but can be harder to scale.

Stop-based DRT: Uses designated pick-up points to streamline routing and pooling efficiency. This hybrid model is more scalable and reduces detours, striking a balance between convenience and cost.

The very nature of DRT requires smart fleet management.

Manual planning: Often seen in smaller-scale community schemes, but it limits efficiency and scalability.

Technology-driven dispatch: Modern DRT relies on routing algorithms, vehicle telemetry, and integration with CPMS/EMP platforms. This ensures vehicles are dispatched only when needed, routes are optimized for demand, and EV fleets account for charging availability.

DRT is only viable at scale because of software. Without digital platforms, dispatch would be too complex to manage dynamically.

Passengers book trips through apps, call centers, or web portals. These requests feed into operator dashboards and can integrate with EMP/eMSP systems for seamless payment and ticketing.

Algorithms calculate the most efficient route in real time, pooling passengers, balancing fleet capacity, and minimizing empty miles. Advanced models also consider charging needs for EVs, integrating CPMS data to avoid downtime.

Operators rely on telematics for fleet visibility, including real-time location, occupancy, and state of charge. Safety features such as driver monitoring and route auditing protect both passengers and operators.

Demand responsive transport (DRT) cuts costs, scales services, and enables sustainable mobility. Learn how operators and cities benefit from this flexible model.

Demand-Responsive Transport Explained Simply

Explore Charging-as-a-Service and learn how to reduce costs, speed rollout, and boost scalability.

Aldona is a Content Manager whose ultimate goal is to tell you a good story, not compromising on the knowledge-sharing part.

Aldona Krysiak-Adamczyk

For many businesses, offering electric vehicle charging sounds like a growth opportunity until they face the reality of permits, hardware choices, software integration, and long-term maintenance. That complexity is exactly why Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS) is gaining traction.

In this guide, we’ll unpack what CaaS really means, the models behind it, and why it’s becoming the go-to approach for fleets and service providers. You’ll also find answers to the most common EV charging questions your customers are already asking.

Charging-as-a-Service is a business model where a specialist provider delivers the entire 

, including hardware, software, operations, and support, as an ongoing service. Instead of building and managing infrastructure themselves, companies can offer charging under their own brand by licensing 

In practice, CaaS gives businesses and fleet operators:

 – stations, software, payment handling, and user apps.

 – operate under their own brand while relying on proven technology.

 – from network monitoring and load balancing to customer billing and maintenance.

For operators, this model removes the technical and operational barriers to entering the EV market. It enables faster rollouts, ensures consistent performance, and creates a scalable way to add charging services without becoming an infrastructure company.

EV fleet operators are under pressure to electrify quickly, but managing charging in-house can be overwhelming. From site analysis and permits to grid connections, hardware procurement, and 24/7 maintenance, each step introduces delays and costs.

That’s why many are adopting fleet charging as a service

 With this model, a provider takes on the complexity and delivers:

Optimized EV charging infrastructure, tailored depot setups, or mobile EV charging units that match route patterns and vehicle mix.

, balancing energy use across chargers to prevent downtime and manage electricity costs.

White-label platforms that allow operators, utilities, or service providers to offer branded charging services without developing custom software.

Operational efficiency and reliability with 

, automated alerts, and integrated payments keep fleets running smoothly.

For logistics, transit, and corporate fleets, the value is clear: electric vehicles stay charged, operations stay predictable, and the business can scale electrification without bottlenecks.

Charging-as-a-Service isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. Depending on the use case, businesses and fleet operators can choose from several models, each of which can be delivered through 

 that allow companies to brand the service as their own.

Depot charging is essential for fleets that return to a base, such as logistics, delivery, and transit operators. These setups include:

High-capacity infrastructure designed around fleet size and route schedules.

Smart load management to distribute power across multiple vehicles efficiently.

Data-driven optimization for energy use, downtime, and vehicle availability.

, fleets can run their own branded charging ecosystem, complete with driver apps, billing systems, and monitoring dashboards, without developing the technology in-house.

Not every fleet or business needs fixed infrastructure. Mobile EV charging enables fast deployment in areas where building permanent infrastructure isn’t feasible.

Ideal for seasonal or temporary fleet's charging operations.

Enables on-demand charging during peak usage or route disruptions.

Reduces the risk of stranded vehicles in low-infrastructure regions.

With white-label CaaS, service providers can operate mobile charging units under their brand, while relying on licensed platforms for payments, roaming, and session tracking.

Beyond fleets, workplaces and retail hubs are adding EV charging to improve customer experience and generate new revenue.

Employee and visitor charging improves retention and brand positioning.

 can use charging to increase dwell time and engagement.

Hospitality and real estate operators gain a competitive advantage by offering branded charging services.

Here, white-label licensing is key: companies can launch branded charging apps, loyalty integrations, and automated billing systems without needing to invest in custom software.

When evaluating CaaS, you should think less about “owning equipment” and more about the services and value included. Costs typically fall into three main areas:

 – predictable charges, often monthly or per charging session, that cover platform access, customer support, and operational services.

– energy costs structured by kWh, time spent charging, or flat session fees. Many platforms allow custom tariff design, giving operators full control over customer pricing.

 – a key component in white-label CaaS. You pay for a proven platform that provides apps, dashboards, payments, roaming, and reporting under your own brand.

 – the most common approach, charging customers based on the electricity consumed.

 – fees calculated by duration of charging, often used in high-demand areas.

 – a simple per-use rate regardless of time or energy consumed.

 – monthly or annual plans offering discounted charging, often bundled with fleet management or loyalty programs.

The benefit of CaaS is the elimination of unpredictable overhead. Maintenance, roaming integration, security monitoring, and compliance with international standards are included, reducing risk and freeing operators to focus on growth.

If you're exploring the topic right now, you should know that CaaS delivers far more than just plugs in the ground. By combining charging infrastructure with a licensed white-label platform, operators unlock new ways to scale, monetize, and future-proof their services.

White-label CaaS platforms let you launch branded EV charging services quickly without building custom software or negotiating with multiple hardware suppliers.

Whether it’s fleets, workplaces, or retail locations, CaaS enables you to generate income through session fees, subscriptions, or partnerships. Offering EV charging solutions under your own brand helps capture recurring revenue while enhancing customer loyalty.

For fleet operators, CaaS eliminates the complexity of designing, deploying, and managing charging networks. With features like route analysis, automated load management, and real-time monitoring, you can reduce operational costs while ensuring uptime.

CaaS grows with the business. White-label licensing ensures that you can scale capacity, add mobile charging solutions, and integrate new energy programs without overhauling their core systems.

Licensed platforms provide apps, portals, and dashboards that carry the operator’s brand, not the provider’s. This keeps customer relationships in-house while delivering seamless charging experiences across fleets and retail networks.

Challenges and Risks of Charging-as-a-Service

While charging-as-a-service simplifies EV adoption, businesses evaluating it often raise key concerns. Addressing these openly helps operators and fleets understand the real value of this model.

Will ongoing service fees outweigh the benefits?

With CaaS, operators avoid hidden expenses like repair, EV charging maintenance, software updates, and energy balancing. Automated load management reduces electricity costs, while predictive monitoring keeps stations reliable and available.

Do companies lose control of their charging network?

White-label CaaS ensures full branding and tariff control. You can deploy and manage EV charging infrastructure under your own name, set custom prices, and still benefit from outsourced monitoring, reporting, and customer support.

Isn’t deploying EV charging infrastructure too expensive?

CaaS removes the barrier of high capital investment by delivering ready-to-use EV charging solutions. You can scale usage as needed without committing to long construction projects.

Will fleets face downtime or disruption during electrification?

CaaS supports a seamless EV transition by combining depot charging, mobile charging solutions, and energy management. Fleets benefit from route analysis, automated scheduling, and service-level agreements that guarantee uptime.

What if the provider’s system becomes limiting?

Some platforms restrict flexibility, making it difficult to switch later. White-label licensing reduces this risk by ensuring data portability, open standards, and interoperability across suppliers.

Could changing policies or energy prices impact ROI?

Yes, energy volatility and regulation shifts are real risks. The advantage of CaaS is that pricing models and infrastructure capacity can be adjusted dynamically, helping businesses stay competitive as conditions evolve.

The demand for charging-as-a-service (CaaS) is expanding rapidly as electrification shifts from pilot projects to large-scale rollouts. Businesses, fleet operators, and energy providers are increasingly looking for solutions that combine EV charging infrastructure, scalable software, and flexible service models.

Analysts project steady growth for the EV charging market, with CaaS gaining momentum as a preferred approach. Its appeal lies in lowering entry barriers and enabling faster adoption of EV fleet management and seamless electrification strategies.

Integration with energy and grid services

Future-ready platforms will play a role beyond charging. Expect stronger integration with:

Grid service programs – where charging networks provide demand response and flexibility to utilities.

Renewable energy sources – pairing solar and storage with CaaS to reduce energy costs and environmental impact.

Balanced load management – solving grid constraints while optimizing fleet schedules.

Artificial intelligence will drive the next wave of efficiency in CaaS by enabling:

Vehicle route analysis to predict charging needs.

Predictive maintenance to reduce downtime and service costs.

Explore Charging-as-a-Service for fleets and businesses. Learn how white-label EV charging platforms reduce costs, speed rollout, and boost scalability.

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