GERMANY. Volvo Cars becomes latest global OEM to offer enhanced charging experience via Plug&Charge technology following partnership with Hubject
Berlin, Germany and Gothenburg, Sweden – June 16, 2024: Volvo Cars, one of the most well-known and respected global car brands in the world, is the latest in a long line of OEMs to give its electric vehicle (EV) customers access to Plug&Charge, the most secure, speedy, and seamless charging experience on the market. As a result of a newly signed partnership with Hubject, the EV interoperability market leader, drivers of fully electric Volvo cars, starting with the EX90, will be able to simply plug their vehicles into a compatible charging station and the vehicle will automatically handle authentication and payment, eliminating the need for physical cards or mobile apps.
This global partnership between Hubject and Volvo Cars reflects their respective international footprint and fast growth in the eMobility sector and will significantly enhance the EV charging experience for Volvo Cars customers. Drivers of Volvo EX90 can now sign up for the Volvo Public Charging Service, which simplifies the process of locating and using public chargers, ensuring that owners of electrified Volvo cars can easily find and utilize charging infrastructure wherever they travel. It will also give them access to the Plug&Charge feature through any compatible charge point operator (CPO).
Christian Hahn, CEO of Hubject, commented: “We are really pleased to welcome Volvo Cars into the Plug&Charge ecosystem. Volvo Cars is well-known for its progressive approach to electric vehicles so this partnership with Hubject fits perfectly into its ambition to become a fully electric car company by 2030. It is a clear commitment by Volvo Cars to make the EV charging experience convenient, easy and secure and to encourage more people to make the switch to electric.”
Alexander Petrofski, Head of Volvo Cars Energy Solutions added: “This partnership with Hubject makes a lot of sense for VolvoCars as it supports our ambition to be a leader in the fast-growing premium electric segment. By next year already, we want 50% of our sales to be pure electric and 100% by 2030. Deliver hassle-free premium experience by removing perceived obstacles to EV ownership is central to our strategy and this partnership with Plug&Charge is a step in the right direction.”
Fully electric Volvo cars, starting with the EX90, will be equipped with the Hubject V2G Root Certificate. This technology ensures secure communication, using the ISO15118-2 standard, between the vehicle and the charging station, enhancing the reliability and safety of the charging process. The ISO15118-2 protocol supports advanced functionalities such as Plug&Charge, ensuring interoperability and a smooth user experience across different charging networks.
Over time, additional fully electric Volvo cars will be able to perform Plug&Charge with all CPOs that offer this feature. This ensures a seamless and consistent charging experience for Volvo customers across various charging networks.