Aral Pulse: Plug & Charge is coming nationwide in Germany

The petroleum company Aral is now introducing Plug&Charge technology in the Aral pulse network with over 500 ultra-fast charging points across Germany. Using encrypted communication, the charging station identifies the connected electric car as well as the existing charging contract and starts the charging process in a short time. After the charging process is completed, payment is automatically made based on the contract that the e-mobilists have with their e-mobility service provider. This serves as the link between drivers and charging station operators.

Aral collaborates with providers like Digital Charging Solutions GmbH, a joint venture of bp, Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG, and BMW Group AG, which offers a straightforward and standardized access to charging stations across Europe with solutions such as “Mercedes me Charge.” They also cooperate with other major car manufacturers like the Volkswagen Group to help the technology break through.

“The new Plug&Charge technology greatly simplifies charging at our ultra-fast charging stations. The communication between all parties involved is encrypted and the data of our customers is thus secure,” affirms Alexander Junge, Aral board member and responsible for the e-mobility business unit.

This makes Aral one of the first companies to offer the Plug&Charge solution according to ISO 15118. In the medium term, the technology will become widely adopted, predicts Alexander Junge further. The technology is available for all whose electric vehicle has the appropriate pre-equipment and whose e-mobility provider supports this technology according to ISO 15118.