Volvo EVs to become compatible with Hubject’s Plug&Charge

Volvo Cars has partnered with Hubject, a specialist in OEM and charging point interoperability, to enable Plug&Charge compatibility in its fully electric vehicles. The EX90 SUV will become the first Volvo to feature Plug&Charge, with other electric models to follow.

Plug&Charge is the official standard that allows electric vehicles to recharge at a charging point without the need to scan a charging or payment card at the terminal, taking away another hurdle for EV drivers. This system works through the ISO15118 communications standard, which requires a software certificate in the vehicle and a connected payment platform to bill the customer.

EX90 first, others to follow

Hubject, a joint venture of the BMW Group, Bosch, EnBW, Enel X Way, E.ON, Mercedes-Benz, Siemens, and the Volkswagen Group, has specialized in connecting OEMs and charging networks to bring features like Plug&Charge to consumers. Volvo Cars has joined the party to bring additional convenience to its EVs.

The EX90 flagship electric SUV is the first Volvo model to benefit from this partnership. Owners can sign up for the Volvo Public Charging Service, which locates public charging points and also enables Plug&Charge at compatible charging points. Other fully electric Volvo models will follow “over time”.

Alexander Petrofski, Head of Volvo Cars Energy Solutions, says: “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, we want 50% of our sales to be pure electric and 100% by 2030. Delivering a 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.”