With Switch presenting a workshop at September’s ICNC Conference in Berlin, we look at how Switch is opening the door to advanced EV charging capabilities - including AC-based Plug and Charge.

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Between 12 and 13 September 2022 in EUREF-Campus, Audimax, 10829 Berlin, Germany, the Intercharge Network Conference (ICNC) will take place.

Hosted by Hubject, the ICNC is an opportunity for stakeholders, thought leaders and executives from the EV charging industry to come together to talk about challenges and opportunities, showcase new technologies and discuss how they can collaborate for progress internationally.

**We will showcase the first-ever application of AC-based Plug and Charge at the ICNC 2022**

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**Get your event ticket here**

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‍Switch executive workshop at ICNC

Switch is hosting a workshop at the ICNC on 13 September. Presenting from Switch will be:

• André Duarte, our Chief Technology Officer
• Patrick Roelke, our Head of Technical Delivery
• Adam Chilab, our Chief Product Officer
• Stewart McKee, our Chief Commercial Officer
• Marc Mütilin, our CEO and founder

The 90-minute workshop (live-streamed via the ICNC App) will answer one vital question: how Switch is opening the door to advanced EV charging capabilities.

Bringing AC-based Plug and Charge to the mass market

‍The right EV charging infrastructure for the mass market is going to be a mix of DC and AC charging stations. So far, Plug and Charge has only found its way into a few public high-power DC fast charging networks, like IONITY or Electrify America. And while DC chargers have their place, when it comes to Plug and Charge technology and its ease, AC is attractive. 

‍EV drivers will demand this convenience feature in all charging settings, including workplace and residential charging, where AC chargers are the more cost-effective choice.

‍Plug and Charge replaces the need for any driver involvement in authenticating a charge session, so that means no more RFID tokens, credit card payments, or smartphone apps. 

‍The vehicle authenticates with a unique, digitally signed certificate that links to the driver’s billing account, creating a seamless charging process. Simply plug in and charge, and when it’s all complete, customers can drive off and can get on with their day.

At Switch, we're all about creating the most user-friendly and seamless charging experience, be it public DC networks, destination, workplace or residential charging. That's why we'll be the first to bring AC-based Plug and Charge to the mass market, along with other future-proof advanced capabilities unlocked with our Switch platform.

So, what are our advanced capabilities?
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‍Advanced capabilities = future-proof

The Switch platform advanced capabilities create future-proof EV chargers. But what is future-proofing? For an EV charger business, it means two things:

• having an EV charging solution that opens the door to future bi-directional technologies
• making sure that the answer is adaptable to the ever-changing EV industry.

It means using the highest industry standards. It’s those standards that create the capabilities we provide.

The Switch platform is native to OCPP 2.0.1 and ISO 15118-20 protocols. These protocols are complex to implement yet essential to lift the capabilities of next-generation EV charging services on a commercial scale.

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Combining ISO 15118 and OCPP 2.0.1, the Switch platform unlocks vital capabilities, such as:

• Plug and Charge for automated and secure authentication and billing, enabling the most convenient user experience, now also for AC chargers
• next-generation smart energy services, including vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid to harness and monetise the storage capacity in EV batteries and to better balance grid supply and demand
• advanced uptime diagnostics enabling predictive maintenance for improved charger uptime and faster network monetisation.

Chargers working all the time

Let’s go to future-proofing again, this time looking at chargers and their reliability. Without the two protocols we mentioned, your charger will likely break. A situation many know only too well. 

But when you combine the two protocols into the Switch platform, you get what’s called advanced uptime diagnostics, helping you achieve close to 100% uptime. So, as a charger operator, you know your customers can trust you because your charger will always be working. 

This is what chargers working all the time look like:

• you get advanced uptime diagnostics - enabled through OCPP 2.0.1 and ISO 15118-20
• chargers upload every vital parameter of every essential component
• a visual picture of the end-to-end charging process including the communication between vehicle and charger
• detailed reporting and analytics produced

So, what are the benefits of all this advanced capability? Here you go:

• save time & money - with chargers working all the time
• retain your customers - because they can trust your chargers will not break 
• have total control 
• can forecast & plan with ease.
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It’s this combination of future-focusing together with a Switch platform solution that will eliminate charger anxiety. And when that goes, what do we get? More EVs on the road and a cleaner, greener environment. 

The commercial opportunities and technical capabilities with ISO 15118 and OCPP 2.0.1 through Switch platform unlock lasting solutions. 

This protocol combination means the future for your EV chargers is secure and adaptable, saving you money and keeping your customers happy. Enjoy!

**Get your event ticket here**
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If you can't make it to the conference, book a Switch platform demo today here.

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