Cloud Architecture Overcomes Traditional Limitations
North American charging platform Emobi and cybersecurity company OmniTrust announced a strategic partnership on August 28 to jointly launch JustPlug, a cloud-based Plug & Charge system based on the ISO 15118 standard. This technology uses Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) and digital certificates to establish a unique digital identity for each electric vehicle, ensuring encrypted and trusted charging sessions. Emobi stated that JustPlug enables approximately 80% of chargers and vehicles previously unable to support traditional Plug & Charge solutions to conduct secure charging without the need for cards or mobile apps.
Traditional Plug & Charge solutions typically require software, firmware, and hardware upgrades for both vehicles and chargers, resulting in high costs and complex processes that limit adoption. JustPlug eliminates the need for expensive upgrades through its cloud-based architecture, significantly lowering the barrier to entry. OmniTrust provides cryptographic trust capabilities, which, when combined with JustPlug, not only enhance the overall security of the charging environment but also improve cross-brand and cross-platform interoperability.
Cybersecurity as a Core Advantage
Lin Sun Fa, CEO of Emobi, emphasized that cybersecurity can no longer be an afterthought in charging systems and must be foundational to the design. He noted that JustPlug was developed with cybersecurity as a priority from the outset, using Hardware Security Modules and digital certificates to ensure encryption and authentication for every charging transaction. OmniTrust’s cryptographic trust capabilities further strengthen the system’s security, making the charging process more reliable.
Lin stated, "Security must be built into the core of charging systems, not added as an afterthought. JustPlug’s design philosophy integrates cybersecurity into every aspect, ensuring that users enjoy convenience while benefiting from enterprise-grade security." This approach not only enhances the system’s trustworthiness but also lays a solid foundation for future expansion.
New Opportunities for the North American Market
The Plug & Charge standard is already widely adopted in Europe and is gradually gaining traction in the US market. Emobi’s JustPlug system targets the North American market, offering a more flexible solution specifically for chargers and vehicles unable to support traditional systems. The introduction of this technology is expected to accelerate the adoption of Plug & Charge in North America, particularly as electric vehicles and charging networks become increasingly interconnected, elevating the importance of cybersecurity protection.
Currently, JustPlug supports approximately 80% of chargers and electric vehicles that were previously unable to use traditional Plug & Charge solutions. However, specific models of supported vehicles or charger brands have not been disclosed. Additionally, the number of charging stations or fleets that have already adopted the system remains undisclosed. Despite this, the partnership between Emobi and OmniTrust introduces new possibilities for the North American charging ecosystem, particularly with the dual improvements in security and convenience, which are expected to attract the attention of more charging operators and vehicle owners.
As the electric vehicle market continues to grow rapidly, the security and convenience of charging infrastructure have become focal points for the industry. The launch of JustPlug not only addresses the high costs and complex processes associated with traditional solutions but also provides new momentum for the adoption of Plug & Charge in North America. In the future, as the technology matures and the market expands, JustPlug is poised to become a new benchmark for charging security in the region.
