Overview
ISO 15118-20:2022/Amd 1:2026 is an amendment to the ISO 15118 series, specifically addressing the vehicle to grid (V2G) communication interface for road vehicles. This amendment introduces new services and enhances security concepts for 2nd generation network and application layers. Key inclusions are the AC Distributed Energy Resource (DER) service, the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) service, and upgraded security requirements, supporting the evolution of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
ISO 15118-20:2022/Amd 1:2026 is an internationally recognized standard developed by ISO, with participation from IEC and CEN, ensuring global applicability and interoperability within electric mobility ecosystems.
Key Topics
- AC DER Service: Adds support for distributed energy resources integrated with alternating current (AC) charging, allowing EVs to interact with the grid, either by consuming or supplying energy.
- MCS Service: Facilitates high-power, rapid charging capabilities through Megawatt Charging Systems, addressing the growing demand for fast charging, especially for heavy-duty vehicles and commercial fleets.
- Improved Security Concepts: Enhances certificate management, authentication, and cryptographic requirements to strengthen communication security between EVs and charging infrastructure.
- Requirement Numbering Structure: Establishes a systematic and traceable method for documenting and referencing technical requirements and provisions.
- Expanded Terminology and Definitions: Includes updated terms such as "charge enable state," "megawatt charging system," "frequency droop curve," and different levels of charging to clarify new capabilities.
Applications
ISO 15118-20:2022/Amd 1:2026 offers practical value by supporting the expanding role of electric vehicles as dynamic grid components. Applications include:
- Bidirectional Charging (V2G, V2X): Enables EVs to supply stored energy back to the grid (vehicle-to-grid), participate as distributed energy resources, and assist with grid stability during peak periods.
- Public and Commercial EV Charging: Supports AC charging stations and megawatt-level charging for varied user needs - from private passenger vehicles to fleet and heavy-duty operations.
- Cybersecurity Compliance: Adopts stricter security practices for certificate life cycle management, encryption, and online certificate status protocols (OCSP), helping implementers meet regulatory and industry best-practice expectations.
- Cross-platform Interoperability: Facilitates consistent integration across different manufacturers and service providers, ensuring seamless EV charging experiences globally.
- Future-proofing Infrastructure: With support for high-power charging and DER capabilities, charging stations and vehicles are ready for the next generation of e-mobility services.
Related Standards
To ensure full compliance and interoperability, organizations adopting ISO 15118-20:2022/Amd 1:2026 should also reference:
- ISO 15118-10:2025 - Physical and data link layer requirements for single-pair Ethernet in V2G communications.
- IEC 61851-23-3:2025 - DC electric vehicle supply equipment for megawatt charging systems.
- ISO 15118-3, ISO 15118-8, ISO 15118-2 - Related parts within the ISO 15118 family, covering other layers and requirements in the EV charging ecosystem.
- IETF RFC 5280, RFC 6960, RFC 8446 - Internet standards for digital certificates, online certificate status protocols, and TLS communications, relevant for security implementations.
- NIST FIPS PUB 202 - Cryptography standards applied within the improved security concept.
By aligning with these related standards, implementers support the creation of robust, secure, and interoperable EV charging solutions suitable for smart grid and energy transition initiatives.
Keywords: ISO 15118-20, V2G, electric vehicle charging, AC DER, MCS, megawatt charging, EV cybersecurity, charging station interoperability, distributed energy resource, vehicle to grid protocol, electric mobility standards.
Open preview (PDF)Road vehicles — Vehicle to grid communication interface — Part 20: 2nd generation network layer and application layer requirements — Amendment 1: AC DER service, MCS service, and improved security concept
