What Is Autocharge at Public Chargers?

Autocharge is a feature offered by some UK public charging networks that starts your charging session automatically the moment you plug in, with no app tap, RFID card, or contactless payment needed at the charger. It works by recognising your vehicle's unique MAC address during the initial handshake between your car and the charger. You register once via the network's app, link a payment method, and from then on plugging in a compatible charging cable is enough to begin a session.

How does Autocharge recognise your car?

When your EV connects to a charger, the two devices exchange handshake data before power flows. Autocharge reads the MAC address embedded in your car's charging controller during this exchange. Because MAC addresses are unique to each device, the network can match the plug-in event to your registered account and start billing automatically. This is a simpler approach than Plug and Charge (ISO 15118), which uses encrypted digital certificates, but it delivers a similar hands-free experience at supported sites.

Which UK networks support Autocharge?

InstaVolt and Osprey have offered Autocharge in the UK, and other networks continue to develop seamless-start features. Availability changes as networks upgrade their charger software, and not every car exposes its MAC address in a way every network can read. The safest approach is to check the compatibility information in the network's own app or website before relying on Autocharge for a specific journey. Registration takes only a few minutes through the app.

Is Autocharge the same as Plug and Charge?

No, though the end experience looks identical. Plug and Charge (ISO 15118) uses encrypted certificates stored in the vehicle and charger and is more secure and interoperable across networks. Autocharge is an earlier, network-specific workaround using a MAC address that does not require ISO 15118 hardware. As newer cars and upgraded charger infrastructure roll out across the UK, Plug and Charge is expected to gradually supersede Autocharge. Until then, Autocharge offers a practical convenience layer for the networks that support it.

What happens if Autocharge fails?

If the network does not recognise your MAC address, the session does not start automatically. Most chargers then prompt you to authenticate via the app, RFID card, or contactless payment. This is why keeping a backup method available is important: always have the relevant app installed and ready, or carry your RFID card, particularly at unfamiliar networks. Autocharge is a convenience layer, not a replacement for knowing how to start a session manually.

Do you need a special cable for Autocharge?

No special cable is needed. Autocharge relies on data exchanged between car and charger, not anything in the cable. A standard Type 2 to Type 2 cable for AC chargers works exactly as it would without Autocharge. What matters is that the charger supports the feature and your car is registered. If you need a reliable cable for AC public or home charging, browse our Type 2 cable range.

Will Autocharge work on your specific EV?

Compatibility depends on your car and the network. Most modern EVs expose a MAC address that Autocharge networks can read, but some older models or certain variants do not. Check the network's compatibility list, then test by plugging in; if the session does not start within a few seconds, the charger will prompt you for a fallback authentication. Manufacturers are also rolling out Plug and Charge in newer models, which in time will reduce the need for network-specific Autocharge solutions.

Frequently asked questions

Is Autocharge free to use?

Autocharge is an authentication method, not a paid add-on. You are charged for the electricity at the same per-kWh or per-minute rate as any other session on that network. Check the network's app or website for current pricing at each site, as rates vary by location and time of day.

Do I need to register separately for each Autocharge network?

Yes. Each network runs its own registration process. You link your car's MAC address to your account via the app or online account settings. If you regularly use multiple networks, you may need to register with each one separately. Some networks detect and offer Autocharge registration during your first session.

Can Autocharge be a security risk?

The main theoretical risk is that a MAC address could be read by a third party. In practice, networks implement billing safeguards and any unexpected charge can be disputed. Plug and Charge (ISO 15118) is more secure because it uses encrypted certificates. For most drivers, Autocharge poses no meaningful practical security concern.

Does Autocharge work at every charger on a supported network?

Not necessarily. Networks roll out Autocharge to their charger estate gradually, and some units at a network may not yet support it. The network's app usually indicates which sites are Autocharge-enabled. Always have a backup payment method ready, particularly at locations you have not used before.

What is ISO 15118 and how does it relate to Autocharge?

ISO 15118 is the international standard defining secure communication between an EV and a charger, including the Plug and Charge encrypted authentication method. Autocharge predates widespread ISO 15118 adoption and uses a simpler MAC-address approach. As more cars and chargers implement ISO 15118, Plug and Charge is expected to gradually replace network-specific Autocharge.

If my car supports Plug and Charge, do I still need Autocharge?

If both your car and the charger support Plug and Charge via ISO 15118, authentication happens via the car's onboard certificate automatically. In practice, both vehicle and charger must support ISO 15118, so Autocharge registration remains a useful fallback on networks where Plug and Charge is not yet fully deployed.

Autocharge is a genuine convenience where it works, but every EV driver benefits from being set up on multiple networks with a backup payment method available. Make sure you also have the right cable for AC public and home charging: browse our EV charging cables, and visit our charging guides for more on public charging options.