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Honda and PLUGO Announce Business Collaboration Agreement to Expand the Public Charging Network in Japan and Joint Development Agreement for a Plug-and-Charge System
PLUGO Inc. (“PLUGO”) and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (“Honda”) have entered into a business collaboration agreement in order to expand the public charging network, and a joint development agreement for a plug-and-charge*1 (hereinafter PnC) system that enables charging and payment by simply inserting a charging plug into an EV, with the aim of improving the usage environment of electric vehicles (EV) in Japan.
In addition to the introduction of attractive EV, the development of a highly convenient charging network is essential to expand the use of EV . Honda has set a goal of 100% of global sales consisting of EV and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) by 2040 in order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. In addition, PLUGO is promoting increased use of EV by developing charging stations in Japan, and providing services and software solutions that enable “simple, easy, and seamless charging” amid the circulation paths of daily life and transportation.
In order to promote the widespread use of EV in this manner, the two companies will combine Honda’s EV, and battery control and connected technologies with PLUGO’s extensive know-how regarding development and expanding use of charging stations to provide EV users with a more convenient usage environment.
■ Installation of DC chargers in order to expand the public charging network
・Honda is taking the lead in this project with the goal of installing several thousand DC chargers by 2030 to meet the demand for chargers in the growing EV market and to improve convenience for EV users.
・Installing chargers mainly in urban areas where EVs are heavily used, such as at dealerships and commercial facilities, will create an efficient charging environment where users can charge during the time they are using the destination facilities.
・Additionally, a smartphone app provides services such as locating charging stations, checking availability, making reservations, and online payment.
■ Joint development of PnC system compliant with the CHAdeMO standard
・The companies will jointly develop a PnC system that performs automatic authentication of EV and chargers in compliance with the CHAdeMO standard*2.
・Normally, users must manually perform authentication and other tasks when charging EV , but this system allows users to use charging stations and make online payments simply by connecting the charging cable.
・The two companies will continue to study the application of the PnC system to Honda’s EV to be sold in the future and to the chargers that will be installed.
・The two companies completed Japan’s first demonstration experiment of a PnC system compliant with the CHAdeMO standard in August 2024, and will continue to jointly develop the system for practical use in the future.
From left, Naoki Okawa, Representative Director & CEO of PLUGO, and Manabu Ozawa, Managing Executive Officer of Honda
■ Comments from Manabu Ozawa, Managing Executive Officer of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
“Honda sees EV not only as a form of mobility, but also as an evolutionary energy system for our customers and society. Together with PLUGO, we share the aspiration to promote the widespread use of EV by viewing the act of charging as an experience and a habitual value, and will work to expand the charging environment in a more practical manner.”
■ Comments from Naoki Okawa, Representative Director & CEO of PLUGO, Inc.
“We are very honored to begin collaborating with Honda, which aims to build a strong EV brand and business foundation from a medium to long-term perspective in anticipation of an era of EV popularization.
For example, a plug-and-charge system provides a seamless charging experience as if you were shopping without having to pass through the cash register. PLUGO has long promoted the development and social implementation of the charging experience, and we feel that this collaboration will further accelerate the creation of this simple, daily life-integrated experience.”
*1: A function that automatically authenticates, charges, and settles payments simply by plugging the charging cable into the vehicle.
*2: One of the international fast charging standards for EV . Connector standards, charging and communication methods are established and certified by the CHAdeMO Association.