Great news! Autocharge has arrived on the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway. Here’s exactly what that means for you and how to use it.
What is Autocharge EV charging?
Autocharge is an app feature that allows you to plug in your car and start charging automatically. It’s a seamless addition to the experience at GRIDSERVE charging stations across the UK that our customers already love.
The process is super simple. The GRIDSERVE app will tell you when your compatible EV is eligible, and you can enable it from there. Your charging session will start automatically the moment you plug your electric vehicle in…no tapping screens, no payment cards, no hassle. You stay fully in control through the app, but the initial set-up makes every future charge effortless.
Check if your vehicle is Autocharge compatible.
Why EV charging needs to be simpler
A core part of our mission is to make EV charging easy for our customers. When we launched GRIDSERVE, we were one of the first Charge Point Operators (CPOs) to embrace contactless payments alongside app access. We built our app to enhance the experience, and that’s how Autocharge works too.
You simply connect your car, the charger recognises your vehicle, and charging begins automatically.
Autocharge is the first live feature under our “Just Plug In” initiative, available now across the GRIDSERVE network for Autocharge compatible vehicles.
Understanding Autocharge technology
Autocharge technology uses the media access control (MAC) protocol built into your vehicle’s charging system to communicate with our charge point management system.
Once enabled in the GRIDSERVE mobile app, Autocharge links your electric vehicle to your account. From then on, when you plug in at Autocharge compatible stations across our network, charging begins without manually initiating the process.
You still use the app to manage everything else: your account, payment options, pricing, membership, receipts and support. Autocharge simply removes unnecessary steps at the charger itself, creating a seamless charging experience at public car parks or exposed locations along major routes.
How Autocharge works:
1. It saves time at every charge
For most EV drivers, Autocharge saves at least a minute every time they charge at charging stations. No app loading, no screen tapping, no wait for confirmation. The difference adds up significantly, making this the ideal solution for busy drivers.
2. It reduces failed starts
One of the most common issues with traditional RFID controlled charging systems is the charging cable being loosened while drivers interact with payment terminals. Autocharge removes that pause entirely. Simply connect and stay plugged in.
3. It works reliably at high-traffic stations
Autocharge functions reliably even when charging stations are busy. Our robust management system ensures smooth communication between your vehicle and our DC chargers, even during peak periods at public car parks.
The technology behind Autocharge
Step 1: Initial set up in the app
If your vehicle is Autocharge compatible, you’ll receive a message in the GRIDSERVE mobile app. Turn Autocharge on with a simple toggle during the initial set-up process.
Step 2: Connect at a GRIDSERVE charging station
Use the CCS connector as normal. Our chargers feature fault current protection, ensuring safety at exposed locations.
Step 3: Automatic charging begins
The charger recognises your vehicle through its MAC address and begins charging immediately via our charge point management system. Your charging session appears in the app as usual, with full billing transparency.
That’s it. From then on, Autocharge works in the background every time you plug in at Autocharge compatible stations.
Is my vehicle Autocharge compatible?
Autocharge works with many CCS-enabled electric vehicles, but not all models currently support this technology. Compatibility depends on your vehicle’s communication protocols and whether it includes the required MAC address.
Check if your vehicle supports autocharge.
The tool reflects the latest confirmed compatibility and may change as manufacturers implement software updates.
Important information before you start
Autocharge is CCS only:
Autocharge currently supports CCS-enabled vehicles at our DC chargers. The technology uses ISO 15118 communication standards, ensuring secure and reliable connections across our EV charging network.
One vehicle per account (limited period):
At launch, each GRIDSERVE account can be linked to one vehicle for Autocharge. We plan to support multiple vehicles per account in early 2026.
Works across the GRIDSERVE EV charging network:
Autocharge works across GRIDSERVE charging stations nationwide. While not all roaming or partner networks currently support Autocharge, we’re working with EV charging network operators to expand compatibility.
Consumer and business users supported :
Autocharge is available to both consumer and business customers using the GRIDSERVE mobile app. Our back office system handles billing seamlessly for all user types.
How Autocharge works with pricing and payment
Autocharge does not change our payment or billing structure.
If you are a GRIDSERVE Plus member, your member pricing applies automatically, however you will need to re-enable Autocharge after signing up to a GRIDSERVE Plus membership. If you’re not a member, standard pricing applies. All billing, receipts and charging session history continue to appear in the app as normal, with no hidden costs. For the latest pricing, visit our pricing page.
Autocharge vs Plug and Charge: understanding the difference
You may have heard about Plug and Charge, a manufacturer-driven technology that allows some newer vehicles to authenticate directly with charging stations using ISO 15118 protocols.
Autocharge is available now through the GRIDSERVE mobile app, working with your existing vehicle to create a seamless charging experience at our network of stations.
Plug and Charge is a separate capability driven by vehicle manufacturers that we’ll implement across our network as more vehicles support the technology.
Both sit under our “Just Plug In” vision for making EV charging as simple as refuelling a petrol car. Autocharge will remain supported long-term, and our future proof infrastructure will accept both technologies seamlessly, so you don’t need to do anything now to prepare.
Technical specifications and features
Our Autocharge compatible stations incorporate advanced technology:
- Robust charge point management system: heavy duty back office infrastructure supporting dynamic load balancing
- MAC address recognition: unique MAC address identification for each vehicle
- Safety systems: PME fault detection, earth rod protection (where required), and AC overload prevention
These features make our solution the ideal solution for EV drivers seeking a hassle-free charging experience at public car parks and exposed locations across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autocharge EV charging?
Autocharge is a feature that allows your GRIDSERVE charging session to start automatically when you simply connect your EV, once enabled in the mobile app. The technology uses your vehicle’s MAC address to communicate with our charge point management system.
Do I still need the GRIDSERVE app?
Yes. The mobile app is required to activate Autocharge, as well as being essential for account management, pricing, payment processing, receipts and support. Autocharge only affects how a charging session starts.
Does Autocharge work with all EVs?
No, not all electric vehicles are Autocharge compatible. Compatibility varies by vehicle. Use the checker to see if your model is compatible.
Will Autocharge work if charging stations are busy?
Yes. Our robust back office management system ensures Autocharge works reliably at high-traffic charging stations with dynamic load balancing.
Can Autocharge start by accident?
No. A charging session only starts when your vehicle is physically plugged in with the charging cable connector properly attached.
What about RFID controlled charging?
Autocharge eliminates the need for RFID cards entirely. Your vehicle and mobile app handle everything through the Autocharge system.
Is there a cost to use Autocharge?
There is no additional cost to enable or use Autocharge. Payment works exactly the same as manual starts, with transparent billing.
Ready to experience the future of EV charging?
Autocharge is live now and available with compatible vehicles across the GRIDSERVE network of charging stations nationwide.
Check your vehicle compatibility and complete your initial set up here: https://gridservecampaigns.com/autocharge
Join thousands of EV drivers who’ve discovered the ideal solution: just plug in.
