- What is Autocharge and how does it work?
Autocharge lets compatible vehicles begin charging automatically with no app or card needed.
Once you’ve enabled Autocharge in the GRIDSERVE App, our chargers securely recognise your vehicle when you plug in.
We link your car’s unique Vehicle ID (VID) to your GRIDSERVE account so you can simply plug in and charge.
2. What is Autocharge and why won’t it work on my car?
Autocharge relies on your car being able to securely share its identifier (VIN/VID) with the charger.
Some car manufacturers haven’t enabled this communication standard yet, which means the charger can’t identify your vehicle automatically.
If your car isn’t compatible:
- Autocharge will not start
- You’ll see a message on the charger screen directing you to use contactless or the GRIDSERVE App
- You can still charge as normal, just without the automatic start
If you’d like your car to support Autocharge in the future, please contact your vehicle manufacturer and ask them to enable VIN/VID-based authentication for public charging.
3. How is Autocharge different from Plug & Charge?
Both Autocharge and plug & charge offer a similar “plug-and-go” experience, but they work very differently behind the scenes.
Autocharge (GRIDSERVE’s system)
- Uses your car’s Vehicle ID (VID) to identify it when you plug in
- Payments are handled through your GRIDSERVE App
- Requires no special setup from your car manufacturer
- Works on compatible GRIDSERVE chargers once enabled in the app
Plug & Charge (Industry standard, ISO 15118)
- Built into the car by the vehicle manufacturer (OEM)
- Uses a secure digital certificate stored inside the vehicle
- Payments are managed through the manufacturer’s own system, not the GRIDSERVE App
- Only works if your vehicle supports the full Plug & Charge standard
In short: Autocharge is GRIDSERVE-managed and app-linked. Plug & Charge is vehicle-managed and manufacturer-controlled.
4. How do I activate Autocharge?
To enable Autocharge:
- Complete a successful paid charging session using the GRIDSERVE App
- Open the app and go to My Vehicle → Enable Autocharge
- Follow the steps to register your vehicle
Once Autocharge is enabled, it will start automatically every time you plug in on a compatible charger.
5. Why hasn’t Autocharge been offered to me yet?
Autocharge becomes available once:
- You have completed three successful charging sessions
- Those sessions were started using the GRIDSERVE App
- They were completed with the same vehicle
- All payments have been successful
There is no time limit — these sessions can happen weeks or months apart.
6. What happens if my payment fails?
If a payment fails:
- Autocharge is automatically disabled for your account
- You will still be able to charge using contactless or the app
- Support will help you settle the outstanding payment
- Once cleared, Autocharge can be reactivated
7. Why isn’t my car recognised when I plug in?
Autocharge may not start automatically because:
- Your vehicle’s VID has changed (some manufacturers rotate them)
- You haven’t completed the required app sessions
- Your car is not compatible
- The charger does not yet support Autocharge
- A recent payment failed
You can still charge using contactless or the GRIDSERVE App.
8. Can I register more than one vehicle for Autocharge?
Not yet.
Each GRIDSERVE account can currently link Autocharge to one vehicle.
You can still start normal app-based sessions for other EVs.
9. How will I be billed for Autocharge sessions?
Autocharge sessions are billed automatically using the payment method saved in your GRIDSERVE App.
You’ll receive a full charging summary and receipt in the app.
10. Is Autocharge secure?
Yes.
Autocharge uses encrypted vehicle identifiers only — no personal or payment details are exchanged between your car and the charger.
All payments are processed securely through your GRIDSERVE App.
11. I’ve sold my car — how do I remove it?
Before selling or transferring your car, open the GRIDSERVE App and go to:
My Vehicle → Disable Autocharge
This removes the link between your account and your vehicle immediately.