ISO 15118-8:2018

Overview - ISO 15118-8:2018 (Physical & Data Link Layer for Wireless V2G)

ISO 15118-8:2018 defines the physical layer (Layer 1) and data link layer (Layer 2) requirements for wireless High Level Communication (HLC) between Electric Vehicles (EV) and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). It provides the wireless alternative to the wired HLC defined in ISO 15118‑3 and applies to both conductive charging (EVSE compliant with IEC 61851‑1 modes 3 and 4) and Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) (charging sites per IEC 61980 and vehicles per ISO/PAS 19363). The standard mandates use of WLAN technology (IEEE 802.11 features commonly known as 802.11n / HT) operating in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Physical & data link scope: Requirements for Layer 1 and Layer 2 to support robust, interoperable wireless V2G communications (OSI-based services for HLC).
• WLAN technology: Implementation of HT AP/STA feature set from IEEE 802.11 (802.11n) for EVCC (EV Communication Controller) and SECC (Supply Equipment Communication Controller).
• Frequency bands: Operation in ISM and U‑NII bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), with attention to national regulations and coexistence.
• Channel scanning & selection: Procedures for interference scanning and auto channel selection to ensure reliable links in noisy environments.
• Quality of Service (QoS): Mechanisms to support prioritized traffic and maintain communication reliability during charging sessions.
• Association & pairing: Layer 2 association/reassociation, pairing processes and link establishment between EVCC and SECC.
• Layer 2 interfaces: Defined interfaces and service primitives for the HLC over wireless links.
• Security considerations: Layer 2 and PHY aspects of secure communications are addressed to protect energy exchange and billing functions.
• Supporting guidance: Informative annexes cover antenna mounting, interference scan examples, service-available-area concepts, and national U‑NII regulations.

Practical applications and users

ISO 15118-8 is intended for:

• EV manufacturers and Tier‑1 suppliers implementing EVCC wireless modules
• EVSE manufacturers / operators developing SECC WLAN-enabled charging stations
• WPT system designers integrating wireless communications for dynamic or static inductive charging
• Systems integrators, test labs and certification bodies verifying PHY/MAC conformance and interoperability
• Network engineers and OEM architects planning robust V2G deployments and service-available areas
• Policy makers / regulators referencing compliance for spectrum and EMC considerations

Adopting ISO 15118-8 helps ensure interoperable, secure, and robust wireless V2G communications across conductive and wireless charging ecosystems.

Related standards (core references)

• ISO 15118‑1, ISO 15118‑2, ISO 15118‑3
• IEEE Std 802.11‑2012 (WLAN MAC/PHY)
• IEC 61851‑1 (conductive charging)
• IEC 61980 (WPT)
• ISO/PAS 19363 (WPT vehicle requirements)

Keywords: ISO 15118-8, vehicle-to-grid, V2G, wireless communication, EV, EVSE, WLAN, IEEE 802.11n, physical layer, data link layer, WPT, SECC, EVCC.