If you’re driving an electric vehicle in Singapore or Malaysia, charging your car just became much more convenient. Go by City Energy, the EV charging arm of City Energy, has launched a new feature called AutoCharge. This system allows you to pull up to a compatible charging station, plug in your EV, and begin charging without needing to open an app, scan a QR code, or even touch your phone.
Perry Ong, the Chief Executive Officer of City Energy, explained that this feature was developed to remove some of the most common frustrations EV owners face. He said that with AutoCharge, you only need to register your vehicle once using the app. After this initial step, you can plug in your car and it will start charging on its own, without requiring further interaction. According to Ong, it’s designed to be the most intuitive and appealing charging experience yet.
The AutoCharge system addresses several issues that many EV drivers encounter, such as confusion over which app to use at a particular station, struggling to get a signal in underground carparks, or dealing with the frustration of multiple login steps before charging can begin. By eliminating the need for your phone during the charging process, AutoCharge brings EV charging closer to the simplicity of fuelling up a petrol vehicle.
How the AutoCharge system works
Instead of using an app to verify your identity and begin the charging session, the AutoCharge system recognises your vehicle through its unique Charge Controller ID, also known as the EVCC ID. When your EV is plugged in, the charger reads this ID and checks it against a database. If there’s a match, charging starts automatically.
To get started, you’ll need to complete a one-time registration. This is done through the Go by City Energy app, where you enter your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The entire process takes only a few minutes. After registration, you don’t need the app to start a session again. When you plug in your vehicle at a compatible charger, it typically takes about 20 seconds for the system to identify your car and begin charging.
To stop charging, unplug the connector. Your bill will be sent directly to you via the app. If you wish to end the charging session prematurely, you can do so manually using the app.
There are, however, a couple of important limitations. AutoCharge is currently only available with DC fast chargers. It also only works with specific EV brands at this time. These include models from Aion, BYD, Chery (including Jaecoo and Omoda), MG, and Tesla.
Where to find AutoCharge stations
Currently, the AutoCharge feature is available at five locations in Singapore. You’ll be able to use it at Pullman Singapore Hill Street, Klimt Cairnhill, Komo Shoppes, North Gaia, and North Park Residences.
City Energy has plans to expand this feature to all of its charging stations across the island in the near future, making app-free charging available to even more drivers. The company is also rolling out the feature across Malaysia through a partnership with JomCharge. This means you’ll be able to enjoy the same convenience in places like Johor, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Penang.
So if you’ve ever felt frustrated fumbling with different apps while trying to charge your EV, AutoCharge is here to simplify your life. Once you’re registered, the process is fast, seamless, and refreshingly easy. You plug in and go—no apps, no waiting, no hassle.
