VDV 261 (Dispositive Backend via ISO 15118 VAS)
VDV recommendation that extends ISO 15118 (Ed. 1) for e-bus operations by defining how an e-bus connects to a dispatching (“dispositive”) backend to exchange preparation parameters such as preconditioning.
Technical Details
VDV 261 builds on ISO 15118 communication and its Value Added Services (VAS) with a secured TLS connection to a backend (typically via HTTPS on port 443). It requires IPv6 end-to-end (vehicle, EVSE, backend) and ISO 15118 certificate handling; IPv4-only setups are explicitly excluded. For managing TLS certificates on the EVSE/backoffice side, an OCPP 2.0.1+ implementation is recommended. The backend communication (V2ICP) defines request/response rules (e.g., non-empty responses and stable sequence/VIN correlation) and uses SNA values when parameters are unavailable.
Fleet Applications
Enables dispatch-driven depot operations: coordinate departure readiness, trigger cabin/HV-battery preconditioning while connected, and reduce in-service range loss from auxiliary loads. Improves interoperability across vehicle, EVSE, and backend by standardizing the parameter exchange and enabling conformance testing.
Related Terms
OCPP 2.0.1
Version 2.0.1 of the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) that standardizes communication between charging stations and a Charging Station Management System (CSMS).
CSMS (Charging Station Management System)
Software platform used to monitor, manage, and optimize a network of EV charging stations.
ISO 15118 (Plug & Charge)
Family of standards for high-level communication between an electric vehicle (EV) and a charging station (EVSE), enabling certificate-based "Plug & Charge" and advanced charging control (including bidirectional charging in newer editions).
Depot Charging
Charging infrastructure located at a central facility where fleet vehicles return to park and charge, typically overnight.
VDV 463 (Charging Management Interface)
Standardized interface for data exchange between depot/ITCS “pre-systems” and charging management, so charging and preconditioning can be planned and synchronized for e-bus depots.
Automatic Preconditioning (VDV 463)
A VDV 463 data structure describing an automatically scheduled preconditioning request for an e-bus while it is connected at the depot.
Preconditioning Info (VDV 463)
Optional VDV 463 structure that quantifies time and energy required for vehicle and HV-battery preconditioning.
V2ICP (Vehicle to Infrastructure Communication Protocol)
A VDV 261-defined protocol for exchanging operational parameters between an e-bus and a backend system via ISO 15118 Value Added Services.
ISO 15118 VAS “InternetAccess” (ServiceID 3)
ISO 15118 Value Added Service that allows the EV and EVSE to use standard internet protocols (e.g., HTTP/HTTPS) during a charging session.