A charging authentication method and apparatus are provided, to improve security of communication between an electric vehicle and a charging spot. When the method is performed by an electric vehicle, a first connection is established between the electric vehicle and a charging spot by using a controller area network CAN bus, a second connection is established between the electric vehicle and a charging management system by using a mobile communication network, and the method includes: The electric vehicle sends a charging request message to the charging spot by using the first connection; and the electric vehicle performs identity authentication and key negotiation with the charging spot by using the second connection and a third connection between the charging spot and the charging management system.