The rising use of open source solutions in electric vehicle (EV) charging is tackling key challenges like compatibility and reliability, while fostering innovation and widespread adoption through collaborative development. In this show, Marco Möller, Founder at Pionix and Kate Stewart, VP of Dependable Embedded Systems at The Linux Foundation, discuss the growing adoption of open source solutions in EV charging and how they can help simplify standardization, highlighting notable projects. They talk about the role of working groups in addressing EV charging challenges and their current priorities.

Möller notes that the landscape of standards required to build a charging station is constantly expanding. “We believe that managing this ever-growing complexity is only possible through a community-driven approach,” adds Möller.

Latest trends in EV charging and increasing use of open source solutions

• Möller and Stewart talk about the latest trends in EV charging. Stewart highlights the increasing use of open source solutions, while Möller notes that the adoption of open-source technology is growing and reducing the reliance on proprietary solutions.
• Stewart and Möller discuss how Zephyr and Linux are utilized in EV charging systems, with one processor running Linux for general tasks and another running Zephyr for safety-critical functions.
• Stewart emphasizes the importance of performing safety analysis on the entire EV charging system rather than just individual components to ensure overall safety.
• Möller highlights the Everest open source project for EV charging, noting its integration into the Linux Foundation Energy’s ecosystem and the increasing shift towards open source solutions.

Open-source EV can simplify standardization, highlighting Everest and Citrine OS

• Stewart proposes collaborating with the Elisa Systems Group to generate Software Package Data Exchange (SPDX) Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) at the source file level, which would create detailed safety profiles and improve the management and safety of open source components in EV charging systems.
• Möller emphasizes the need to compartmentalize EV charging stations into safety-critical tasks, measurement and payment, and cybersecurity domains to effectively manage each aspect without compromise.
• Möller highlights several open source projects for EV, including Everest and Citrine OS. A new Linux Foundation Energy (LF Energy) group is focusing on EV charging, with the aim of fostering collaboration and standardization.
• Seeed Studio has announced its use of Everest and Zephyr in its open-source EV chargers. Stewart notes growing adoption and interest in China, while Möller mentions several Indian companies building Everest-based chargers.
• Möller discusses how open-source can simplify EV charging standards and improve standardization. Stewart points out the challenges of accessing standards and integrating them with open-source development.
• Möller discusses how the open source code base can address the growing complexity of standardization in the EV charging sector by implementing and refining standards in the code before they are formally published.

How working groups are addressing the need for EV charging standardization

• Möller talks about the progress towards universal EV charging standards, explaining that current testing methods are insufficient and lead to a 25% failure rate in North America.
• Ongoing efforts include collaboration with the US government and initiatives like Everest to improve reliability and standardization.
• Möller emphasizes the role of standardized code bases in providing a shared interpretation of standards and addressing interoperability issues.
• On discussing working groups or special interest groups for EV charging, Stewart suggests creating a group to consolidate best practices for security and safety, including the development of reference implementations.
• Möller discusses the work of the Elisa Systems Group and highlights existing collaborations, including those with the US government, to improve EV charging systems.

The priorities of EV projects and predictions for growth in EV adoption

• The immediate priorities of EV projects are to address the need for improved transparency with SPDX and reference systems for safety and system analysis.
• Möller agrees on the importance of creating detailed SBOMs for better system integration and safety analysis.
• Open-source projects like Everest are tackling these challenges associated with user-facing problems with EV charging, such as compatibility and reliability issues.
• Möller predicts significant global growth in EV adoption, with Brazil expected to surpass Germany’s adoption rate within a year, driven by cost reductions and increased reliability.

Guests: Marco Möller (LinkedIn) | Kate Stewart (LinkedIn)
Company/Organization: Pionix | Linux Foundation (Twitter)
Show: Let’s Talk

This summary was written by Emily Nicholls.