Summary
Key results
Stable and faster software for electric vehicle chargers
Relief of ABB teams from day-to-day service and maintenance tasks
Growth of the electric vehicle market and modernization of charging systems
Global electric vehicle sales are growing at a rapid pace. In 2023, they reached nearly 14 million units, representing an increase of approximately 35% compared to 2022. The transformation is further accelerated by regulations, including the European Union’s target of a 100% reduction in CO₂ emissions for new cars by 2035, which in practice means the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Such dynamic market growth puts significant pressure on infrastructure manufacturers. They must simultaneously scale charging networks, comply with increasingly restrictive requirements and regulations, and continuously develop software solutions.
The objective of these efforts is to increase charging power and, as a result, enable faster charging. Equally important is the introduction of new payment models and the improvement of user experience, for example through the ability to manage the charging process via a mobile device.
For ABB, this translated into the need to develop effective and robust embedded software for fast charging stations. The solution was expected to optimize the existing system in terms of performance and allow flexible adaptation to rapidly changing requirements and standards of the EV (electric vehicles) industry. This responsibility was entrusted to engineers from the Embedded Competence Center, who worked closely with the client’s teams.
Development of embedded software for ABB chargers
As part of the project, the focus was placed on increasing the reliability and security of the embedded software controlling the operation of fast charging stations. Sii specialists worked on modernizing the existing solution while also establishing a solid foundation for its further development.
The scope of work included:
- implementing changes within the existing software solution to ensure compliance with the newest standards and market requirements, including ISO 15118
- optimizing the source code to improve application reliability
- delivering a dedicated maintenance team responsible for handling new client requests and supporting the implemented solutions
- performing a security audit of the embedded system
- creation of a secured laboratory with a dedicated hardware VPN connection
- preparing a prototyping environment that enabled solution testing without the need for physical charging stations
As a result of these activities, key components of the system were improved and secured. The work was carried out using an Agile approach, allowing the team to respond flexibly to changing requirements and continuously adjust the scope of activities to current project priorities.
Reliable chargers ready for the future
Updating the charger software to a faster and more modern application resulted in a clear improvement in performance and overall user comfort. The implementation of credit card payments in models already available on the market increased convenience for drivers and strengthened ABB’s competitiveness compared to other manufacturers.
The introduction of a dedicated maintenance team relieved other organizational units from handling day-to-day field issues, allowing them to focus on the development of new products. Software modernization also translated into increased hardware stability and improved security of the application stack.
As a result of the implemented improvements, end users benefited from faster support and more efficient handling of potential issues related to the operation of charging stations.
“Thanks to the support of our experts from the Embedded Competency Center, the client achieved the intended technical and strategic goals. The charging stations have been updated with a new software version, which has improved their performance and user experience, and contributed to optimization in terms of security. In addition, we have improved the stability of the station’s operation, which will mean a much lower failure rate and less need for support from service technicians” says Krzysztof Lis, Delivery Manager at Sii Poland.
Key results
- charger software updated with a strong focus on the implementation of the ISO 15118 standard
- credit card payments enabled in existing charger models
- operational teams relieved from handling day-to-day field issues
- increased hardware stability and improved application security
- faster response to issues reported by end customers