PHYTEC and PIONIX have unveiled the EVCS-Cube, a comprehensive development kit designed to significantly accelerate the creation of AC/DC charging solutions. This powerful kit combines PHYTEC’s phyVERSO-EVCS charger controller with PIONIX’s BaseCamp OS, built on the open-source EVerest firmware stack. The EVCS-Cube empowers manufacturers to rapidly prototype and test their charging solutions, streamlining the development process and time to market.
Ready-to-Use Kit Streamlines EV Charger Development
The EVCS-Cube is specifically designed for developers and manufacturers in the electromobility sector. It provides a ready-to-use platform for testing and developing new charging products. The EVCS-Cube Basic version, an AC test kit priced at €600 (plus VAT and shipping), includes essential components like power meters, contactors, residual current detection, charging indicators, and a stop button. A more advanced EVCS-Cube PoC version, adding DC charging capabilities and components such as a DC power supply unit, insulation monitoring, and a DC power meter, will be available in Q1 2025 for €5,800 (plus VAT and shipping). Both versions offer optional expansion modules for features like Wi-Fi, LTE, display, NFC, a fan, and temperature sensors.
BaseCamp OS: A Future-Proof Foundation for Charging Solutions
Included with the EVCS-Cube is an evaluation license for PIONIX BaseCamp, a robust and forward-looking operating system tailored for charging solutions. BaseCamp simplifies charging station development and ensures compatibility with the latest industry standards. Built on the EVerest open-source framework (initiated by PIONIX and now part of the Linux Foundation Energy), BaseCamp provides a solid and adaptable software foundation. PHYTEC and PIONIX offer comprehensive hardware and software support for the EVCS-Cube.
Addressing Interoperability Challenges with Industry Standards Support
PHYTEC and PIONIX designed the EVCS-Cube to tackle the critical issue of interoperability in the electromobility industry. The integrated hardware and software package supports key industry standards, including IEC61851, ISO 15118-2 (AC+DC), DIN SPEC 70121 (DC) for CCS and Type 2 charging solutions, and OCPP 1.6 and OCPP 2.0.1. It also supports application scenarios like Plug&Charge and essential communication protocols for interaction with infrastructure, vehicles, and payment systems. Furthermore, functions for load management and remote access are readily integrated.
Scalable Solutions from Evaluation to Production
The phyVERSO-EVCS dual-port charge controller, featuring a powerful ARM quad-core processor, is suitable for high-volume deployment in AC and/or DC charging applications, including High-Power Charging (HPC). PHYTEC provides design-in support and volume production, along with comprehensive lifecycle services. The modular electronics design and PHYTEC’s SBC+ modification concept allow for individual adaptations and additional functionalities with a quick turnaround time of approximately 10 weeks from order to prototype and manageable development costs.
Flexible Hardware Options for Custom Development
Beyond the phyVERSO-EVCS charger controller, PHYTEC offers a range of System on Modules and Single Board Computers, as well as development services for fully customized charging electronics. Modules with pin-compatible footprints, featuring processors like NXP i.MX 6UL/ULL, STM32MP13x, and NXP i.MX 91/93, enable scalable product variants and upgrades without requiring baseboard redesign
