Skip to main content

Introduction to EVerest Core

EVerest is a Linux Foundation Energy backed open-source modular framework for setting up a full stack environment for EV charging. The modular software architecture fosters customizability and lets you configure your dedicated charging station based on interchangeable modules.

What is EVerest Core?

EVerest Core is the open operating system for e-mobility charging stations. It provides a complete, production-ready software stack that enables manufacturers and developers to build advanced EV charging solutions without starting from scratch. All communication between modules is performed by the lightweight and flexible MQTT message queueing service. EVerest helps speed the adoption to e-mobility by utilizing all the open-source advantages for the EV charging world. It also enables new features for local energy management, PV-integration, and many more.

Key Features

EVerest Core comes with a comprehensive set of features designed for modern EV charging infrastructure:

Modular Architecture

  • Modular and extensible architecture - Build your charging solution from interchangeable components
  • Standardized and stable APIs - Easy integration with third-party systems
  • MQTT-based communication - Lightweight and flexible message queueing between modules

Charging Protocols

EVerest supports both AC and DC charging with complete protocol implementations:
  • OCPP Support: OCPP 1.6 and OCPP 2.0.1 (OCPP 2.1 in development)
  • ISO 15118: ISO 15118-2, -3, and -20 (Plug & Charge, bidirectional charging)
  • IEC 61851: Standard AC charging protocol
  • DIN SPEC 70121: German DC charging standard

Hardware Compatibility

Ready-to-use hardware drivers for many compatible hardware components:
  • BSPs (Board Support Packages) for charge controllers
  • Powermeters
  • Isolation monitors
  • DC Power supplies
  • RFID/NFC readers
  • Payment terminals

Energy Management

  • Energy management implementations and API
  • Smart charging capabilities
  • Local energy management
  • PV-integration support

Production Features

  • Bring-up modules for custom hardware testing and integration
  • Ensured standards compliance
  • OTA service to keep EV chargers up-to-date
  • Security best practices following OpenSSF
  • ISO/IEC 5230 open source license compliance
  • Secure communication channels through TPM
  • Yocto support for custom embedded Linux images

Use Cases

AC Charging

Build residential or commercial AC charging stations with support for:
  • ISO 15118 Plug & Charge
  • RFID authentication
  • OCPP backend integration
  • Smart charging and load management

DC Charging

Deploy fast DC charging stations with:
  • CCS and CHAdeMO support
  • High-level communication (HLC)
  • Power management and derating
  • Multiple connector configurations

OCPP Integration

Connect your charging stations to central management systems:
  • Full OCPP 1.6, 2.0.1, and 2.1 support
  • Remote configuration and monitoring
  • Transaction management
  • Firmware updates

Smart Charging

Implement intelligent energy management:
  • Dynamic load balancing
  • Solar PV integration
  • Time-based charging
  • Grid integration with external limits

Architecture Overview

EVerest Core uses a modular architecture where functionality is divided into independent modules that communicate via well-defined interfaces:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                 Application Layer                    │
│  (API, OCPP, Web Interfaces, Mobile Apps)           │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                        ↕ MQTT
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│              EVerest Core Modules                    │
│  ┌──────────┐  ┌──────────┐  ┌──────────┐          │
│  │  EVSE    │  │  Auth    │  │  Energy  │          │
│  │ Manager  │  │ Manager  │  │ Manager  │  ...     │
│  └──────────┘  └──────────┘  └──────────┘          │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                        ↕ Interfaces
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│              Hardware Abstraction                    │
│  (Drivers, BSPs, Communication Protocols)           │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                  Hardware Layer                      │
│  (Charge Controllers, Meters, Contactors, etc.)     │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Core Components

  • EvseManager: Manages the charging session lifecycle
  • Auth: Handles authorization and token validation
  • EnergyManager: Controls power distribution and smart charging
  • ISO15118: Implements high-level communication protocols
  • API: Provides external interfaces for integration

Linux Foundation Energy

EVerest is proudly backed by Linux Foundation Energy, a consortium dedicated to accelerating the energy transition through open-source collaboration. This backing ensures:
  • Long-term stability and community governance
  • Vendor neutrality and open standards
  • Professional support and ecosystem development
  • Industry collaboration with major players in the EV charging space

License

EVerest is licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0, which allows for both commercial and non-commercial use. This permissive license enables manufacturers to build proprietary solutions on top of EVerest while contributing improvements back to the community.

Next Steps

Installation

Install EVerest Core on your system

Quick Start

Run your first charging simulation

Build docs developers (and LLMs) love