evcc

EVCC is an extensible EV Charge Controller with PV integration implemented in Go.

Features

• simple and clean user interface
• multiple chargers: Wallbe, Phoenix (includes ESL Walli), go-eCharger, NRGkick (direct Bluetooth or via Connect device), SimpleEVSE, EVSEWifi, KEBA/BMW, openWB, Mobile Charger Connect, and any other charger using scripting
• multiple meters: ModBus (Eastron SDM, MPM3PM, SBC ALE3 and many more), Discovergy (using HTTP plugin), SMA Home Manager 2.0 and SMA Energy Meter, KOSTAL Smart Energy Meter (KSEM, EMxx), any Sunspec-compatible inverter or home battery devices (Fronius, SMA, SolarEdge, KOSTAL, STECA, E3DC), Tesla PowerWall
• wide support of vendor-specific vehicles interfaces (remote charge, battery and preconditioning status): Audi, BMW, Ford, Tesla, Nissan, Renault, Porsche, Volkswagen and any other vehicle using scripting
• plugins for integrating with hardware devices and home automation: Modbus (meters and grid inverters), HTTP, MQTT, Javascript, WebSockets and shell scripts
• status notifications using Telegram and PushOver
• logging using InfluxDB and Grafana
• soft ramp-up/ramp-down of charge current ensures contactor only switched at minimum current
• electric contactor protection
• REST API

Index

• Getting started
• Installation
• Configuration
  • Site
  • Loadpoint
  • Charger
  • Meter
  • Vehicle
  • Home Energy Management System
• Plugins
  • Modbus
  • MQTT
  • HTTP
  • Websocket
  • Javascript
  • Shell Script
  • Calc (meter aggregation)
  • Combined status
• API
• Background

Getting started

1. Install EVCC. For details see installation.

2. Copy the default configuration file evcc.dist.yaml to evcc.yaml and open for editing.

3. To create a minimal setup you need a meter (either grid meter or pv generation meter) and a supported charger. Many PV inverters contain meters that can be used here.

4. Configure both meter(s) and charger by:

   • choosing the appropriate type
   • add a name attribute than can later be referred to
   • add configuration details depending on type See evcc.dist.yaml for examples.

5. Test your meter, charger and optional vehicle configuration by running

    evcc meter|charger|vehicle
   

6. Configure a loadpoint and refer to the meter, charger and vehicle using the defined name attributes.

7. Provide optional configuration for MQTT, push messaging, database logging and custom menus.

Installation

EVCC is provided as binary executable file and docker image. Download the file for your platform and then execute like this:

evcc -h

Use the following systemd unit description to configure EVCC as service (put into /etc/systemd/system/evcc.service):

[Unit]
Description=evcc
After=syslog.target network.target
[Service]
ExecStart=/usr/local/bin/evcc --log error
Restart=always
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

EVCC can also be run using Docker. Here's and example with given config file and UI on port 7070:

docker run -v $(pwd)/evcc.dist.yaml:/etc/evcc.yaml -p 7070:7070 andig/evcc -h

If using Docker with a meter or charger that requires UDP like KEBA, make sure that the Docker container can receive UDP messages on the relevant ports (:7090 for KEBA):

docker run -p 7070:7070 -p 7090:7090/udp andig/evcc ...

When using Docker with a device that requires multicast UDP like SMA, make sure that the Docker container uses the network_mode: host configuration:

docker run --network host andig/evcc ...

To build EVCC from source, Go 1.13 and Node 14 are required:

make

Note: EVCC comes without any guarantee. You are using this software entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to verify it is working as intended. EVCC requires a supported charger and a combination of grid, PV and charge meter. All components must be installed by a certified professional.

Configuration

The EVCC consists of five basic elements: Site and Loadpoints describe the infrastructure and combine Chargers, Meters and Vehicles.

Site

A site describes the grid connection and is responsible for managing the available power. A minimal site configuration requires a grid meter for managing EVU demand and optionally a PV or battery meter.

site:
- title: Zuhause # display name for UI
  meters:
    grid: sdm630 # grid meter reference
    pv: sma # pv meter reference

Loadpoint

Loadpoints combine meters, charger and vehicle together and add optional configuration. A minimal loadpoint configuration requires a charger and optionally a separate charge meter. If charger has an integrated meter it will automatically be used:

loadpoints:
- title: Garage # display name for UI
  charger: wallbe # charger reference
  vehicle: audi # vehicle reference
  meters:
    charge: sdm630 # grid meter reference

More options are documented in the evcc.dist.yaml sample configuration.

Charge modes

The default charge mode upon start of EVCC is configured on the loadpoint. Multiple charge modes are supported:

• Off: disable the charger, even if car gets connected.
• Now (Sofortladen): charge immediately with maximum allowed current.
• Min + PV: charge immediately with minimum configured current. Additionally use PV if available.
• PV: use PV as available. May not charge the car if PV remains dark.

In general, due to the minimum value of 5% for signalling the EV duty cycle, the charger cannot limit the current to below 6A. If the available power calculation demands a limit less than 6A, handling depends on the charge mode. In PV mode, the charger will be disabled until available PV power supports charging with at least 6A. In Min + PV mode, charging will continue at minimum current of 6A and charge current will be raised as PV power becomes available again. Min + PV mode may behave different, when used with HEMS (SHM).

Charger

Charger is responsible for handling EV state and adjusting charge current. Available charger implementations are:

• evsewifi: chargers with SimpleEVSE controllers using EVSE-WiFi
• go-e: go-eCharger chargers (both local and cloud API are supported, at least firmware 040.0 required)
• keba: KEBA KeContact P20/P30 and BMW chargers (see Preparation)
• mcc: Mobile Charger Connect devices (Audi, Bentley, Porsche)
• openWB: openWB chargers using openWB's MQTT interface
• phoenix-emcp: chargers with Phoenix EM-CP-PP-ETH controllers like the ESL Walli (Ethernet connection, see Preparation).
• phoenix-evcc: chargers with Phoenix EV-CC-AC1-M controllers (ModBus connection)
• nrgkick-bluetooth: NRGkick chargers with Bluetooth connector (Linux only, not supported on Docker)
• nrgkick-connect: NRGkick chargers with additional NRGkick Connect module
• simpleevse: chargers with SimpleEVSE controllers connected via ModBus (e.g. OpenWB Wallbox, Easy Wallbox B163, ...)
• wallbe: Wallbe Eco chargers (see Preparation). For older Wallbe boxes (pre 2019) with Phoenix EV-CC-AC1-M3-CBC-RCM-ETH controllers make sure to set legacy: true to enable correct current configuration.
• default: default charger implementation using configurable plugins for integrating any type of charger

Configuration examples are documented at andig/evcc-config#chargers

KEBA preparation

KEBA chargers require UDP function to be enabled with DIP 1.3 = ON, see KEBA installation manual.

Phoenix EM-CP preparation

The EM-CP controller requires DIP 10 = ON be controlled by ModBus, see controller manual.

Wallbe preparation

Wallbe chargers are supported out of the box. The Wallbe must be connected using Ethernet. If not configured, the default address 192.168.0.8:502 is used.

To allow controlling charge start/stop, the Wallbe physical configuration must be modified. This requires opening the Wallbe. Once opened, DIP 10 must be set to ON:

More information on interacting with Wallbe chargers can be found at GoingElectric. Use with care.

NOTE: The Wallbe products come in two flavors. Older models (2017 known to be "old", 2019 known to be "new") use the Phoenix EV-CC-AC1-M3-CBC-RCM controller. For such models make sure to set legacy: true. You can find you which one you have using MBMD:

mbmd read -a 192.168.0.8:502 -d 255 -t holding -e int 300 1

Compare the value to what you see as Actual Charge Current Setting in the Wallbe web UI. If the numbers match, it's a Phoenix controller, if the reading is factor 10x the UI value then it's a Wallbe controller.

NOTE: Opening the wall box must only be done by certified professionals. The box must be disconnected from mains before opening.

Meter

Meters provide data about power and energy consumption or PV production. Available meter implementations are:

• modbus: ModBus meters as supported by MBMD. Configuration is similar to the ModBus plugin where power and energy specify the MBMD measurement value to use. Additionally, soc can specify an MBMD measurement value for home battery soc. Typical values are power: Power, energy: Sum and soc: ChargeState where only power applied per default.
• sma: SMA Home Manager 2.0 and SMA Energy Meter. Power reading is configured out of the box but can be customized if necessary. To obtain specific energy readings define the desired Obis code (Import Energy: "1:1.8.0", Export Energy: "1:2.8.0").
• tesla: Tesla PowerWall meter. Use usage setting to choose internal meter (grid: site, pv: solar, battery: battery).
• default: default meter implementation where meter readings- power, energy, per-phase currents and battery soc are configured using plugins

Configuration examples are documented at andig/evcc-config#meters

Vehicle

Vehicle represents a specific EV vehicle and its battery. If vehicle is configured and assigned to the charger, charge status and remaining charge duration become available in the user interface.

Available vehicle remote interface implementations are:

• audi: Audi (eTron, Q55)
• bmw: BMW (i3)
• ford: Ford (Kuga, Mustang)
• kia: Kia (Bluelink vehicles like Soul 2019)
• hyundai: Hyundai (Bluelink vehicles like Kona or Ioniq)
• nissan: Nissan (Leaf)
• tesla: Tesla (any model)
• renault: Renault (Zoe, Kangoo ZE)
• porsche: Porsche (Taycan)
• vw: Volkswagen (eGolf, eUp)
• id: Volkswagen (ID.3, ID.4)
• default: default vehicle implementation using configurable plugins for integrating any type of vehicle

Configuration examples are documented at andig/evcc-config#vehicles

Home Energy Management System

EVCC can integrate itself with Home Energy Management Systems. At this time, the SMA Home Manager (SHM) is the only supported system. To enable add

hems:
  type: sma
  allowcontrol: false # set true to allow SHM controlling charger in PV modes

to the configuration. The EVCC loadpoints can then be added to the SHM configuration. When SHM is used, the ratio of Grid to PV Power for the Min+PV mode can be adjusted in Sunny-Portal via the "Optional energy demand" slider. When the amount of configured PV is not available, charging suspends like in PV mode. So, pushing the slider completely to the left makes Min+PV behave as described above. Pushing completely to the right makes Min+PV mode behave like PV mode.

Plugins

Plugins are used to integrate various devices and external data sources with EVCC. Plugins can be used in combination with a default type meter, charger or vehicle.

Plugins support both read and write access. When using plugins for write access, the actual data is provided as variable in form of ${var[:format]}. If format is omitted, data is formatted according to the default Go %v format. The variable is replaced with the actual data before the plugin is executed.

Modbus (read only)

The modbus plugin is able to read data from any Modbus meter or SunSpec-compatible solar inverter. Many meters are already pre-configured (see MBMD Supported Devices).

The meter configuration consists of the actual physical connection and the value to be read.

Physical connection

If the device is physically connected using an RS485 adapter, device and serial configuration baudrate, comset must be specified:

type: modbus
device: /dev/ttyUSB0
baudrate: 9600
comset: "8N1"

If the device is a grid inverter or a Modbus meter connected via TCP, uri must be specified:

type: modbus
uri: 192.168.0.11:502
id: 1 # modbus slave id

If the device is a Modbus RTU device connected using an RS485/Ethernet adapter, set rtu: true. The serial configuration must be done directly on the adapter. Example:

type: modbus
uri: 192.168.0.10:502
id: 3 # modbus slave id
rtu: true

Logical connection

The meter device type meter and the device's slave id id are always required:

type: ...
uri/device/id: ...
model: sdm
value: Power
scale: -1 # floating point factor applied to result, e.g. for kW to W conversion

Supported meter models are the same as supported by MBMD:

• RTU:
  • ABB ABB A/B-Series meters
  • MPM Bernecker Engineering MPM3PM meters
  • DZG DZG Metering GmbH DVH4013 meters
  • INEPRO Inepro Metering Pro 380
  • JANITZA Janitza B-Series meters
  • SBC Saia Burgess Controls ALD1 and ALE3 meters
  • SDM Eastron SDM630
  • SDM220 Eastron SDM220
  • SDM230 Eastron SDM230
  • SDM72 Eastron SDM72
  • ORNO1P ORNO WE-514 & WE-515
  • ORNO3P ORNO WE-516 & WE-517
• TCP: Sunspec-compatible grid inverters (SMA, SolarEdge, Kaco, KOSTAL, Fronius, Steca etc)

Use value to define the value to read from the device. All values that are supported by MBMD are pre-configured.

In case of SunSpec-compatible inverters, values can also be configured in the form of model:[block:]point according to SunSpec definition. For example, a 3-phase inverter's DC power of the 2nd string would be configurable as 103:2:W.

Manual configuration

If the Modbus device is not supported by MBMD, the Modbus register can also be manually configured:

type: ...
uri/device/id: ...
register:
  address: 40070
  type: holding # holding or input
  decode: int32 # int16|32|64, uint16|32|64, float32|64 and u|int32s + float32s
scale: -1 # floating point factor applied to result, e.g. for kW to W conversion

The int32s/uint32s decodings apply swapped word order and are useful e.g. with E3/DC devices.

MQTT (read/write)

The mqtt plugin allows to read values from MQTT topics. This is particularly useful for meters, e.g. when meter data is already available on MQTT. See MBMD for an example how to get Modbus meter data into MQTT.

Sample configuration:

type: mqtt
topic: mbmd/sdm1-1/Power
timeout: 30s # don't accept values older than timeout
scale: 0.001 # floating point factor applied to result, e.g. for Wh to kWh conversion

Sample write configuration:

type: mqtt
topic: mbmd/charger/maxcurrent
payload: ${var:%d}

For write access, the data is provided using the payload attribute. If payload is missing, the value will be written in default format.

HTTP (read/write)

The http plugin executes HTTP requests to read or update data. Includes the ability to read and parse JSON using jq-like queries for REST apis.

Sample read configuration:

type: http
uri: https://volkszaehler/api/data/<uuid>.json?from=now
method: GET # default HTTP method
headers:
- content-type: application/json
auth: # basic authorization
  type: basic
  user: foo
  password: bar
insecure: false # set to true to trust self-signed certificates
jq: .data.tuples[0][1] # parse response json
scale: 0.001 # floating point factor applied to result, e.g. for kW to W conversion

Sample write configuration:

...
body: %v # only applicable for PUT or POST requests

Websocket (read only)

The websocket plugin implements a web socket listener. Includes the ability to read and parse JSON using jq-like queries. It can for example be used to receive messages from Volkszähler's push server.

Sample configuration (read only):

type: http
uri: ws://<volkszaehler host:port>/socket
jq: .data | select(.uuid=="<uuid>") .tuples[0][1] # parse message json
scale: 0.001 # floating point factor applied to result, e.g. for Wh to kWh conversion
timeout: 30s # error if no update received in 30 seconds

Javascript (read/write)

EVCC includes a bundled Javascript interpreter with Underscore.js library installed. The js plugin is able to execute Javascript code from the script tag. Useful for quick prototyping:

type: js
script: |
  var res = 500;
  2 * res; // returns 1000

When using the js plugin for writing, the value to write is handed to the script as pre-populated variable:

charger:
- type: generic
  maxcurrent:
    type: js
    script: |
      console.log(maxcurrent);

Shell Script (read/write)

The script plugin executes external scripts to read or update data. This plugin is useful to implement any type of external functionality.

Sample read configuration:

type: script
cmd: /bin/bash -c "cat /dev/urandom"
timeout: 5s

Sample write configuration:

type: script
cmd: /home/user/my-script.sh ${enable:%b} # format boolean enable as 0/1
timeout: 5s

Calc (read only)

The calc plugin allows calculating the sum of other plugins:

type: calc
add:
- type: ...
  ...
- type: ...
  ...

The calc plugin is useful e.g. to combine power values if import and export power are separate like with S0 meters. Use scale: -1 on one of the elements to implement a subtraction or scale: 1000 to implement Wh to kWh conversion.

Combined status (read only)

The combined status plugin is used to convert a mixed boolean status of plugged/charging into an EVCC-compatible charger status of A..F. It is typically used together with OpenWB MQTT integration.

Sample configuration (read only):

type: combined
plugged:
  type: mqtt
  topic: openWB/lp/1/boolPlugStat
charging:
  type: mqtt
  topic: openWB/lp/1/boolChargeStat

API

EVCC provides a REST and MQTT APIs.

REST API

• /api/state: EVCC state (static configuration and dynamic state)
• /api/mode: global charge mode (writable)
• /api/targetsoc: global target SoC (writable)
• /api/loadpoints/<id>/mode: loadpoint charge mode (writable)
• /api/loadpoints/<id>/targetsoc: loadpoint target SoC (writable)

Note: to modify writable settings perform a POST request appending the value as path segment.

MQTT API

The MQTT API follows the REST API's structure:

• evcc: root topic
• evcc/updated: timestamp of last update
• evcc/site: site dynamic state
• evcc/site/mode: global charge mode (writable)
• evcc/site/targetSoC: global target SoC (writable)
• evcc/loadpoints: number of available loadpoints
• evcc/loadpoints/<id>: loadpoint dynamic state
• evcc/loadpoints/<id>/mode: loadpoint charge mode (writable)
• evcc/loadpoints/<id>/targetSoC: loadpoint target SoC (writable)

Note: to modify writable settings append /set to the topic for writing.

Background

EVCC is heavily inspired by OpenWB. However, in 2019, I found OpenWB's architecture slightly intimidating with everything basically global state and heavily relying on shell scripting. On the other side, especially the scripting aspect is one that contributes to OpenWB's flexibility.

Hence, for a simplified and stricter implementation of an EV charge controller, the design goals for EVCC were:

• typed language with ability for systematic testing - achieved by using Go
• structured configuration - supports YAML-based config file
• avoidance of feature bloat, simple and clean UI - utilizes Bootstrap
• containerized operation beyond Raspberry Pi - provide multi-arch Docker Image
• support for multiple load points - tbd