EVnSteven Exploring OpenEVSE Integration

At EVnSteven, we are committed to expanding EV charging options for electric vehicle (EV) drivers, especially those residing in apartments or condos with limited charging infrastructure. Our app currently addresses the challenge of tracking and billing for EV charging at unmetered outlets. This service is vital for many EV drivers who rely on 20-amp (Level 1) outlets provided by their buildings. Financial, technical, and even political constraints often prevent the installation of more advanced charging options for this growing but important minority of EV drivers. Our solution enables users to estimate their electricity usage and reimburse their building management, ensuring a fair and equitable arrangement.

Expanding Our Reach

Our service has garnered an enthusiastic user base across the United States, Canada, Ireland, and Australia, reflecting the growing demand for practical EV charging solutions. With our cleanly engineered, modular, and flexible codebase, we are now poised to take the next step in our roadmap: hardware integration. We are excited to announce that we are considering adding support for OpenEVSE.

Why OpenEVSE?

OpenEVSE stands out as an ideal partner for several reasons:

• Large User Network: OpenEVSE boasts a robust and active community of users, providing a wealth of shared knowledge and support. Here is a map of OpenEVSE chargers.
• Open Platform: Their open-source platform aligns with our values of transparency and collaboration, offering flexibility and innovation opportunities. Supporting open standards in EV charging is crucial to reduce the monopolization of charging infrastructure by large corporate interests, ensuring a fair and competitive market for all stakeholders.
• Ease of Integration: OpenEVSE’s hardware is designed for seamless integration, making it a practical choice for enhancing our app’s capabilities.

In episode #162 of the MACROFAB podcast, OpenEVSE founder Christopher Howell shares the fascinating journey of OpenEVSE, starting from a simple Arduino experiment to creating J1772 compatible controllers that now power thousands of electric vehicle charging stations worldwide.

OpenEVSE embodies the “Even Steven” philosophy

The integration with OpenEVSE also aligns with the theme of “Even Steven”, which emphasizes fairness and balance. By using existing infrastructure and providing accurate tracking and billing, we ensure that both EV drivers and property managers benefit equitably. This concept is essential for maintaining a harmonious relationship between all parties involved and promoting the widespread adoption of EVs in all types of living environments, particularly apartments and condos.

Potential Benefits of OpenEVSE Integration

Integrating OpenEVSE with EVnSteven would bring numerous advantages:

• Enhanced Tracking: More precise tracking of energy consumption for users of L2 stations, ensuring more accurate billing and reimbursement.
• Better Support for Load Sharing: Load sharing is important for buildings with limited electrical service. This reduces the need for costly and complex service upgrades involving utilities and municipalities.
• User Experience: Improved user experience through hardware and software synergy, making EV charging more convenient and efficient.
• Data Insights: Access to more granular data on charging habits and patterns, helping users optimize their charging routines and potentially save on costs.

Next Steps

As we explore this integration, we are committed to maintaining the high standards our users expect. We will engage with our community and seek feedback to ensure that any new features meet their needs and enhance their experience.

Stay tuned for more updates on our journey towards integrating OpenEVSE and continuing to innovate in the EV charging space.

Conclusion

The potential integration of OpenEVSE with EVnSteven marks an exciting development in our mission to provide practical and equitable charging solutions. By leveraging OpenEVSE’s strengths and supporting open standards, we aim to offer even greater value to our users, making EV ownership more accessible and convenient for everyone.

For more information and updates, follow us on our social media channels and visit our website regularly.

Those in Favor: Do You Already Use OpenEVSE?

Those in favor of this integration are encouraged to reach out to openevse@evsteven.app so we can discuss the kind of integrations you would expect, particularly those who already use OpenEVSE hardware. We value your input and look forward to hearing from you.