The FOSDEM 2025 Energy Devroom featured a presentation by Christian Weissmann from S44 Energy on the evolution of LF Energy CitrineOS, an open source Charge Station Management System (CSMS). One year after its initial introduction at FOSDEM, CitrineOS has made significant strides in tackling the complexities of EV charging infrastructure. Here are the key takeaways from Weissmann’s talk, and the full video follows below.
The Challenges of EV Charging Infrastructure
Weissmann set the stage by outlining the challenges in the EV charging ecosystem. A typical charging session involves multiple players: the driver, the e-mobility service provider (EMSP), the charge point operator (CPO), and the charging station itself. Each entity communicates using different protocols such as ISO 15118, IEC 61851, and OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol). The primary issue is the inconsistent interpretation of these protocols, leading to interoperability challenges across different manufacturers and platforms.
CitrineOS: Simplifying Charge Station Management
CitrineOS was founded to streamline the complexities of OCPP implementation for charge station management. Key developments over the past year include:
- Protocol Standardization: CitrineOS continues to focus on implementing OCPP in a way that ensures compatibility and reduces the burden on charge point operators.
- Cloud-Based Architecture: The system operates in the cloud, leveraging message brokers to facilitate modular, scalable communication between different components.
- Extensibility: By providing a REST API and modular architecture, CitrineOS allows third parties to integrate additional functionalities such as payment systems via Stripe.
Key Achievements Over the Past Year
- LF Energy Acceptance: CitrineOS is now officially an LF Energy project, bringing industry recognition and governance through a technical steering committee.
- Major Version Releases: The platform has progressed from version 1.0 to 1.5.1, introducing refinements and stability improvements.
- Interoperability Testing: The team has actively participated in industry events, including plugfests in Germany and the U.S., ensuring real-world compatibility with various charging hardware.
- User Interface Enhancements: Recognizing the importance of UX, CitrineOS has introduced a web-based UI to complement its backend, aiding certification processes.
- OCPI Implementation: CitrineOS now supports the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI), enabling better integration between CPOs and EMSPs.
- Growing Open Source Community: External contributions are increasing, reinforcing CitrineOS as a community-driven project.
Lessons Learned & The Road Ahead
Despite its successes, the CitrineOS team has encountered hurdles in industry adoption. Many operators are hesitant to move to newer protocol versions despite clear advantages. Additionally, user experience plays a crucial role – shiny UIs attract more interest than backend improvements alone.
Looking forward, CitrineOS plans to:
- Release version 1.6 with enhanced protocol support, including OCPP 1.6.
- Expand UI capabilities for better user engagement.
- Continue fostering open source collaboration through Discord and monthly technical steering committee meetings.
Get Involved
For those interested in contributing to CitrineOS, there are multiple ways to engage:
- Join the community on Discord.
- Participate in monthly technical steering committee meetings.
- Submit pull requests to help improve the system.
The journey of CitrineOS underscores the power of open-source innovation in the energy sector. As the EV charging industry evolves, projects like CitrineOS play a crucial role in ensuring seamless, interoperable, and efficient charging solutions for the future.
For more details, check out the CitrineOS GitHub repository and follow the project’s progress through upcoming industry events and webinars.
