Faster Route to Custom Charging Controllers: PHYTEC and chargebyte Intensify Collaboration

The Charge SOM Evaluation Kit, jointly developed by chargebyte and PHYTEC, connects the Charge SOM with a carrier board where all interfaces necessary for a charging solution are accessible. It enables a direct start into development with the EVerest-based firmware stack and serves as the basis for developing custom carrier boards.

Mainz / Leipzig, May 04, 2026.    PHYTEC and chargebyte intensify their cooperation for EV charging solutions. Together, they enable the rapid development of custom charging controllers based on the chargebyte Charge SOM and custom carrier boards from PHYTEC. Companies gain full control over their electronics, allowing them to simplify the architecture of their charging solutions and to optimize them for maximum scalability. Furthermore, they benefit from an open ecosystem with open-source-based software, including maintenance throughout the product lifecycle. The jointly developed Charge SOM Evaluation Kit enables a fast start into prototyping and development.

Charging controllers based on the chargebyte Charge SOM and custom PHYTEC carrier boards offer full freedom and control over electronic design, combined with open-source-based software.

The Charge SOM is a universal EVCS-on-Module for both DC and AC charging controllers. It integrates all relevant components, such as the processor, powerline communication, safety shutdown, and network technologies, onto a compact circuit board. An operating system is also part of the Charge SOM, based on EVerest—an open-source software stack and Linux Foundation project. In combination with a carrier board, the module forms a complete charging controller that meets all requirements for AC and DC charging, including ISO 15118, Plug&Charge, and bidirectional charging. Firmware maintenance is included in the hardware price. Simultaneously, the open-source software allows companies to influence the system at any time and create their own modified or extended versions of the firmware stack. The risk of vendor lock-in and manufacturer dependency is thus eliminated.

Custom carrier boards from PHYTEC allow for the adaptation of the charging controller and cost optimization of the overall solution. For example, controls for display and operating units, as well as other functionalities, can be integrated directly into the carrier board design. This simplifies the architecture and reduces the effort required for update management and field maintenance.

A building-block-like system enables the development of custom charging controllers based on the Charge SOM within a few weeks and at manageable costs. The jointly developed Charge SOM Evaluation Kit provides a direct entry point for prototyping and development.

Simon Seres, Product Owner at chargebyte, states:

"Our mission is to create a 'Raspberry-like' developer experience for charging controllers—making the development, maintenance, and operation of charging infrastructure significantly more accessible. In PHYTEC, we have found the ideal partner. PHYTEC has enormous experience in developing modular electronics and its own expertise in charging electronics. The jointly developed Charge SOM, the development kit, the custom carrier boards from PHYTEC, and our software enable individual hardware and software without vendor lock-in."

Mario Haas, Head of Custom Electronics Development at PHYTEC, adds:

"Many charging solutions have similar requirements regarding interfaces and functionality. Nevertheless, they often differ in details that define the unique character of a charging station. The chargebyte Charge SOM and our modular development system make it possible to implement such functions cost-effectively, allowing companies to differentiate themselves from the competition and realize their own solutions economically."

The modular approach based on the chargebyte Charge SOM and custom PHYTEC carrier boards has already proven successful in several projects.

For further information, visit:        www.phytec.de/chargebyte | www.chargebyte.com

Power2Drive Europe (June 23-25, Messe Munich):
PHYTEC: C6.780 | chargebyte: C6.676