Porsche Engineering now offers automotive manufacturers a complete high-voltage charging management system supporting all major global charging standards. The modular software solution, developed since 2011, enables rapid market entry for plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles while providing intelligent charge planning capabilities.
Highlights
- Modular architecture consists of six program modules handling authentication, safety, communication, and value-added services
- Global compatibility supports GBT, GBT+, Chaoji, Chademo, ISO 15118, and DIN EN 62196 charging standards
- 13 vehicle variants across Volkswagen Group platforms have been equipped with the system
- Dynamic charge planning optimizes for electricity tariffs, solar availability, and departure time requirements
System Architecture and Variant Management
The charging management software follows the V-model development process, covering requirements analysis through validation. Porsche Engineering serves as the central development partner for high-voltage charging management across Volkswagen Group passenger cars with plug-in or electric powertrains.
The system uses adjustable software parameters for vehicle-specific configuration. Production staff set parameters during vehicle assembly rather than uploading different software versions. This approach simplifies variant management and enables single-release software updates across all models.
Six Core Program Modules
The software consists of distinct functional modules:
- HVLM (High-Voltage Charging Management): Controls charge port door operation and enables vehicle electronics for charging
- ILF (Intelligent Charging Function): Manages charge planning algorithms
- HLC (High Level Communication): Handles Plug & Charge authentication and charging standard protocols
- BAP (Control and Display Protocol): Supplies data to mobile applications showing charge state and time estimates
- CMSF (Charging Management Safety Function): Detects malfunctions and transitions the system to safe states
- VAS (Value Added Services): Provides ICCPD interface for standard socket charging
Charging Standard Compatibility
The HLC module supports worldwide charging infrastructure. Engineers addressed interpretation variances in charging standard specifications by implementing a compatibility mode that maintains basic charging functionality when vehicle-infrastructure communication encounters protocol inconsistencies.
The system accommodates AC charging at low power levels, DC fast charging, and high-power charging exceeding several hundred kilowatts. Home wallbox installations communicate with residential energy management systems to prevent circuit overloads.
Intelligent Charge Planning
Charge planning forms the central function of the system. Upon connection, the software prioritizes reaching 25 percent state of charge as quickly as possible to ensure energy availability for unplanned trips.
The forecast tool generates charging plans using individual time intervals with defined electrical charging capacity. The system balances multiple optimization targets:
- Cost minimization through dynamic electricity tariff data
- Solar integration by storing surplus photovoltaic energy when available
- Grid load reduction by shifting demand to off-peak periods
- Departure readiness ensuring target charge levels at specified times
Time Charging and Thermal Management
When users specify departure times, the system divides charging into subphases. The main phase ends 30 to 60 minutes before departure, providing buffer time if charging targets remain unmet. The final phase reduces charging capacity to accommodate cabin pre-conditioning loads.
Extreme temperatures present calculation challenges because battery chemistry becomes volatile under these conditions. A monitoring function runs parallel calculations during charge plan execution, comparing results to improve planning accuracy as charging progresses.
Software Validation and Redesign
Porsche Engineering validates the software using dedicated hardware-in-the-loop test benches with automated testing processes. Between 2021 and 2024, the development team completed a full software redesign.
The new architecture consolidates all charging management functions into a compact codebase. This reduced memory requirements on the on-board charger control unit while improving computing speed compared to the previous incrementally expanded software structure.
Source: Porsche Engineering
Original article: Porsche Newsroom
Sign up for our popular daily email to catch all the latest EV news!
