As the world transitions toward sustainable energy solutions, electric vehicles (EVs) have become a pivotal part of reducing carbon emissions. However, with technological advancements come new challenges, particularly in cybersecurity. The OPEVA EU project aims to address these concerns by enhancing the safety and efficiency of EVs and their charging infrastructures. In collaboration with cutting-edge solutions from ERARGE, such as secure IoT gateways and hardware security modules, the project is pushing the boundaries of trustworthiness in EV ecosystems, including wireless inductive charging and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication.
The Growing Importance of Cybersecurity in EV Ecosystems
EVs are integral to a connected ecosystem of onboard systems, charging stations, and energy grids, but this connectivity introduces vulnerabilities. Cyber attackers could exploit weak communication protocols to control vehicle functions, use public charging stations to spread malicious software or disrupt networks, and even target inductive charging systems using silicon carbide (SiC) technology if secure authentication is lacking. Additionally, compromised charging stations could threaten the broader energy grid, highlighting the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures.
ERARGE’s Contributions to Cybersecurity
As part of the OPEVA EU project, ERARGE is introducing advanced cybersecurity solutions that address these challenges comprehensively. These include:
1. Secure IoT Gateways (PRIGM©): act as robust mediators between EVs, charging stations, and the grid, ensuring encrypted communication and secure data exchange.
2. Person and Node (Vehicle) Authentication mechanisms ensure that only authorized users and vehicles can interact with the charging infrastructure or EV grids.
3. Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) (PRIGM HSM) enable cryptographic key generation and sensitive data protection stored in EVs and charging systems. ERARGE’s HSM is designed to withstand physical and cyber threats, ensuring a tamper-proof layer of security. HSM is integrated as a master crypto device in the OPEVA Main Framework (over cloud) enabling secure vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, fostering trust between EVs and the grid.
4. Trustworthy Wireless Charging: Integrating ERARGE’s cyber security into the inductive charging systems that utilize SiC technology ensures secure power transfer and communication. Authentication and encryption protocols safeguard against data interception or tampering during the charging process making the wireless charging IoT-empowered.
Role of ERARGE in the OPEVA EU Project
The OPEVA EU project, bolstered by ERARGE’s cybersecurity devices, emphasizes collaboration among governments, industry leaders, and research institutions. By pooling resources and expertise, the project sets new benchmarks for EV security, ensuring that technological innovations are paired with robust protections.
ERARGE takes the technical coordination role in OPEVA and leads WP3 and Demo6/8.
Future Directions
While OPEVA and ERARGE have made significant strides, the EV ecosystem faces ongoing challenges like interoperability, scalability and cyber resilience. ERARGE has a long-term vision to adapt cybersecurity solutions to diverse manufacturers and regulatory landscapes considering new standards and regulations, i.e. UNECE 155/156. The offered innovations will be strengthened to achieve TRL7 or higher to scale secure systems to accommodate growing EV adoption and infrastructure.
By integrating ERARGE’s secure IoT gateways, person and node authentication systems, hardware security modules, and solutions for wireless charging, the OPEVA EU project is revolutionizing cybersecurity in EVs and charging infrastructures. These advancements not only protect vehicles and users but also ensure the resilience of energy grids and public charging networks.
The synergy between OPEVA and ERARGE’s innovations demonstrates how cybersecurity and sustainability can go hand in hand, creating a future where EV adoption is both environmentally responsible and inherently secure.
Authors:
Salih Ergun, Prof. CTO, salih.ergun@erarge.com.tr
Alper Kanak, PHD, Technical Coordinator of OPEVA, alper.kanak@erarge.com.tr
Ergünler R&D Co. Ltd. (ERARGE)