Hello and welcome!

For businesses that rely on electric vehicle (EV) charging stations—whether you're an EV fleet manager, hotel owner, leasing company, or part of a housing association—keeping your charging stations updated with the latest firmware is crucial. Firmware updates enhance station performance, introduce new features, and resolve technical bugs, ensuring a seamless experience for EV drivers. 

In this guide, we’ll cover:

1. The importance of firmware updates for your business. 
2. Who can upload and update firmware files in Virta Hub. 
3. How to efficiently upload and manage firmware files. 
4. How to update your EV charging stations’ firmware versions. 
5. Troubleshooting tips for common firmware update issues. 
   
   

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to ensure your charging network operates at peak performance, delivering the best possible service to your customers and stakeholders.

1. Why Firmware Updates Are Essential for Charging Network Success

Updating firmware improves charger reliability and enhances the charge success rate. Firmware is the backbone of your EV charging stations, powering essential functionalities, ensuring compatibility with evolving technologies, and maintaining security. For businesses, firmware updates mean: 

• Improved Reliability: Reduced downtime and improved charge success rate. 
• Operational Efficiency: Save time and reduce manual troubleshooting. 
• Stay Futureproof: Access the latest features by having the most up-to-date firmware. 

2. Who Can Manage Firmware Files on Virta Hub?

Not all roles have the same level of access to manage firmware files. Understanding these permissions ensures your team can handle updates effectively. Here's a closer look at the roles and permissions: 

Administrators & Technicians:

• • Upload firmware files to the library.
  • Activate and manage the Firmware Library Module for your sub-organisation.

Driver Managers & Charging Managers:

• Perform firmware updates but cannot upload new files.
  
  

Other Users:

•  Can view the charging stations’ firmware version, as well as using the firmware filter on the Station list view.

Important Note: 
Firmware updates require the Firmware Library Module to be activated in Virta Hub by your parent organisation.  Administrators can do this action by navigating to the "Organisation" tab and selecting "Edit Modules". Firmware files uploaded by an organisation can be accessed by its sub-organisations, ensuring consistent updates across your charging network. 

3. How to Upload Firmware Files to Virta Hub

Uploading firmware files is the first step to keeping your chargers up to date. You will follow these easy steps to manage firmware files effectively:

1. Check Firmware Management Activation:

• Please ensure the Firmware Library Module is activated for your organisation by your parent organisation via the "Organisation" tab and Modules and Services.

2. Navigate to the Firmware Library:

• Go to "Stations tab >  Firmware Library" in Virta Hub. This is where you manage firmware files and notify team members of updates.

3. Upload a New Firmware File:

• Click "Add a New Firmware File".
• Drag and drop the firmware file or browse your computer to select it.
• Provide details such as the charger manufacturer, choose the models that are compatible with this firmware version and add the firmware version number.
• For batch updates, the system checks if the selected stations are compatible for simultaneous updates. For single-station updates, the compatibility check is skipped, allowing you to proceed directly to selecting the firmware file or link.

4. Confirm Details:

• Ensure the file matches the charger model specifications. Refer to the manufacturer’s documentation for guidance.

5. Save and Notify:

• Once uploaded, the firmware file becomes available for use across your organisation and its sub-organisations, depending on your selections.
  
  

4. How to Update Your EV Charging Stations’ Firmware

To ensure your charging points remain up to date, you will automatically receive a notification when a firmware file is added to the Firmware Library Module. This notification will appear on your Updates Page, allowing you to take the necessary action promptly. 

Depending on your network size and requirements, firmware updates can be applied individually or in batches. To update the firmware, please follow these steps: 

1. Locate the Current Firmware Version:

• Log in to Virta Hub and navigate to the Stations tab, then "All stations".
• Select charging points based on specific filters like availability, manufacturer, and model. Then select the latest firmware version from the dropdown menu. Use the "Select all" option to automatically select all filtered charging points. Once selected, click "Update Firmware".

2. Verify Charging Stations' Status: 

Please ensure the charger is available online. Please note that Chargers will be temporarily unavailable during the update. 

3. Initiate the Firmware Update:

• • Click "Update Firmware" to view the station details. 

4. Choose a Firmware File or Link:

• • Paste a firmware download link provided by your system administrator, or select a previously uploaded file from the Firmware Library Module.

5. Start the Update:

Click "Start Update". The update proceeds in these steps:

• File verification.
• File download and installation on the charger.
• Automatic reboot of the charger.
• Firmware version update in the system.

6. Monitor Progress:

• Updates run in the background, allowing you to close the panel.
• You can monitor the real-time progress of firmware updates in Your Updates > Ongoing batch jobs.

5. Troubleshooting Common Firmware Update Issues

Even with proper planning, issues may arise during firmware updates. Here’s how to resolve them:

1. Firmware Update Fails:
   Verify the validity of the firmware link or file.
   Confirm the charger is online and not downloading a previous update.
2. Charger Remains Unavailable:
   Check the Logs Page to identify any ongoing processes or errors.
3. Inconsistent Firmware Versions Across Stations:
   Please ensure all chargers in a batch update are of the same manufacturer, same model, and have the same starting firmware version.
4. Batch Operations Stuck for Over 10 Hours
   If a batch operation process exceeds 10 hours, the system will automatically attempt to cancel it. You can also cancel it manually in Virta Hub using the “Cancel waiting” button, which becomes active after the initial 10-hour period.

And that's it! You now know the importance of firmware updates for improving the efficiency, reliability, and scalability of your charging network. You know the roles and permissions required to manage firmware files on Virta Hub. You can now upload firmware files and update your chargers. Above all, you have mastered the troubleshooting techniques to resolve common issues.

You can now ensure your EV charging stations deliver consistent, high-quality service, keeping EV drivers satisfied and your operations efficient. Staying ahead of the competition by keeping your charging network up-to-date.