Dynamic retention of charging station slots for vehicles

Abstract

Dynamic retention of charging station slots for vehicles. A method of controlling reservation at a charging station for a vehicle includes a controller in communication with a remote advisory unit. The method includes positioning a ground lock at the charging slot, the ground lock being controllable by the station command unit. The method includes generating, by a remote advisory unit, an identification number and transmitting the identification number to a controller and a station command unit. The identification number is generated randomly. When the estimated time of arrival of the vehicle is less than a first threshold, the ground lock moves to the blocked position. The method includes broadcasting, via the controller, a message having an identification number to the station command unit when the estimated time of arrival is less than a second threshold. When the authentication process is completed, the parking lock moves to a non-blocking position.

Description

[0001] introduce

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to controlling the reservation of charging slots of charging stations for vehicles. The use of pure electric vehicles and partially electric vehicles such as battery electric vehicles, extended-range electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles has greatly increased in the past few years. Electric vehicles include rechargeable energy storage units that require periodic recharging, such as high-voltage batteries with multiple cells. Charging can be completed at public or private charging stations. Public charging stations are typically found on the street or in retail shopping centers, public facilities, and other parking areas. Charging stations may have a limited capacity for charging slots and may be distributed throughout a region. Summary of the invention

[0003] Disclosed herein is a method for controlling a reservation at a charging station for a vehicle using a controller having a processor and a tangible non-transitory memory having instructions recorded thereon. The controller communicates with a remote advisory unit. The method includes positioning a ground lock at a charging slot, the ground lock being controllable by a station command unit. The method includes generating an identification number by the remote advisory unit and transmitting the identification number to the controller and the station command unit, the identification number being randomly generated. An estimated arrival time of a vehicle at a charging station is monitored by the remote advisory unit.

[0004] When the estimated arrival time is less than a first threshold, the ground lock is moved to a blocking position via the station command unit so as to block access to the charging slot. The method includes broadcasting a message with an identification number to the station command unit via the controller when the estimated arrival time is less than a second threshold. When the authentication process is completed, the ground lock is moved to a non-blocking position via the station command unit so as to allow access to the charging slot.

[0005] When the identification number broadcast by the controller matches the identification sent by the remote consulting unit to the station command unit, the authentication process can be complete. The method can include adapting the vehicle and the station command unit to delete the identification number after the vehicle has entered the charging slot. In some embodiments, the first threshold is set to approximately 30 minutes. The second threshold can be set at or below 5 minutes.

[0006] The method may include adapting the controller to broadcast messages to the station command unit via a short-band network. The method may include adapting the remote advisory unit to communicate with the controller via a cellular connection. The remote advisory unit may be adapted to communicate with the station command unit via an Internet connection. The method may include incorporating a base portion and a barrier portion into a ground lock positioned at the charging slot. The barrier portion is operably connected to the base portion and is movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position.

[0007] Prior to generating the identification number via the remote consulting unit, the method may include requesting charging station data for an area near the predefined route, and retrieving an updated version of the charging station data via the remote consulting unit and transmitting the updated version to the controller. The method may include selecting a charging station via the controller based in part on the updated version of the charging station data, and setting the charging station as a navigation destination for the vehicle.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method includes determining, via a controller, whether a time elapsed when the navigation setting is canceled after the ground lock is in a blocked position is greater than a cancellation grace period. The method may include transmitting, via the controller, a request to cancel the reservation of the charging slot to the remote consulting unit, and the station command unit is adapted to move the ground lock to a non-blocking position. The method may include adapting the vehicle and the station command unit to delete the identification number when the time elapsed is greater than the cancellation grace period. In some embodiments, the cancellation grace period is set between approximately 5 and 10 minutes.

[0009] A system for controlling a reservation at a charging station for a vehicle is disclosed herein. The system includes a controller having a processor and a tangible non-transitory memory having instructions recorded thereon, the controller having a remote consultation unit. A ground lock is positioned at a charging slot in the charging station, the ground lock being movable between a blocking position for blocking access to the charging slot and a non-blocking position for permitting access to the charging slot. A station command unit in communication with the controller, the ground lock being controllable by the station command unit. The remote consultation unit is adapted to generate an identification number and transmit the identification number to the controller and the station command unit, the identification number being randomly generated.

[0010] The remote consulting unit is adapted to monitor an estimated arrival time of the vehicle at the charging station. The station command unit is adapted to move the ground lock to a blocking position when the estimated arrival time is less than a first threshold, such that access to the charging slot is blocked. The controller is adapted to broadcast a message with an identification number to the station command unit when the estimated arrival time is less than a second threshold. The station command unit is adapted to move the ground lock to a non-blocking position when the authentication process is completed, such that access to the charging slot is granted.

[0011] A system for controlling a reservation at a charging station for a vehicle is disclosed herein, the system comprising: a controller having a processor and a tangible, non-transitory memory having instructions recorded thereon, the controller having a remote consulting unit; a ground lock positioned at a charging slot in the charging station, the ground lock being movable between a blocking position for blocking access to the charging slot and a non-blocking position for permitting access to the charging slot; a station command unit in communication with the controller, the ground lock being controllable by the station command unit; the remote consulting unit being adapted to generate an identification number and transmit the identification number to the controller and the station command unit, the identification number being randomly generated; wherein the remote consulting unit is adapted to monitor an estimated arrival time of a vehicle at the charging station; wherein the station command unit is adapted to move the ground lock to the blocking position when the estimated arrival time is less than a first threshold value, so that access to the charging slot is blocked; wherein the controller is adapted to broadcast a message having the identification number to the station command unit when the estimated arrival time is less than a second threshold value; and wherein the station command unit is adapted to move the ground lock to the non-blocking position when an authentication process is completed, so that access to the charging slot is permitted.

[0012] The authentication process is complete when the identification number broadcast by the controller matches the identification sent by the remote consulting unit to the station command unit; and the vehicle and station command unit are adapted to delete the identification number after the vehicle has entered the charging slot.

[0013] The first threshold is approximately 30 minutes, and the second threshold is approximately 5 minutes.

[0014] The controller is adapted to broadcast messages to the station command unit via a shortwave band network; the remote advisory unit is adapted to communicate with the vehicle via a cellular connection; and the remote advisory unit is adapted to communicate with the station command unit via an Internet connection.

[0015] Prior to generating the identification number via the remote consulting unit, the controller is adapted to: request charging station data for an area proximate to a predefined route of the vehicle, the remote consulting unit being adapted to retrieve an updated version of the charging station data and transmit the updated version to the controller; and select a charging station based in part on the updated version of the charging station data and set the charging station as a navigation destination for the vehicle.

[0016] The controller is adapted to: determine whether the elapsed time is greater than a cancellation grace period when the navigation setting is canceled after the ground lock is in the blocking position; and transmit a request to cancel the reservation of the charging slot to the remote consulting unit via the controller when the elapsed time is greater than the cancellation grace period, and the station command unit is adapted to move the ground lock to the non-blocking position.

[0017] When the elapsed time is greater than the cancellation grace period, the vehicle and station command unit are adapted to delete the identification number.

[0018] The cancellation grace period is between approximately 5 and 10 minutes.

[0019] A system for controlling a reservation at a charging station for a vehicle is disclosed herein, the system comprising: a controller having a processor and a tangible non-transitory memory having instructions recorded thereon, the controller having a remote consulting unit; a ground lock positioned at a charging slot in the charging station, the ground lock being movable between a blocking position for blocking access to the charging slot and a non-blocking position for permitting access to the charging slot; a station command unit in communication with the controller, the ground lock being controllable by the station command unit; a remote consulting unit adapted to generate an identification number and transmit the identification number to the controller and the station command unit, the identification number being randomly generated; wherein the remote consulting unit is adapted to monitor an estimated wherein the station command unit is adapted to move the ground lock to a blocking position when the estimated arrival time is less than a first threshold value, such that access to the charging slot is blocked, the first threshold value being approximately 30 minutes; wherein the controller is adapted to broadcast a message with an identification number to the station command unit when the estimated arrival time is less than a second threshold value, the second threshold value being at or less than 5 minutes; wherein the station command unit is adapted to move the ground lock to a non-blocking position when the identification number broadcast by the controller matches the identification sent to the station command unit by the remote consulting unit, such that access to the charging slot is permitted; and wherein the vehicle and the station command unit are adapted to delete the identification number after the vehicle has entered the charging slot.

[0020] The controller is adapted to: determine whether the elapsed time is greater than a cancellation grace period when the navigation setting is canceled after the ground lock is in the blocking position; and transmit a request to cancel the reservation of the charging slot to the remote consulting unit via the controller when the elapsed time is greater than the cancellation grace period, and the station command unit is adapted to move the ground lock to the non-blocking position.

[0021] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the disclosure when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic fragmentary diagram of a system for controlling slot reservation at a charging station for a vehicle;

[0023] Figure 2 Yes Operation Figure 1 A flowchart of a method of a system;

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a flow chart of a portion of a method; and

[0025] Figure 4 is Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an example ground lock that may be used in the system.

[0026] Representative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings by way of non-limiting examples and are described below in additional detail. However, it should be understood that the novel aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific forms illustrated in the drawings listed above. On the contrary, the present disclosure will cover modifications, equivalents, combinations, sub-combinations, permutations, groupings and substitutions that fall within the scope of the present disclosure, such as those contained in the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, Figure 1 Schematically illustrated is a system 10 for controlling the operation of a vehicle 12, which may be fully electric or partially electric. The vehicle 12 may include, but is not limited to, a passenger vehicle, a sport utility vehicle, a light truck, a heavy vehicle, a minivan, a bus, a transportation vehicle, a bicycle, a mobile robot, an agricultural implement (e.g., a tractor), sports-related equipment (e.g., a golf cart), a boat, an airplane, a train, or other mobile platform. It should be understood that the vehicle 12 may take many different forms and have additional components.

[0028] The vehicle 12 includes a rechargeable energy storage unit, such as a high voltage battery having cells, that is capable of utilizing an external power source at a charging station 14. Figure 1 , the controller C has at least one processor P and at least one memory M (or non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage medium) on which are recorded instructions for the method 100 for controlling a reservation at a charging station 14 for a vehicle 12. Figure 2-3 The method 100 is described. The memory M may store a command unit executable instruction set, and the processor P may execute the command unit executable instruction set stored in the memory M.

[0029] The charging station 14 may include one or more slots connected to a power source or grid having stored electrical energy, each slot having a corresponding ground lock. Figure 1 , a ground lock 18 is positioned at the charging slot 16 . The ground lock 18 is controllable by a station command unit 20 . Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an exemplary lock 18 is shown in FIG.

[0030] As described below, the system 10 enables dynamic control and reservation of charging slots 16 at the charging station 14 (via execution of the method 100). The system 10 relies on the interaction of the controller C with a remote advisory unit 22 and a station command unit 20 at the charging station 14. The remote advisory unit 22 ("back office") can be electronically and / or manually manipulated (manned) by a remote advisor 24 who has access to an electronic device 26 such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, cellular phone, or wearable device. The remote advisory unit 22 may include one or more servers, each of which includes a processing device and a memory device. In one embodiment, the remote advisory unit 22 is an OnStar TM .

[0031] The system 10 enables a user 28 of a vehicle 12 to have a more efficient charging experience. It relies on a remote consulting unit 22 to generate a temporary randomly generated identification number to complete an authentication process that avoids disclosure of private information. While the vehicle 12 is on the route to the charging station 14, the controller C continues to calculate an estimated arrival time and update the remote consulting unit 22. When the vehicle 12 is close enough to the charging station 14, the controller C is adapted to initiate communication with the station command unit 20. As described below, the station command unit 20 at the charging station 14 automatically controls the corresponding position of the ground lock 18 based on the estimated arrival time of the vehicle 12 at the charging station 14.

[0032] refer to Figure 1 , the vehicle 12 includes a telematics module 30 for establishing two-way communications. The telematics module 30 can collect telemetry data, such as location, speed, powertrain data, maintenance requirements, and service by interfacing with various internal subsystems of the vehicle 12. The telematics module 30 can enable vehicle-to-vehicle communication (V2V) and / or vehicle-to-everything communication (V2X).

[0033] refer to Figure 1 , the vehicle 12 may include a mobile application 32 embedded in a smart device (e.g., a smart phone) belonging to a user 28 of the vehicle 12. The mobile application 32 may be plugged into or otherwise linked to the vehicle 12. Circuits and components of mobile applications ("apps") available to those skilled in the art may be employed.

[0034] If the vehicle 12 is part of a fleet, the controller C may be embedded in the main vehicle or the leader vehicle. In another embodiment, the controller C may be hosted by or based on a remotely located cloud computing service 34, such as Figure 1 As shown in . Cloud computing service 34 may include one or more remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage and process data. Cloud computing service 34 may be managed at least in part by personnel at various locations.

[0035] Reference now Figure 2 , a flow chart of an example method 100 for operating the system 10 is shown. The method 100 may be embodied as computer-readable code or instructions stored on and at least partially executable by the controller C. The method 100 need not be applied in the particular order in which it is described. In addition, it is to be understood that some blocks or steps may be eliminated. The method 100 may be performed in real time, continuously, systematically, occasionally, and / or at regular intervals, for example, every 10 milliseconds during normal and ongoing operation of the vehicle 12.

[0036] When the reserve mode 50 is activated in the vehicle 12 (see Figure 1 )hour, Figure 2 The method 100 begins at block 110. The reserve mode 50 may be activated by the user 28 via the vehicle infotainment unit and / or the mobile application 32. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , block 110 includes sub-blocks 112 , 114 , 116 , and 118 .

[0037] according to Figure 3 At sub-block 112, controller C is adapted to request charging station data for an area near a predefined route 40 of vehicle 12. Route 40 may be obtained using a trajectory planner and using data from sensors 42 on vehicle 12, such as navigation sensors (e.g., GPS), radar, cameras, and other types of technology available to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, automated driving operations for vehicle 12 may be implemented based on route 40.

[0038] according to Figure 3At sub-box 114, the remote consulting unit 22 is adapted to conduct a survey of the local charging infrastructure and retrieve an updated version of the charging station data. In some embodiments, the controller C may request charging station data within a certain straight-line distance of the real-time GPS location of the vehicle 12. In other embodiments, the controller C may request charging station data near the route 40. According to sub-box 116, the remote consulting unit 22 is adapted to retrieve updated charging station status and filter the surrounding charging station data for the best match. According to sub-box 118, the charging station data is transmitted to the vehicle 12, which can display the data in the app.

[0039] From frame 110, the method 100 proceeds to frame 120 where the controller C sets up navigation to the selected charging station 14 and requests a charging slot 16. Figure 2 At block 130, a charging slot 16 is assigned and an identification number is generated by the remote consulting unit 22. Because the identification number is randomly generated and deleted at the end of the method 100, tracking of the vehicle 12 is prevented.

[0040] Proceeding to block 140, the identification number is sent along with the reserved slot identification number to the station command unit 20 at the charging station 14 and the vehicle 12. The identification number (identifying the transaction) and the reserved slot identification number (identifying the charging slot 16) are stored in the station command unit 20 and the controller C.

[0041] Go to Figure 2 At box 150, the vehicle 12 travels to the charging station 14. Proceeding to box 155, the controller C is adapted to determine whether the estimated arrival time is less than a first threshold. In one example, the first threshold (T1) is approximately 30 minutes. If the estimated arrival time is less than the first threshold (box 155=yes), the method 100 proceeds to box 160, where the station command unit 20 moves the ground lock 18 to the blocking position 200, Figure 4 If not, the method 100 loops back to block 150.

[0042] Reference now Figure 4 , the exemplary ground lock 18 is movable between a blocking position 200 that physically blocks access to the charging slot 16 and a non-blocking position 210 that permits access to the charging slot 16. In this embodiment, the ground lock 18 has a base portion 212 that is fixed and operably connected to a movable barrier portion 214. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the barrier portion 214 is upright and is at an approximately 90° angle to the base portion 212 in the blocking position 200. The barrier portion 214 is relatively flat and is at an approximately 180° angle to the base portion 212 in the non-blocking position 210. It should be understood that other structural configurations for the floor lock 18 may be employed.

[0043] The method 100 proceeds to box 165, in which the controller C is adapted to determine whether the estimated arrival time is less than a second threshold. In one example, the second threshold (T2) is at or below 5 minutes. In one embodiment, the second threshold (T2) can be 2 minutes. If not (box 165=No), the method 100 loops back to box 160. If yes (box 165=Yes), the method 100 proceeds to box 170, in which the controller C is adapted to initiate communication with the station command unit 20 by broadcasting a message with an identification number. In some embodiments, the controller C is adapted to broadcast a message to the station command unit 20 via the short band network N1 so that the ground lock is released when the vehicle 12 is at a relatively short distance from the charging station 14. The short band network N1 may include short-range communication technologies such as, but not limited to, Bluetooth. TM , ultra-wideband (UWB), Wi-Fi, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X).

[0044] Proceeding to box 180, when the station command unit 20 receives the message and the identification number matches its record, it releases the ground lock 18 to the unblocked position 210, which allows access to the vehicle 12 for charging at the charging slot 16. Per box 190, the station command unit 20 is adapted to clear the identification number from its memory and send a message to the vehicle 12 to have it clear the identification number from its memory as well.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 , the remote consulting unit 22 may be adapted to communicate with the controller C via a cellular connection N2. The remote consulting unit 22 may be adapted to communicate with the station command unit 20 via an Internet connection N3 such as an Ethernet connection. The cellular connection N2 may be a mobile connection including, but not limited to, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. It should be understood that other types of network technologies or communication protocols available to those skilled in the art may be employed.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 , if the user 28 cancels the navigation setting after the ground lock 18 is in the blocking position 200, the controller C will wait for the cancellation grace period, that is, determine whether the elapsed time is greater than the cancellation grace period. During this time, if the user 28 resumes navigation to the charging station 14, the ground lock state will remain unchanged. When the elapsed time is greater than the cancellation grace period, the controller C is adapted to transmit a request to the remote consulting unit 22 to cancel the reservation of the charging slot 16. With the cancellation of the charging slot 16, the station command unit 20 is adapted to move the ground lock 18 to the non-blocking position 210. When the elapsed time has exceeded the cancellation grace period, the controller C and the station command unit 20 are adapted to delete the stored identification number.

[0047] In summary, the system 10 enables dynamic locking / unlocking of the charging slot 16 based on an authenticated process. The system 10 aligns location availability with the arrival time of the vehicle 12. The user 28 sets the charging station 14 as a navigation destination, and the controller C sends a request to the remote consulting unit 22. The remote consulting unit 22 can reserve or allocate a charging slot based on a status report from the charging station 14. The remote consulting unit 22 is adapted to monitor the estimated arrival time of the vehicle 12 at the charging station 14, and command the charging station 14 to move the ground lock 18 to a blocking position 200 when the estimated arrival time is less than a first threshold, thereby reserving the charging slot 16 for the vehicle 12. When the estimated arrival time is less than a second threshold or the vehicle 12 has arrived at the charging station 14, the ground lock 18 moves to a non-blocking position 210. The system 10 improves the transmission efficiency of the charging station and minimizes the risk of private information being leaked to a third-party charging station.

[0048] Figure 1 The controller C includes a computer-readable medium (also referred to as a processor-readable medium), including a non-temporary (e.g., tangible) medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such media can take a variety of forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other permanent memories. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which can constitute a main memory. Such instructions can be transmitted via one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, including wires that include a system bus coupled to a processor of a computer. Some forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, other optical media, physical media with hole patterns, RAMs, PROMs, EPROMs, flash EEPROMs, other memory chips or boxes, or other media that can be read by a computer.

[0049] Lookup tables, databases, data repositories or other data storages described herein may include various mechanisms for storing, accessing and retrieving various data, including hierarchical databases, file groups in file systems, application databases in proprietary formats, relational database management systems (RDBMS), etc. Each such data storage may be included in a computing device that employs a computer operating system such as one of those mentioned above, and may be accessed via a network in various ways or in one or more. The file system may be accessible from the computer operating system, and may include files stored in various formats. In addition to the language for creating, storing, editing and executing stored procedures, RDBMS may also employ structured query language (SQL), such as the PL / SQL language mentioned above.

[0050] The flowcharts illustrate the possible implementation architecture, functionality, and operation of the systems, methods, and computer program products of various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each box in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or code portion, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing (one or more) specified logical functions. It will also be noted that each box in the block diagram and / or flowchart illustration and the combination of boxes in the block diagram and / or flowchart illustration can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based storage system or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs the specified function or action. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium, which may guide a controller or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram box.

[0051] The numerical values ​​of parameters in this specification, including the appended claims (e.g., numerical values ​​of amounts or conditions), will be understood to be modified by the term "about" in each corresponding case, whether or not "about" actually appears before the numerical value. "About" indicates that the numerical value allows some slight imprecision (using a certain method to achieve the precision in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; almost). If the imprecision provided by "about" is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then "about" as used herein at least indicates the variation that may be caused by the ordinary method of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, the disclosure of the range includes the disclosure of each value within the entire range and the further divided range. Each value within the range and the endpoints of the range are disclosed as separate embodiments herein.

[0052] The detailed description and the accompanying drawings or figures are support and description of the present disclosure, but the scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the claims. Although the best mode and some of the other embodiments for practicing the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, there are various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the disclosure defined in the appended claims. In addition, the embodiments shown in the drawings or the features of the various embodiments mentioned in this specification are not necessarily to be understood as embodiments independent of each other. On the contrary, it is possible that each feature described in one example of an embodiment can be combined with one or more other desired features from other embodiments, resulting in other embodiments that are not described in words or with reference to the drawings. Therefore, such other embodiments fall within the framework of the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of controlling a reservation at a charging station for a vehicle using a controller having a processor and a tangible, non-transitory memory having instructions recorded thereon, the controller being in communication with a remote consulting unit, the method comprising: Position the ground lock at the charging slot in the charging station. The ground lock is controllable by the station command unit. Generate an identification number through the remote consulting unit and transmit the identification number to the controller and the station command unit, the identification number is randomly generated; monitoring an estimated arrival time of the vehicle at the charging station via the remote consulting unit; When the estimated arrival time is less than a first threshold, the ground lock is moved to a blocking position via the station command unit so as to block access to the charging slot; broadcasting a message having an identification number to a station command unit via the controller when the estimated arrival time is less than a second threshold; and When the authentication process is complete, the ground lock is moved to the unblocking position by the station command unit so that access to the charging slot is granted.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The authentication process is completed when the identification number broadcast by the controller matches the identification sent by the remote consulting unit to the station command unit; and After the vehicle has entered the charging slot, the vehicle and the station command unit are adapted to delete the identification number.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The first threshold is set to approximately 30 minutes; and The second threshold is set at or below 5 minutes.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The controller is adapted to broadcast messages to the station command unit over the shortwave band network.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: adapting the remote consulting unit to communicate with the controller via a cellular connection; and The remote consulting unit is adapted to communicate with the station command unit via an internet connection.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Incorporating a base portion and a barrier portion into a ground lock positioned at the charging slot, the barrier portion being operably connected to the base portion; The barrier portion is movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising, before generating the identification number via the remote consulting unit: Request charging station data in the vicinity of a predefined route; and retrieving an updated version of the charging station data via the remote consulting unit and transmitting the updated version to the controller; and A charging station is selected, via the controller, based in part on the updated version of the charging station data and is set as a navigation destination for the vehicle.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: determining, via the controller, whether an elapsed time is greater than a cancellation grace period when the navigation setting is cancelled after the ground lock is in the blocking position; and The station command unit is adapted to move the ground lock to the non-blocking position via the controller transmitting to the remote consulting unit a request to cancel the reservation of the charging slot when the elapsed time is greater than the cancellation grace period.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: When the elapsed time is greater than the cancellation grace period, the vehicle and station command unit are adapted to delete the identification number.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: Set the cancellation grace period to between approximately 5 and 10 minutes.

Images