Method of providing information relating to status of electric vehicle

Abstract

A system for providing information related to a state of charge of an electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is connected to a charging station includes a system controller in communication with an electrical system within the electric vehicle, the system controller adapted to monitor the information related to the state of charge of the electric vehicle, and provide a notification of the charge status of the electric vehicle to a third party.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for providing information related to the charging status of an electric vehicle. Background Art

[0002] As the number of electric vehicles increases and the use of electric vehicles expands, it is important that drivers of electric vehicles be able to identify and evaluate potential charging stations. Currently, drivers must rely on guesswork when deciding where to stop at a charging station or when to choose to queue at a specific charging station. A system that provides notification of the charging status of an electric vehicle to a third party would enable the third party to strategically select charging station locations and specific charging stations.

[0003] Therefore, while current systems and methods achieve their stated purposes, a need exists for a new and improved system and method for providing information related to the charging status of an electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is connected to a charging station, whereby a third party can strategically select a charging station that minimizes the time spent waiting for such a charging station. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a method for providing information related to a charging status of an electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is connected to a charging station includes monitoring information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle using a system controller that communicates with an electrical system within the electric vehicle, and providing notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a third party using the system controller.

[0005] According to another aspect, monitoring information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle using a system controller in communication with an electrical system within the electric vehicle also includes monitoring, using the system controller, at least one of: a charge level of the electrical system within the electric vehicle, and a time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete.

[0006] According to another aspect, monitoring, with the system controller, the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete further includes calculating the time until one of: when the electric vehicle is fully charged, and when the electric vehicle is sufficiently charged to allow the electric vehicle to travel from the charging station to a planned destination.

[0007] According to another aspect, providing notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a third party using the system controller also includes: receiving, using the system controller of the electric vehicle, a charging status query from the third party, wherein the third party initiates the charging status query based on at least one of: in response to manual initiation by the third party, automatically based on third party navigation and destination information, and automatically based on the third party's battery charge level and proximity of a charging station, and in response to receiving the charging status query, providing notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to the third party using the system controller.

[0008] According to another aspect, providing notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a third party using the system controller also includes providing a visual representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete, and receiving by the third party a visual representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete.

[0009] According to another aspect, providing a visual representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete also includes displaying at least one of the following using an internal / external display system that communicates with a system controller and is suitable for projecting information onto a window surface of the vehicle: the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete, a graphical representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete, and a QR code including the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete.

[0010] According to another aspect, providing a visual representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed also includes displaying, via a display of the electric vehicle, using a system controller, at least one of the following: the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed, a graphical representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed, and a QR code including the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed.

[0011] According to another aspect, providing a visual representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed also includes displaying, via a display screen of the charging station, using a system controller, at least one of: the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed, a graphical representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed, and a QR code including the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed.

[0012] According to another aspect, providing a notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a third party using the system controller also includes: uploading the current charging level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed to a cloud charging station network using the system controller, accessing the cloud charging station network by the third party, and receiving the current charging level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed from the cloud charging station network by the third party.

[0013] According to another aspect, providing a third party with a notification of a charging status of the electric vehicle using the system controller further includes sending a notification to the third party using the system controller that a charging station connected to the electric vehicle has failed.

[0014] According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a system for providing information related to a charging status of an electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is connected to a charging station includes a system controller in communication with an electrical system within the electric vehicle, the system controller being adapted to monitor information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle and to provide notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a third party.

[0015] According to another aspect, when monitoring information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle, the system controller is further adapted to monitor a charge level of an electrical system within the electric vehicle and a time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed.

[0016] According to another aspect, when monitoring the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete, the system controller is further adapted to calculate at least one of: a time until the electric vehicle is fully charged, and a time until the vehicle is sufficiently charged to allow the electric vehicle to travel from the charging station to a planned destination.

[0017] According to another aspect, when providing notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a third party, the system controller is further adapted to: receive a charging status query from the third party, wherein the third party initiates the charging status query based on at least one of: in response to a manual initiation by the third party, automatically based on third party navigation and destination information, and automatically based on the third party's battery charge level and proximity of a charging station, and in response to receiving the charging status query, provide notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to the third party.

[0018] According to another aspect, when providing notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a third party, the system controller is also suitable for providing a visual representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed, wherein the third party receives the visual representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed.

[0019] According to another aspect, when providing a visual representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed, the system controller is further adapted to display at least one of the following using an interior / exterior display system that communicates with the system controller and is adapted to project information onto a window surface of the vehicle: the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed, a graphical representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed, and a QR code including the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed.

[0020] According to another aspect, when providing a visual representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed, the system controller is further adapted to display at least one of the following using a display of the electric vehicle: the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed, a graphical representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed, and a QR code including the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed.

[0021] According to another aspect, when providing a visual representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed, the system controller is further adapted to display, using the display screen of the charging station, at least one of the following: the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed, a graphical representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed, and a QR code including the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed.

[0022] According to another aspect, when providing a notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a third party, the system controller is further adapted to: upload the current charging level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed to a cloud charging station network, wherein the cloud charging station is adapted to allow third-party access, the third party receiving the current charging level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed from the cloud charging station network, and sending a notification to the third party that a failure has occurred in the charging station connected to the electric vehicle.

[0023] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle having a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a third-party vehicle receiving notifications from several electric vehicles via a cloud charging station network;

[0028] Figure 4A is a schematic front view of a vehicle connected to a charging station;

[0029] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A a schematic side elevation view of the vehicle shown;

[0030] Figure 4C is a schematic front view of a vehicle connected to a charging station and providing a notification via a QR code displayed on the front windshield;

[0031] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a mixed augmented reality head-up display system for the system;

[0032] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a substrate for a windshield of an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The enlarged part, such as Figure 6 As shown in the circle marked “7” in FIG.

[0034] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] These figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features may be enlarged or reduced, such as to illustrate details of a particular component. In some cases, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the present disclosure in various ways. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following description is only exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application or use. In addition, it is not intended to be constrained by any express or implied theory presented in the aforementioned technical field, background technology, content of the invention or the following specific embodiments. It should be understood that in all drawings, the corresponding reference numerals represent the same or corresponding parts and features. The term module used herein refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control component, processing logic and / or processor device individually or in any combination, including but not limited to: specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuit, processor (shared, specific or grouped) and memory, combinational logic circuit and / or other suitable components providing the function that execute one or more software or firmware programs. Although the drawings shown in this article describe examples with certain element arrangements, additional intermediate elements, devices, features or components may be present in actual embodiments. It should also be understood that the drawings are merely illustrative and may not be drawn to scale.

[0037] The term "vehicle" as used herein is not limited to automobiles. Although the present technology is described primarily in conjunction with automobiles herein, the present technology is not limited to automobiles. These concepts can be used in a variety of applications, such as in connection with aircraft, ships, other vehicles, and consumer electronic components.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 An electric vehicle 10 is shown having an associated system 11 for providing information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 when the electric vehicle is connected to a charging station according to various embodiments. Typically, the system 11 works with other systems within the vehicle 10 to display various information and infotainment content to the occupants. The vehicle 10 generally includes a chassis 12, a body 14, front wheels 16, and rear wheels 18. The body 14 is disposed on the chassis 12 and generally substantially surrounds the components of the vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 may together form a frame. The front wheels 16 and the rear wheels 18 are each rotatably coupled to the chassis 12 near respective corners of the body 14.

[0039] In various embodiments, the vehicle 10 is an autonomous vehicle, and the system 11 is incorporated into the autonomous vehicle 10. The autonomous vehicle 10 is, for example, a vehicle 10 that is automatically controlled to transport passengers from one location to another. The vehicle 10 is depicted as a passenger car in the illustrated embodiment, but it should be understood that any other vehicle including motorcycles, trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), recreational vehicles (RVs), etc. may also be used. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a so-called level 4 or level 5 automation system. The level 4 system represents "high automation" and refers to the driving mode-specific performance of the autonomous driving system in all aspects of the dynamic driving task even if the human driver does not respond appropriately to the intervention request. The level 5 system represents "full automation" and refers to the full-time performance of the autonomous driving system in all aspects of the dynamic driving task under all road and environmental conditions that can be managed by the human driver.

[0040] As shown, the vehicle 10 generally includes a propulsion system 20, a transmission system 22, a steering system 24, a braking system 26, a sensor system 28, an actuator system 30, at least one data storage device 32, a vehicle controller 34, and a communication system 36. In embodiments where the vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle, there may be no transmission system 22. In various embodiments, the propulsion system 20 may include an internal combustion engine, an electric machine such as a traction motor, and / or a fuel cell propulsion system. The transmission system 22 is configured to transmit power from the propulsion system 20 to the front wheels 16 and rear wheels 18 of the vehicle according to a selectable speed ratio. According to different embodiments, the transmission system 22 may include a stepped ratio automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission, or an appropriate transmission. The braking system 26 is configured to provide braking torque to the front wheels 16 and rear wheels 18 of the vehicle. In various embodiments, the braking system 26 may include friction brakes, line brakes, regenerative braking systems such as electric machines, and / or other appropriate braking systems. The steering system 24 affects the position of the front wheels 16 and rear wheels 18. Although depicted as including a steering wheel for purposes of illustration, in some embodiments contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure, the steering system 24 may not include a steering wheel.

[0041] The sensor system 28 includes one or more sensing devices 40a-40n that sense the visible conditions of the external environment and / or the internal environment of the autonomous vehicle 10. The sensing devices 40a-40n may include, but are not limited to, radar, lidar, global positioning system, optical camera, thermal imager, ultrasonic sensor and / or other sensors. The camera may include two or two or more digital cameras at a selected distance, wherein the two or more digital cameras are used to obtain stereo images of the surrounding environment in order to obtain a three-dimensional image. A plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n are used to determine information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n include at least one of a motor speed sensor, a motor torque sensor, an electric drive motor voltage and / or current sensor, an accelerator pedal position sensor, a coolant temperature sensor, a cooling fan speed sensor and a transmission oil temperature sensor. In another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n also include sensors for determining information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle 10, for example, an ambient air temperature sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor and / or a camera and / or video camera positioned to view the environment in front of the vehicle 10. In another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the plurality of sensing devices 40 a - 40 n is capable of measuring distances in the environment surrounding the vehicle 10 .

[0042] In a non-limiting example where the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n include cameras, the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n measure distance using an image processing algorithm configured to process images from the cameras and determine distances between objects. In another non-limiting example, the plurality of vehicle sensors 40a-40n include a stereo camera with distance measurement capabilities. In one example, at least one of the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n is fixed to the interior of the vehicle 10, such as in the roof of the vehicle 10, with a view through the windshield 56 of the vehicle 10. In another example, at least one of the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n is fixed to the exterior of the vehicle 10, such as on the roof of the vehicle 10, with a view of the environment surrounding the vehicle 10. It should be understood that various additional types of sensing devices, such as LiDAR sensors, ultrasonic ranging sensors, radar sensors, and / or time-of-flight sensors are within the scope of the present disclosure. The actuator system 30 includes one or more actuator devices 42 a - 42 n that control one or more features of the vehicle 10 , such as, but not limited to, the propulsion system 20 , the transmission system 22 , the steering system 24 , and the braking system 26 .

[0043] The vehicle controller 34 includes at least one processor 44 and a computer readable storage device or medium 46. The at least one data processor 44 can be any custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor of several processors associated with the vehicle controller 34, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, any combination thereof, or any device generally used to execute instructions. The computer readable storage device or medium 46 can include volatile and non-volatile storage in, for example, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables when the at least one data processor 44 is powered off. The computer readable storage device or medium 46 can be implemented using any of a variety of known memory devices, such as PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (electrical PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination memory device capable of storing data, some of which represents executable instructions used by the controller 34 in controlling the vehicle 10.

[0044] The instructions may include one or more separate programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. When executed by at least one processor 44, the instructions receive and process signals from the sensor system 28, perform logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms for automatically controlling components of the vehicle 10, and generate control signals to the actuator system 30 based on the logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms to automatically control components of the vehicle 10. Although in Figure 1 Only one controller 34 is shown, but embodiments of the vehicle 10 may include any number of controllers 34 that communicate via any suitable communication medium or combination of communication mediums and collaborate to process sensor signals, execute logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms, and generate control signals to automatically control features of the autonomous vehicle 10.

[0045] In various embodiments, one or more instructions of the vehicle controller 34 are included in the trajectory planning system, which, when executed by at least one data processor 44, generates a trajectory output that solves the kinematic and dynamic constraints of the environment. For example, the instructions receive process sensor and map data as input. The instructions execute a graph-based approach with a customized cost function to handle different road scenarios in urban and highway roads.

[0046] The communication system 36 is configured to wirelessly transmit information to and from other remote entities 48, such as, but not limited to, other vehicles ("V2V" communication), infrastructure ("V2I" communication), remote systems, remote servers, cloud computers, and / or personal devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication system 36 is a wireless communication system configured to communicate via a wireless local area network (WLAN) using the IEEE 802.11 standard or by using cellular data communications. However, additional or alternative communication methods such as a specific short-range communication (DSRC) channel are also considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. A DSRC channel refers to a one-way or two-way short-range to medium-range wireless communication channel specific to automotive use and a corresponding set of protocols and standards.

[0047] The vehicle controller 34 is a non-universal electronic control device having a pre-programmed digital computer or processor, a memory or non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing data such as control logic, software applications, instructions, computer code, data, look-up tables, etc., and a transceiver [or input / output port]. Computer-readable media include any type of media that can be accessed by a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk drive, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), or any other type of memory. "Non-transitory" computer-readable media do not include wired, wireless, optical or other communication links that transmit temporary electrical or other signals. Non-transitory computer-readable media include media in which data can be permanently stored and media in which data can be stored and later rewritten, such as rewritable optical disks or erasable memory devices. Computer code includes any type of program code, including source code, object code, and executable code.

[0048] refer to Figure 2 , the system 11 is shown in more detail, wherein the system 11 includes a system controller 34A. The system controller 34A may be the vehicle controller 34, or the system controller 34A may be a separate controller that communicates with the vehicle controller 34. The system controller 34A communicates with an electrical system 52 of the electric vehicle 10 via a vehicle communication bus 50. The electrical system 52 includes a battery pack 54, a power inverter 56, an electric motor 58, an onboard battery charger 60, and a battery management system 62.

[0049] The system controller 34A is adapted to monitor information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 when the electric vehicle 10 is connected to the charging station 64. In an exemplary embodiment, the system controller 34A is adapted to monitor the charge level of the electrical system 52 within the electric vehicle 10 and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the system controller 34A is adapted to calculate the predetermined threshold based on at least one of the time until the electric vehicle 10 is fully charged and the time until the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 is sufficient to allow the electric vehicle 10 to travel from the current location to the planned destination. For example, the predetermined threshold may be based on when the electric vehicle 10 is fully charged, wherein when the electric vehicle 10 is docked at the charging station 64, the system controller 34A will monitor the charging of the electric vehicle 10, and the time remaining until the electric vehicle 10 is charged to the predetermined threshold will be the time remaining until the electric vehicle 10 is fully charged. In another example, the electric vehicle 10 may be located at a charging station 64 one hundred miles from the owner's home. In order to ensure that the owner of the electric vehicle 10 spends as little time as possible at the charging station 64, the predetermined threshold is based on when the electric vehicle 10 is charged to a sufficient level to allow the electric vehicle 10 to travel from the charging station 64 to the owner's home or the next charging station 64. Possibly, the electric vehicle 10 will only need to be charged to 35% or more to ensure that the electric vehicle 10 will be able to travel the one hundred miles to the owner's home, where the owner can plug the electric vehicle 10 into a home charger to fully charge the electric vehicle 10 .

[0051] When calculating the predetermined threshold, the system controller 34A receives information related to a planned destination, which is one of a charging station or a home location, from at least one of an input from a user of the electric vehicle 10 and an input from a navigation system within the electric vehicle 10. The system controller 34A receives information about the planned destination, which is the destination of the electric vehicle 10 after the electric vehicle 10 leaves the current location. The information about the planned destination may be directly input, or the system controller 34A may collect such information by accessing the navigation system or a personal device of the driver of the electric vehicle 10.

[0052] In another example, even when the planned destination is not indicated, the system controller 34A still receives information of the planned destination. The system controller can identify how far it is from the next available charging station 64 via communication with the electric vehicle charging station infrastructure network, and designate the charging station 64 as the planned destination. In this example, the system controller 34A receives information that the electric vehicle 10 will need to travel at least one hundred miles from the current location to reach the planned destination (the nearest available charging station). The electric vehicle 10 will need at least 25% of the power to travel one hundred miles, so the system controller 34A sets the predetermined threshold to 25%. Therefore, the system controller 34A calculates the remaining time until the charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed by calculating the time it will take for the electric vehicle 10 to charge to the predetermined threshold.

[0053] In another exemplary embodiment, the predetermined threshold is automatically calculated with a safety margin to accommodate unexpected stops or detours. For example, if the electric vehicle 10 requires 25% of the battery charge to travel one hundred miles to the home of the person 66, the system controller 34A calculates the predetermined threshold as 25%, the minimum battery charge required to travel one hundred miles plus an additional 10% to account for unexpected stops or detours due to construction or traffic, etc. Thus, in this example, the predetermined threshold is calculated to be 35%.

[0054] In another exemplary embodiment, when calculating the predetermined threshold, the system controller 34A receives information related to the planned destination from a stored history of previous travel patterns. For example, if the electric vehicle 10 has been at a particular location regularly for a period of time, such as six months, and every day within the six-month time frame, the electric vehicle 10 first travels from the location to a convenience store, then to a daycare to pick up a child, and then to the driver's home. The system controller 34A can recognize the pattern and determine the planned destination (convenience store, daycare, and then home), and will repeatedly calculate the predetermined threshold based on the assumed pattern, even when no direct information is provided as to what the planned destination is.

[0055] The system controller 34A is further adapted to provide a notification to a third party 66 regarding the charging status of the electric vehicle 10, including at least one of: (1) the charge level of the electrical system 52 within the electric vehicle 10, and (2) the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete. The third party 66 may be a person 66A or a third party electric vehicle 66B. In an exemplary embodiment, the system controller 34A is adapted to receive a charging status query from the third party 66. The third party 66 initiates the charging status query based on at least one of: (1) in response to a manual initiation by the third party 66, (2) automatically based on third party navigation and destination information, and (3) automatically based on the battery charge level of the third party vehicle 66B and proximity to the charging station 64, wherein the system controller 34A provides the notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to the third party 66 in response to receiving the charging status query.

[0056] refer to Figure 3For example, a third party 66 may manually initiate a charging status query, where the third party 66 is a driver 66A of a third party electric vehicle 66B, noticing that the charge level of the third party electric vehicle 66B is getting low, and also noticing that the third party electric vehicle 66B is approaching the charging station 64. The third party driver 66A may initiate a charging status query to find out how long they may have to wait to charge at the charging station 64. As shown, the third party electric vehicle 66B is approaching three potential charging stations 64A, 64B, 64C. The three potential charging stations 64A, 64B, 64C may be separate charging stations at a particular location, or may be separate charging stations located at different locations. The third party driver 66A initiates a charging status query, where the system controller 34A identifies the three potential charging stations 64A, 64B, 64C via wireless communication with the charging station network 65.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the charging station network 65 is a cloud application or network service that communicates with all charging stations 64A, 64B, 64C to manage the availability, suitability, and functionality of the charging stations 64A, 64B, 64C of the electric vehicle 10. In another example, the onboard system of the third-party electric vehicle 66B detects that the third-party electric vehicle 66B will need to be recharged before reaching its final destination based on the battery charge level of the third-party electric vehicle 66B and the communication with the navigation system of the third-party electric vehicle 66B. In addition, based on the wireless communication with the charging station network 65, the onboard system of the third-party electric vehicle 66B detects that the third-party electric vehicle 66B is approaching three potential charging stations 64A, 64B, 64C. The onboard system of the third-party electric vehicle 66B will automatically initiate a charging status query based on the charging status of the three electric vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C connected to the three potential charging stations 64A, 64B, 64C to evaluate the availability of the three potential charging stations 64A, 64B, 64C. For each of the electric vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C, the system controller 34A is adapted to upload the current charge level and the remaining time until charging is completed to the cloud charging station network 65. The cloud charging station network 65 is adapted to allow access by authorized third parties 66. Then, the onboard system of the third-party electric vehicle 66B can access the cloud charging station network 65, receive data related to the charging status of the electric vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C, and compare the availability (free / occupied, time until charging of the current electric vehicle 10A, 10B, 10C is completed, functional, suitable for the third-party electric vehicle 66B) of the potential charging stations 64A, 64B, 64C to automatically select the best option for charging the third-party electric vehicle 66B (i.e., the best option for charging the third-party electric vehicle 66B), or provide suggestions to the driver 66A of the third-party electric vehicle 66B. Additionally, if the charging station 64 has failed, the cloud charging station network 65 may provide a notification to the third party 66 that the charging station 64 to which the electric vehicle 10 is connected has failed, thereby eliminating the charging station 64 as an option for the third party 66 .

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, when providing notification 72 of the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to a third party 66, the system controller 34A is also adapted to provide a visual representation 72A of the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed, wherein the third party 66 receives the visual representation 72A of the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, while displaying the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the visual representation 72A of the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete, the system controller 34A is also adapted to display information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 using an interior / exterior display system 68 in communication with the system controller 34A, and is adapted to project the information onto a window surface 70 of the electric vehicle 10, wherein the projected information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 is visible from both inside the electric vehicle 10 and outside the electric vehicle 10. The system controller 34A is adapted to project information including at least one of the following: (1) a current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and a time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete, (2) a graphical representation 72B of the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete, and (3) a QR code 72C including the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the interior / exterior display system 68 includes a hybrid augmented reality head-up display (HUD) 68. The system controller 34A uses the HUD 68 to provide a notification 72 of the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 on the windshield 70A. Figure 4A As shown, the system controller 34A uses the internal / external display system 68 to display a graphical representation 72B. As shown, the graphical representation 72B includes a battery icon with bars indicating relative charge levels, one of which is highlighted, thereby indicating that the electric vehicle 10 is approximately 20% charged. As shown, the graphical representation 72B does not provide a specific time until charging of the electric vehicle is complete, and the graphical representation 72B provides information to allow the driver 66A of the third-party electric vehicle 66B to visually compare different electric vehicles 10 at different charging stations 64. Therefore, when the third-party electric vehicle 66B approaches various electric vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C (such as) connected to the various charging stations 64A, 64B, 64C Figure 3 ), the driver of the third-party electric vehicle 66B can view the displayed notification 72 to evaluate the status of the different charging stations 64A, 64B, 64C and decide which one is the best option before entering the queue of the selected charging station 64. In addition, while waiting, the driver 66A of the third-party electric vehicle 66B can view the displayed notification 72 on the electric vehicle 10 parked or adjacent to the charging station 64 to continue monitoring its charging status and, if appropriate, move to a different charging station 64 if the waiting time becomes less than the charging station 64 currently queued by the third-party electric vehicle 66B.

[0061] Similarly, refer to Figure 4BIn another exemplary embodiment, the system controller 34A uses the HUD 68 to display the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the calculated time 74B until the charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed on the side window 70B. The displayed current charge level 74A and remaining time 74B may be represented by text information, such as Figure 4B , or may be shown in a graphical representation 72B that provides an illustrative representation of information, such as Figure 4A as shown in .

[0062] refer to Figure 4C In another exemplary embodiment, the system controller 34A uses the HUD 68 to display a QR code 72C on the windshield 70A or side window 70B that includes the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until the charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed. The QR code 72C provides a visual representation 72A of the information that can be read by a camera on a third-party vehicle 66B from a distance greater than that visually recognizable by a human third party 66A. In addition, the displayed QR code 72C provides the information in a manner that can only be recognized by a third-party vehicle 66B that is authorized to obtain the information, such as a third-party vehicle 66B that has submitted a query through the authorized charging station network 65.

[0063] Therefore, when the third-party electric vehicle 66B approaches the different electric vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C connected to the different charging stations 64A, 64B, 64C, the camera in the third-party vehicle 66C captures the image of the QR code 72C displayed by the electric vehicles 10A, 10B, 10C connected to the different charging stations 64A, 64B, 64C to evaluate the status of the different charging stations 64A, 64B, 64C and decide which one is the best option, wherein the onboard system of the third-party vehicle 66B can recommend the charging station 64 to the driver 66A of the third-party vehicle 66B, or in the case of an autonomous vehicle, automatically select and enter the queue for the selected charging station 64. In addition, while waiting, the onboard system of the third-party vehicle 66B can monitor the QR code 72C displayed on the electric vehicles 10 parked at the nearby or adjacent charging stations 64 to continuously monitor their charging status, and if appropriate, move to a different charging station 64 if the waiting time becomes less than the charging station 64 currently queued by the third-party vehicle 66B.

[0064] In another exemplary embodiment, when providing a visual representation 72A of the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed, the system controller 34A is also suitable for displaying at least one of the following using the display 76 of the electric vehicle 10: (1) the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed, (2) a graphical representation 72B of the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed, and (3) a QR code 72C including the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed.

[0065] Reference again Figure 4A , a graphical representation 72B of the charged battery is displayed on a display 76 mounted to the electric vehicle 10. As shown, the graphical representation 72B displayed with the display 76 is the same as the graphical representation 72B displayed on the front windshield 70A. As shown, the display 76 is incorporated into the headlight assembly of the electric vehicle 10. In such cases, the headlight may be an LED light array or an OLED display adapted to display information related to the current charge 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and / or the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete. Again referring to Figure 4C , the QR code 72C is displayed on the display 76. It should be understood that such a display 76 can be incorporated into the headlight assembly of the electric vehicle 10 (such as Figure 4A and Figure 4C ) or a taillight assembly, or may be independently mounted to an outer surface of the electric vehicle 10, separate from the headlight assembly or the taillight assembly.

[0066] In another exemplary embodiment, when providing a visual representation 72A of the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed, the system controller 34A is also suitable for displaying at least one of the following using a display screen 77 of the charging station 64 via communication with a connected charging station 64: (1) the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed, (2) a graphical representation 72B of the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed, and (3) a QR code 72C including the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed.

[0067] Reference again Figure 4A, text data including the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B until the charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed are displayed on the display screen 77 of the charging station 64. Referring again to Figure 4C , the QR code 72C is displayed on the display screen 77 of the charging station 64 .

[0068] Therefore, if Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C As shown, according to the example provided above, the system controller 34A provides a visual representation 72A of the notification 72 of the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete.

[0069] Utilizing an internal / external display system 68 such as a HUD 68 to display information such as the charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the remaining time 74B until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete allows a third party (a driver 66A of a third-party vehicle 66B or an onboard system of the third-party vehicle 66B) to see the displayed information and use the displayed information to make strategic decisions about when to charge the third-party vehicle 66B and select an appropriate charging station 64.

[0070] The interior / exterior display system 68 may use any suitable transparent display technology to display information onto a window surface 70 of the vehicle 10 for viewing by persons from both the interior and exterior, or, alternatively, only to persons outside the vehicle 10 . Figure 5 In an exemplary embodiment, the HUD 68 includes a digital light processing (DLP) projector 78 that is adapted to project an image 80 onto the window surface 70 of the vehicle 10. The DLP 78 projects the image 80 including various information, such as, for example, the charge level 74, 74A, the remaining time 76, a warning message 76A, and / or a graphic 76B, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown. DLP 78 is capable of projecting two-dimensional and three-dimensional images. In an exemplary embodiment, DLP 78 includes a light source 82 suitable for projecting excitation light 84, a focusing lens 86 suitable for focusing the excitation light 84 from the light source 82, a color filter 88 (color wheel) suitable for separating the focused excitation light 84 into red light, green light, and blue light, a shaping lens 90 suitable for focusing the excitation light 84 passing through the color filter 88, a digital micromirror device (DMD) 92 suitable for redirecting the excitation light 84, and a projection lens 94 suitable for receiving the excitation light 84 from the digital micromirror device (DMD) 92 and projecting the excitation light 84 onto the vehicle window surface 70.

[0071] refer to Figure 2, the system controller 34A includes a DLP engine 96. The DLP engine 96 includes a programmable processor that includes a program for monitoring various inputs and determining what information is appropriate to display. The DLP engine 96 can communicate directly with the various systems and components, or the DLP engine 96 can alternatively or additionally communicate through a LAN / CAN system. The window surfaces 70, 70A, 70B are equipped with features that can display images projected thereon while remaining transparent or substantially transparent, so that occupants within the electric vehicle 10 can clearly see the displayed image 80 and still observe the exterior of the electric vehicle 10 through the window surfaces 70, 70A, 70B, and a person 66A outside the vehicle 10 can clearly see the displayed image 80 and still observe the interior of the electric vehicle 10 through the window surfaces 70, 70A, 70B.

[0072] The DLP engine 96 includes display software or programming to translate requests to display information from the DLP engine 96 in a graphical representation that describes the information. The DLP engine 96 includes programming to compensate for curved and tilted surfaces of the window surfaces 70, 70A, 70B. The DLP engine 96 controls the light source 82, which includes a laser or projector device that produces excitation light 84 to project the image 80.

[0073] The window surfaces 70, 70A, 70B serve as a medium through which relevant features can be observed, and also as a display device on which an image 80 can be displayed, such as the current charge 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the remaining time 74B until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed, as shown in FIG. Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C The vehicle window surfaces 70, 70A, 70B are transparent and can display the image projected by the excitation light 84. Figure 6 and Figure 7 , person 66A is able to see any object (e.g., cube 98) through substrate 100 located on window surface 70, 70A, 70B. Substrate 100 can be transparent or substantially transparent. When person 66A sees any object 98 through substrate 100, person 66A can also see images (e.g., circle 102 and triangle 104) created at substrate 100. Substrate 100 can be a portion of window surface 70, 70A, 70B, a glass substrate, a plastic substrate, a polymer substrate, or other transparent (or substantially transparent) medium that will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Other substrates can supplement substrate 100 to provide coloring, substrate protection, light filtering (e.g., filtering external ultraviolet light), and other functions.

[0074] Figure 8The illumination of a transparent display illuminated with excitation light 84 (e.g., ultraviolet light from light source 82) is described. Substrate 100 receives excitation light 84 from light source 82. The received excitation light 84 can be absorbed by luminescent material 106 at substrate 100. When the luminescent material receives the excitation light 84, the luminescent material 106 emits visible light. Therefore, by selectively illuminating substrate 100 with excitation light 84, an image (e.g., circle 102 and triangle 104) can be generated at substrate 100.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the luminescent material 106 includes a transparent phosphor embedded in the substrate 100. The transparent phosphor is a luminescent particle that emits fluorescence in response to being excited by the excitation light 84. In an exemplary embodiment, the transparent phosphor is a red, green, and blue (RGB) phosphor, allowing full color. The use of monochromatic and / or dual-color phosphors is also within the scope of the present disclosure. When the excitation light 84 is absorbed by the transparent phosphor, the transparent phosphor emits visible light. The excitation light 84 is provided by the light source 82. The use of substrate 100 and luminescent material 106 to display graphics is discussed in more detail in U.S. application No. 17 / 749,464, entitled “HYBRID AUGMENTED REALITY HEAD-UP DISPLAY FORCREATING AN EDGE-TO-EDGE AUGMENTED REALITY VIEW,” filed on May 20, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the excitation light 84 may be ultraviolet light. If the excitation light 84 is ultraviolet light, when the luminescent material 90 emits visible light in response to the ultraviolet light, a down-conversion physics phenomenon occurs. Specifically, ultraviolet light has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than visible light. Therefore, when the luminescent material 106 absorbs ultraviolet light and emits lower energy visible light, the ultraviolet light is down-converted into visible light because the energy level of the ultraviolet light decreases when it is converted into visible light.

[0077] like Figure 5As shown, excitation light 84 is output by light source 82 of DLP 78. In an exemplary embodiment, light source 82 is a micromirror array (MMA) projector (e.g., digital light processing (DLP) projector 78). In DLP 78, image 80 is produced by microscopic small mirrors in a matrix arranged on a semiconductor chip in DMD92. MMA projectors that output ultraviolet light can be similar to MMA projectors that output visible light, except that color filter 68 has a filter suitable for the ultraviolet spectrum. In other embodiments, DLP 78 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) projector. In an embodiment, DLP 78 can be a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) projector. In an embodiment, DLP 78 can be an analog projector (e.g., a slide projector or a movie film projector). Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand other types of projectors that can be used to project ultraviolet light onto substrate 100.

[0078] refer to Figure 8 , a method 200 for providing information related to the charging status of an electric vehicle 10 when the electric vehicle 10 is connected to a charging station 64 includes starting at box 202 and moving to box 204, monitoring information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 using a system controller 34A in communication with an electrical system 52 within the electric vehicle 10, and moving to box 206, providing a notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to a third party 66 using the system controller 34A.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, monitoring information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 at block 204 using the system controller 34A in communication with the electrical system 52 within the electric vehicle 10 also includes at least one of: moving to block 208, monitoring the charge level 74A of the electrical system 52 within the electric vehicle 10 using the system controller 34, and moving to block 210, the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed. Monitoring the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed using the system controller 34A also includes calculating the time until one of the following occurs: moving to block 212 when the electric vehicle 10 is fully charged, and moving to block 214 when the electric vehicle 10 is sufficiently charged to allow the electric vehicle 10 to travel from the charging station 64 to the planned destination.

[0080] In another exemplary embodiment, providing a notification 72 to a third party 66 using the system controller 34A at box 206 also includes: moving to box 216, receiving a charging status query from the third party 66 using the system controller 34A of the electric vehicle 10, wherein the third party 66 initiates the charging status query based on at least one of the following: moving to box 218, in response to a manual initiation by the third party 66, moving to box 220, automatically based on third party navigation and destination information, and moving to box 222, automatically based on the battery charge level of the third party 66 and the proximity of the charging station 64, and moving to box 224, in response to receiving the charging status query, providing a notification 72 of the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to the third party 66 using the system controller 34A.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, providing a notification 72 of the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to the third party 66 using the system controller 34A at box 206 also includes, moving to box 226, providing a visual representation 72A of the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed, and receiving the visual representation 72A of the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed by the third party 66.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, providing a visual representation 72A of the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete at box 226 also includes, moving to box 228, displaying at least one of the following using an interior / exterior display system 68 that communicates with the system controller 34A and is suitable for projecting information onto a window surface 70 of the electric vehicle 10: moving to box 230, the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete, moving to box 232, a graphical representation 72B of the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete, and moving to box 234, a QR code 72C including the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete.

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment, providing a visual representation 72A of the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete at box 226 also includes, moving to box 236, displaying, using the system controller 34A, via the display 76 of the electric vehicle 10 at least one of: moving to box 238, the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete, moving to box 240, a graphical representation 72B of the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete, and moving to box 242, a QR code 72C including the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, providing a visual representation 72A of the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete at box 226 also includes, moving to box 244, displaying, using the system controller 34A via the display screen 77 of the charging station 64 at least one of: moving to box 246, the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete, moving to box 248, a graphical representation 72B of the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete, and moving to box 250, a QR code 72C including the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is complete.

[0085] In another exemplary embodiment, providing notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to the third party 66 using the system controller 34A at box 224 also includes moving to box 252, uploading the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed to the cloud charging station network 65 using the system controller 34A, moving to box 254, accessing the cloud charging station network 65 by the third party 66, and moving to box 256, receiving the current charge level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the time 74B remaining until charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed from the cloud charging station network 65 by the third party 66.

[0086] In yet another exemplary embodiment, providing notification 72 of the charging status of electric vehicle 10 to third party 66 using system controller 34A at box 224 also includes, moving to box 258, sending notification 72 to third party 66 using system controller 34A that charging station 64 connected to electric vehicle 10 has failed.

[0087] The system 11 and method 200 of the present disclosure have the advantage of providing information related to the charging status of an electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is connected to a charging station, so that the third party can strategically select a charging station that minimizes the time spent waiting for such a charging station.

[0088] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and variations that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. These variations should not be regarded as departing from the scope and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for providing information related to a charging status of an electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is connected to a charging station, comprising: monitoring information related to a charging status of the electric vehicle using a system controller in communication with an electrical system within the electric vehicle; as well as Notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle is provided to a third party using the system controller.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Monitoring information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle using a system controller in communication with an electrical system within the electric vehicle also includes monitoring, using the system controller, at least one of: a charge level of the electrical system within the electric vehicle; and The time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: Monitoring, with the system controller, the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete further comprises calculating the time until one of the following occurs: When the electric vehicle is fully charged; and When the electric vehicle is sufficiently charged to allow the electric vehicle to travel from the charging station to a planned destination.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: Providing a notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a third party using the system controller also includes: Receiving, using the system controller of the electric vehicle, a charging status query from a third party, wherein the third party initiates the charging status query based on at least one of the following: in response to a manual initiation by the third party; Automatically based on third-party navigation and destination information; and automatically based on the third party's battery charge level and the proximity of the charging station; and In response to receiving the charging status inquiry, providing, using the system controller, notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to the third party.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein: Providing a notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a third party using the system controller also includes: providing a visual representation of the electric vehicle's current charge level and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete; and The visual representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete is received by the third party.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: Providing a visual representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete further comprises displaying at least one of the following using an interior / exterior display system in communication with the system controller and adapted to project information onto a window surface of the vehicle: the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete; a graphical representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete; as well as A QR code including the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein: Providing a visual representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete further comprises displaying, with the system controller, via a display of the electric vehicle, at least one of: the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete; a graphical representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete; as well as A QR code including the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed.

8. The method according to claim 5, wherein: Providing a visual representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete further comprises displaying, with the system controller, via a display screen of the charging station at least one of: the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete; a graphical representation of the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete; as well as A QR code including the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed.

9. The method according to claim 3, wherein: Providing a notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a third party using the system controller also includes: uploading, using the system controller, the current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is complete to a cloud charging station network; accessing the cloud charging station network by the third party; and The current charge level of the electric vehicle and the time remaining until charging of the electric vehicle is completed are received by the third party from the cloud charging station network.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Providing a third party with the system controller a notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle further includes sending a notification to the third party with the system controller that a charging station connected to the electric vehicle has failed.

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