Charging demand scenarios for input into electric vehicle charging management

Abstract

Charging arrangement (1) for charging an electrically powered motor vehicle, comprising a power connection (2) which can be electrically connected to the motor vehicle to be charged in order to electrically charge this motor vehicle, comprising a control device for controlling the charging process, wherein this control device enables time-controlled control of the charging process, and comprising a user interface which enables user-defined inputs which influence the charging process. According to the invention, the user interface enables the input of data which is characteristic of an individual charging requirement of the motor vehicle, wherein this charging requirement can be specified for several future time periods.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging arrangement for electrically charging motor vehicles and a method for operating this charging arrangement. Such charging arrangements for charging electrically powered vehicles are known from the prior art. In particular, the invention relates to charging arrangements used in residential buildings.

[0002] Electromobility offers the possibility of greater control over energy consumption for mobility. An electric car in the household is usually the largest electricity consumer, which is why it requires special economic attention. Several needs are often paramount. First and foremost, sufficient range should always be available for the next trip. In addition, charging should be as cost-effective as possible (with the lowest possible CO2 emissions possible, if necessary). Furthermore, this charging process, and the control of the charging process, should be convenient.

[0003] More and more PV (photovoltaic) systems are being built and can be used to charge electric cars. Private households, as well as tenant electricity sharing schemes, are striving to use as much electricity as possible themselves and not feed it into the grid. This is due to the price differences between electricity purchases at, for example, 35 cents / kWh and electricity feed-in at, for example, 8 cents / kWh.

[0004] Grid operators strive to use surplus electricity, which leads to the shutdown of systems and, in some cases, compensation payments to the system operators due to an oversupply of solar or wind power, to charge batteries in a controlled manner. To ensure flexible charging times, grid operators offer discounted rates. This grid-friendly charging is essentially controlled by the electricity price. The electricity market increasingly offers tariffs with dynamic electricity prices, which are designed to be used as optimally as possible.

[0005] Regardless of the power source, two pieces of information are very important for cost-optimized charging management: On the one hand, the departure time is important because it determines the amount of time available for charging after plugging in. On the other hand, the minimum required state of charge (SOC) upon departure is also important (especially to reach the destination without recharging). This allows charging to be optimized based on time (from plugging in to departure) and amount (min. to max. SOC).

[0006] The problem is that the technical system, and often even the vehicle user, doesn't know when charging is actually needed. Typically, the charger is plugged in after a trip when the SOC (target state of charge) is relatively high, and charging begins immediately. Most people don't want to spend too much time thinking about the position of the sun and electricity price trends, or have to return to the vehicle later to start charging at the right time.

[0007] All manual input options for departure time and target SOC at departure are cumbersome and tedious and are therefore used little or not at all.

[0008] From DE 10 2017 215 031 A1 a method for controlling a charging process for charging an energy storage device of a motor vehicle, a storage medium, a mobile terminal, a server device, and a motor vehicle are known.

[0009] US 2013 / 0221916 A1 describes a method for optimizing a charging process. DE 10 2017 216 748 A1 relates to a method for coordinating a charging process of a piloted motor vehicle, a storage medium, a mobile terminal, and a server device.

[0010] Current technology allows charging to be started manually via smartphone. Charging timers can be used, which must be set manually. Smartphone apps like Tibber offer dynamic electricity prices and control charging within manually specified time windows.

[0011] Open source software such as evcc or providers such as 1komma5Grad offer a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) that optimally utilizes PV surplus and electricity prices to optimize the consumers in the house, the home electricity storage and EV (Electric Vehicle) charging.

[0012] As an alternative to manual input, a routine learning algorithm could provide suggestions for departure time and target SOC.

[0013] All of these systems can only regulate the departure time and the full charge after a complicated input.

[0014] The present invention is therefore based on the object of conveniently controlling the charging of a motor vehicle (at least one that is electrically powered). This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0015] A charging arrangement according to the invention for charging an electrically powered motor vehicle comprises a power output device, for example, a power connection, which can be electrically connected to the motor vehicle to be charged in order to electrically charge this motor vehicle. This power connection can, in turn, be electrically connected to a power source such as a power grid and / or a photovoltaic system and / or an energy storage device (for example, an accumulator or battery, such as a photovoltaic system).

[0016] In addition, a control device is provided for controlling the charging process, which control device enables time-controlled control of the charging process. In particular, this control device can control when and, if applicable, with what charging power and / or, if applicable, up to what charge level the charging process is carried out.

[0017] In addition, a user interface is provided that allows user-defined inputs that influence the charging process. Influencing the charging process can be understood, in particular, as the execution of the (time-controlled) control of the charging process by the control device depending on the user-defined inputs. In particular, a change in a charging process (such as a start time and / or a temporal progression) and / or its control can be triggered by the user-defined inputs.

[0018] According to the invention, the user interface enables the input of data which are characteristic of an individual charging requirement of the motor vehicle and / or which determine this individual charging requirement, wherein this charging requirement and / or these data can be specified for several future time periods.

[0019] This user interface can be a component of the charging arrangement, but can also be integrated into other units, such as the motor vehicle or a mobile radio device. In these latter cases, the charging arrangement preferably has a communication interface that enables communication between the control device and the user interface. The user interface can have a display device, such as a screen, for communication with the user and / or can be connected to a display device (such as an external, user-specific one). The display is preferably a touch display, in which the display serves both as an output and input means. However, it is also conceivable that the user interface is connected to and / or can be connected to a haptic input device, such as a keyboard, and / or has one, by means of which a user can enter data.

[0020] In particular, data can be entered which the control device can use to charge the motor vehicle in the most efficient and preferably energy-saving manner possible, wherein these data preferably also set framework conditions which are characteristic for the use of the motor vehicle in the said future time periods.

[0021] Preferably, these time periods are separate from each other and preferably do not overlap. Preferably, these time periods are each of equal length.

[0022] The power output device can be a power connector that can be connected to the motor vehicle, for example, via a charging cable. However, a power output device can also be a device, such as a connector, that can be connected to the motor vehicle without contact, as is the case with inductive charging, for example.

[0023] The motor vehicle may be a purely electrically powered vehicle or a partially electrically powered vehicle, such as, in particular but not exclusively, a hybrid vehicle.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment, the charging arrangement can be connected to a photovoltaic system. Thus, the charging arrangement can be supplied with energy at least temporarily and / or at least partially by a photovoltaic system.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, the charging arrangement can be connected to an energy storage device. In this way, electrical energy from the motor vehicle can be fed back into a household energy storage device, at least temporarily.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, the control device has a timer and / or a timer. In this way, the electrical charging of the motor vehicle can be time-controlled. For example, the control device can perform a charging process from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

[0027] Preferably, a charging process can be individually controlled depending on a period of time.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment, priorities can be specified (particularly by a user), which are taken into account by the control device when controlling a charging process. These priorities are preferably based on aspects that are important to the user when using the motor vehicle. These aspects are preferably selected from a group of aspects that include a range (particularly according to the scenario), costs, a CO2 balance, grid suitability, and the like.

[0029] This allows the user to define a prioritization according to which the control device or algorithm operates.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the future charging sections are weekdays. This means that a user can enter said data for individual weekdays. For example, it is possible to enter the data for a coming Monday, a coming Tuesday, etc. Preferably, different data can be entered for different weekdays, which determine the charging process.

[0031] For example, for a coming Monday, you can enter that a journey is planned to start at 8:00 a.m. and that at that time the charge level should be at least medium in order to be able to manage the required journeys without further charging.

[0032] For example, you can specify that this scenario should apply to every Monday. It can also refer to a specific Monday only.

[0033] You can also specify that this scenario should apply from Monday to Wednesday or on certain days of the week.

[0034] Preferably, at least one value determining the charging process can be specified by the user interface or by means of the user interface, wherein this value preferably determines a target charge level, the time of the start of a future journey with the motor vehicle and / or the target charge level at the start of a future journey with the motor vehicle.

[0035] A determining value is understood to be an approximate value for a state of charge or a value that is characteristic and / or determining for a future mileage. Preferably, several of these values are specified and / or can be specified.

[0036] To make entering the departure time and target SOC (state of charge) as precise and simple as possible, scenarios are preferred. These scenarios describe various typical and therefore recurring daily routines, which are preferably specified by a combination of the parameters departure time and target SOC. The following scenarios are conceivable, for example.

[0037] For example, a typical work or commute scenario could be defined. The departure time could be set at 7:00 a.m. and the target SOC could be at least 30%.

[0038] Another scenario could be defined for a stay at home. In this case, no departure time is defined, and the target SOC is defined for a minimum range.

[0039] Another scenario could be defined for a long-distance trip. For example, the departure time could be set to 9:00 a.m. and the target SOC could be set to 100%, i.e., full charge.

[0040] Further scenarios could be defined, for example, for a morning or afternoon trip. For example, the target SOC could be set to at least 50% and the departure time to, for example, 9:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m.

[0041] In addition, scenarios for errands and / or spontaneous trips could be defined. No departure time is defined here, and the SOC could be set to be sufficient for a minimum range.

[0042] The variable departure times and target SOC can preferably be filled or set individually by the user for each scenario. Additional scenarios can preferably be created. The minimum range is preferably set separately. This range, or the required SOC, should always be available to enable spontaneous trips at any time without prior planning. The last scenario (errands and spontaneous trips) is therefore preferably the default scenario.

[0043] To enable intelligent charging demand planning, the user can distribute the predefined scenarios over the following days in a user interface or via the user interface. The scenarios can be displayed visually, for example, as tiles or input fields, similar to the climate shortcut buttons such as "Feet are cold."

[0044] Tiles can be assigned to days of the week via various touchpoints with different triggers. Touchpoints preferably refer to the various devices and applications that the user can use for this purpose. For example, an infotainment system in the car or a smartphone app: In the vehicle and / or in the smartphone app, the most important key data is initially requested during the function setup, e.g., via a screen flow, thus ensuring basic functionality. This is where the minimum range is preferably set and the scenarios defined.

[0045] It is also possible to set a default week by distributing the scenarios across the days of the week. This setting will be used as the default in the future and can be adjusted to individual needs at any time.

[0046] In a charging context, specific settings for the current charging schedule for the next few days are preferably configured (e.g., deviations from the set default week). This menu is similar to the onboarding context and can be accessed at any time. This function can also be accessed both on the infotainment system and via a smartphone app.

[0047] A push-and-pull dialog can also be provided. The system proactively asks the user (push) about charging needs or upcoming scenarios for the next few days to refine planning. This is done, for example, via popups in the infotainment system or smartphone, SMS, or feed-ul cards in the infotainment system.

[0048] For example, the question could be: "Are you home tomorrow as planned?" The dialog can also be initiated by the user (pull). This can be done via the vehicle's voice dialog system or a home assistant (e.g., Alexa) connected to the vehicle. For example: "Hey Ida, I won't be working from home tomorrow after all; I have to go to work."

[0049] In the vehicle, voice commands such as: “Hey Ida, tomorrow is scenario < <namedesszenarios>>" lead to a simple setting of the data. The corresponding text message could request confirmation: "Is the scenario < <namedesszenarios>> planned?"

[0050] Words like "plan" and "scenario" preferably refer the assistant directly to the domain of determining charging requirements. These dialogs can be initiated via smartphone, PC, or voice control in the home, in addition to the vehicle.

[0051] A goodbye screen could also be available. The goodbye screen is an exit panel in the infotainment system that appears when the ignition is turned off. This displays scenario tiles for future time periods, e.g., the next three days. For example, tomorrow: home, the day after tomorrow: long-distance trip, June 30, 2023: work.

[0052] Although these scenario tiles significantly simplify manual input, the future system will prioritize learned routines for appropriate suggestions. For example, once a routine has been established, more suitable values for departure time and minimum target SOC will be suggested. After manual adoption, the tiles are then optimally configured for the person.

[0053] In a further advantageous embodiment, the user interface provides at least one scenario input field (also referred to as a tile) via which several values determining the loading process can be specified.

[0054] The key benefit from the customer's perspective is the ease of input. By bundling the information on departure time and minimum target SOC into a single scenario tile, fewer input steps are required, increasing willingness to input, and improving the effectiveness of the optimization.

[0055] The scenario tiles or input fields make entering key data much easier and lead to significantly better data availability. As a result, charging needs are precisely known, and charging optimization can be much more successful.

[0056] It is also conceivable that the user interface could provide graphically displayed sliders for the user to enter data (via output on a graphical user interface), for example, regarding a (planned) range (e.g., for one and preferably for each weekday). This represents a particularly user-friendly input option.

[0057] In a further preferred embodiment, a processor device is provided which is suitable and intended to logically combine at least two of these values to control the charging process. For example, the processor device can cause the control device to control the charging process such that a charge level of at least 60% is present at 9:00 a.m.

[0058] The charging arrangement preferably has a determining device which is suitable and intended to determine an actual charge state of the motor vehicle or its battery.

[0059] From a technical perspective, this preferably means that at least two pieces of information are linked to a switching function via logic. This two pieces of information can, in particular, be a target charge level and the start of a journey. In addition, the required mileage or a destination (e.g. a workplace) can be taken into account as part of the basic settings. Environmental data such as outside temperature or expected traffic volume, which can affect the energy requirement for a journey, can also be taken into account. For example, a higher traffic volume must be taken into account for a journey starting at 9:00 a.m. than for one starting at 6:00 a.m.

[0060] In addition, user habits can also be taken into account, such as the usual desired interior temperature in the vehicle.

[0061] In a further preferred embodiment, determining values can be specified for several future time periods.

[0062] For example, determining values can be specified for each day of the week, although different values can also be specified for each day of the week. For example, values such as the start of a trip, the destination, and the return date can be specified for each day of the week. This was already explained above with reference to the individual scenarios.

[0063] In a further preferred embodiment, the user interface is provided in the motor vehicle. For example, this user interface can be integrated into the vehicle's infotainment system or can be arranged on a portable mobile device or at other locations in the charging system.

[0064] In a further preferred embodiment, the charging arrangement has a communication interface that enables communication with the motor vehicle, for example, with an infotainment system of the motor vehicle. In addition, this communication interface can preferably also enable communication with mobile radio devices. In this way, data can be input via corresponding systems in the motor vehicle, which data the control device of the charging arrangement uses to control the charging of the motor vehicle.

[0065] In a further preferred embodiment, the charging arrangement also comprises a regenerative device, which is suitable and intended for feeding electrical energy back from the motor vehicle or its battery, for example, into a household power grid or into a household's power storage device. For example, if it is determined that no or only minimal driving will occur on a subsequent day, excess energy can also be fed from the motor vehicle into a household power grid.

[0066] Preferably, the charging arrangement comprises a storage device which is suitable and intended to record data occurring for specific time periods, for example weekdays, for example the specified departure times, the specified target charging states and / or the energy consumption actually occurring.

[0067] In a further preferred embodiment, the charging arrangement has a detection device that is suitable and intended for determining the energy consumption of the motor vehicle. This detection device is preferably suitable and intended for assigning measured energy consumption to individual time periods, for example, weekdays. In this way, a future energy requirement for the motor vehicle can be predicted for a user.

[0068] The present invention is further directed to a user interface for entering and transmitting data for controlling a charging arrangement for charging motor vehicles, wherein data characteristic of an individual charging requirement of the motor vehicle can be entered by means of the user interface (in particular by a user), wherein this data and / or this charging requirement can be specified for several future time periods. The charging arrangement is preferably the charging arrangement described above according to a preferred embodiment. The user interface can preferably be designed according to one or more features of a user interface described above in connection with the charging arrangement, individually or in combination with one another.

[0069] The present invention is further directed to a method for operating a charging arrangement for charging an electrically operated motor vehicle, wherein a power output device and / or a power connection of the charging arrangement is electrically connected to the motor vehicle to be charged in order to (electrically) charge this motor vehicle and wherein a control device controls the charging process, wherein this control device carries out a time-controlled control of the charging process, and user-defined inputs which influence the charging process are made by means of a user interface.

[0070] According to the invention, data which are characteristic of an individual charging requirement of the motor vehicle are entered by means of the user interface, whereby this charging requirement is specified for several future time periods.

[0071] It is therefore also proposed, in terms of the procedure, that a user of the vehicle can enter data for future periods, such as future days of the week, on the basis of which a charging process of the motor vehicle is carried out.

[0072] Preferably, this data is characteristic of the time of a planned start of the journey with the motor vehicle and / or a desired (minimum) state of charge (SOC) of the motor vehicle. However, other data, such as a desired mileage, can also be specified. It can also be specified, for example, whether charging options are available at a destination, such as the workplace.

[0073] In a preferred method, the user interface provides at least one scenario input field (also referred to above as a tile), via which several values determining the charging process can be specified. This input field can also be provided via a device in the motor vehicle or a mobile device.

[0074] This input field makes controlling the charging process much easier.

[0075] In a further advantageous method, input suggestions are provided to the user, particularly via the user interface. When outputting these suggestions, for example, previous user behavior or previous user inputs can be taken into account.

[0076] A default setting can also be taken into account for the output of these suggestions.

[0077] Further advantages and embodiments are shown in the figures, which show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a charging arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 2 A diagram explaining the input fields; Fig. 3 a representation of a pop-up resulting from an input field; Fig. 4 a representation of a further embodiment of an input field; and Fig. 5 a further illustration of a further embodiment of an input field; and Fig. 6 a further illustration of a further design of an input field.

[0078] Fig. 1 shows a roughly schematic representation of a charging arrangement 1 according to the invention for electrically charging a motor vehicle 10. This arrangement has a power output device 2, here in the form of a power connection, which can be connected to the motor vehicle 1 in order to electrically charge it.

[0079] Reference numeral 4 denotes a control device which is suitable and intended to control and / or regulate the charging process (in particular in a time-controlled manner). This control device 4 is particularly suitable and intended to determine charging times and / or charging durations and, in particular, also to determine a charging power.

[0080] In addition, the control device is preferably also suitable for controlling any possible feed-back of energy from the motor vehicle into a household network or the like.

[0081] Reference numeral 6 denotes a user interface via which the vehicle user can enter data, which is then taken into account by the control device when controlling a charging process. This user interface can preferably communicate with the motor vehicle via a communication interface (not shown). This communication is preferably wireless. The user interface can be arranged in the motor vehicle, but also on the charging arrangement itself or in a mobile device.

[0082] Fig. Figure 2 shows a representation of input fields 12, 14, and 16 (of the user interface). More specifically, it shows a visualization of the scenario tiles or input fields, which can be configured and adjusted, for example, during onboarding in the infotainment system and in the setup.

[0083] In this illustration, the minimum range is calculated using SOC (State of Charge), but this could be changed to km (kilometers).

[0084] Therefore, the user interface preferably has a display device which is suitable and intended to display the individual input fields.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the user interface has a touchscreen via which a user can enter inputs. Data can preferably be entered individually for each input field. However, other input methods, such as acoustic input, would also be possible instead of or in addition to a touchscreen.

[0086] The user is prompted with an input prompt, in this case asking how much charge is required per weekday, to assign specific data to the seven input fields assigned to each weekday. A departure time can be entered individually for each weekday. In addition, a target state of charge (SOC) can be specified for each day, which the vehicle should have at the start time.

[0087] It is possible to re-enter the data for specific days as well as to change it for individual days of the week.

[0088] When the tiles or input fields are edited (which can be done by tapping on the tile or input field, for example), a Fig. 3 shows an example pop-up window 24 in which users can name the scenario, set the earliest departure time of the day, and the desired minimum SOC. The scenario can be assigned to multiple days simultaneously by selecting or activating the respective days.

[0089] The pop-up window 24 is shown here as a wireframe.

[0090] It is also conceivable that weekdays to be selected are displayed as buttons, for which, by selecting them, data relating to a departure time and / or a target state of charge (SOC) can be entered at the same time.

[0091] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of input fields 12, 14, 16, which are output together in a display 20.

[0092] In this display, the input fields are divided into predefined default scenarios with the levels "Little," "Standard," "Full," and "Maximum," which can be conveniently distributed across the weekdays using drag and drop. The input field with the plus symbol represents an individually configurable scenario tile.

[0093] Fig. Figure 5 shows a further configuration of input fields that are displayed together in a display 22. In this representation, the input fields are preferably elongated to provide more space for names and information. For example, a charge level of 50% can be assigned the designation "Standard."

[0094] The user estimates the charging requirements for each day of the week and enters a target charge level that they consider sufficient for that day. A processor device is advantageously provided that further adjusts these values based on empirical values.

[0095] For example, if it is determined that a certain charge is sufficient to move the car on Tuesdays, this empirical value can be used to suggest certain values for the target charge level to the user.

[0096] Fig. Figure 6 shows another configuration of input fields. The following visualization shows in more detail how to set the minimum range per day using an equalizer, where the mileage can be set in increments of 50 up to a maximum of 400 km. Based on these inputs, the control unit can manage the vehicle's charging.

[0097] It would also be possible for the user to enter a destination for each day. It would also be possible for the user to specify, in addition to the mileage, the type of route (e.g., predominantly city driving or predominantly motorway driving).

[0098] In addition, it would be conceivable that travel times could be given in order to be able to draw conclusions about traffic volumes.

[0099] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided that they are novel, individually or in combination, over the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features that may be advantageous in and of themselves. The skilled person will immediately recognize that a particular feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without adopting further features from that figure. Furthermore, the skilled person will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures. List of reference symbols 1 loading arrangement 2 power connections 4 Control device 6 User interface 10 motor vehicle 12, 14, 16 input fields 18 User question 20 ad 22 Advertisement 24 Pop-up menu 26 Advertisement QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2017 215 031 A1

[0008] US 2013 / 0221916 A1

[0009] DE 10 2017 216 748 A1

[0009] < / namedesszenarios> < / namedesszenarios>

Claims

[1] Charging arrangement (1) for charging an electrically operated motor vehicle, with a power output device (2) which is electrically connectable to the motor vehicle to be charged in order to electrically charge this motor vehicle, with a control device (4) for controlling a charging process, this control device (4) enabling time-controlled control of the charging process, with a user interface (6) which enables user-defined inputs which influence the charging process, characterized by that the user interface (6) enables the input of data which are characteristic and / or determining for an individual charging requirement of the motor vehicle (10), wherein these data can be specified for several future time periods. [2] Loading arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the future charging sections are weekdays. [3] Loading arrangement (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one value determining the charging process can be specified by the user interface (6), wherein this value preferably determines a target charge level, the time of the start of a future journey with the motor vehicle and / or the target charge level at the start of a future journey with the motor vehicle. [4] Loading arrangement (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the user interface provides at least one scenario input field (12, 14, 16) via which several values determining the charging process can be specified. [5] Loading arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that a processor device is provided which is suitable and intended to logically link at least two of these values to control the charging process. [6] Loading arrangement (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims 3-4, characterized bythat determining values can be specified for several future periods. [7] Loading arrangement (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims 3-4, characterized by that the user interface is provided in the motor vehicle. [8] User interface (6) for entering and transmitting data for controlling a charging arrangement for charging motor vehicles, characterized by that data which are characteristic of an individual charging requirement of the motor vehicle (10) can be entered by means of the user interface (6), wherein these data and / or this charging requirement can be specified for several future time periods. [9] Method for operating a charging arrangement (1) for charging an electrically operated motor vehicle, wherein the charging arrangement is electrically connected to the motor vehicle (10) to be charged via an energy output device (2) in order to charge this motor vehicle (10), and wherein a control device (4) controls the charging process, wherein this control device (4) carries out a time-controlled control of the charging process, and user-defined inputs which influence the charging process are made by means of a user interface (6), characterized by that data which are characteristic of an individual charging requirement of the motor vehicle (10) are entered by means of the user interface (6), wherein these data and / or this charging requirement can be specified for several future time periods. [10] Method according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat the user interface (6) provides at least one scenario input field via which several values determining the charging process can be specified. [11] Method according to at least one of the two preceding claims, characterized by that input suggestions are issued to the user, in particular via the user interface (6).

Images