Vehicle authentication

Abstract

A control system (100, Fig. 2) for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment (200, Fig. 1), comprising one or more processors collectively configured to receive 302 over a wireless connection a

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to vehicle authentication. Aspects of the invention relate to a control system for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment, to an electric vehicle supply equipment, to a computer-implemented method for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment and to computer readable instructions. BACKGROUND It is known to provide an electric vehicle supply equipment at a home address, and a vehicle can be connected to the supply equipment and receive charge therefrom to charge an energy store of the vehicle. There is a problem in the art that an unauthorised vehicle could park near an electric vehicle supply equipment which they are not authorised to use, connect their vehicle, and charge their vehicle energy store using an electricity supply which they are not authorised to use. Managing this problem in a way which is reliable and secure, as well as being user friendly, is a challenge. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a control system for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment, to an electric vehicle supply equipment, to a computer-implemented method for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment and to computer readable instructions as claimed in the appended claims According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a control system for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment, the control system comprising one or more processors collectively configured to: receive an authorised vehicle identification signal indicative of the presence of an authorised vehicle in operational proximity to an electric vehicle supply equipment; determine, in dependence on receipt of the authorised vehicle identification signal, an electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed; and output a control signal to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to perform the electric vehicle charger operation. Advantageously, when the authorised vehicle is determined to be present proximal to electric vehicle supply equipment such that an operation can be performed by the supply equipment for the vehicle, the functionality of the supply equipment can be provided. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a control system for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment, the control system comprising one or more processors collectively configured to: receive, over a wireless connection, an authorised vehicle identification signal indicative of the presence of an authorised vehicle in operational proximity to an electric vehicle supply equipment; determine, in dependence on receipt of the authorised vehicle identification signal, an electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed, the electric vehicle supply equipment operation being otherthan a supply of power from the electric vehicle supply equipment; and output a control signal to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to perform the electric vehicle charger operation. Advantageously, on approach ofthe vehicle to the electric vehicle supply equipment, through wireless detection, the control system determines that there is a vehicle proximal to the supply equipment which is authorised to be used with the supply equipment. The control system then causes the automatic provision of some functionality of the supply equipment in recognition of the approach of an authorised vehicle. The control system may comprise one or more controllers collectively comprising at least one electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving an input signal; and at least one memory device electrically coupled to the at least one electronic processor and having instructions stored therein; and wherein the at least one electronic processor is configured to access the at least one memory device and execute the instructions thereon so as to: receive, over a wireless connection, an authorised vehicle identification signal indicative of the presence of an authorised vehicle in operational proximity to an electric vehicle supply equipment; determine, in dependence on receipt of the authorised vehicle identification signal, an electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed, the electric vehicle supply equipment operation being other than a supply of power from the electric vehicle supply equipment; and output a control signal to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to perform the electric vehicle charger operation. Advantageously, on approach of the vehicle to the electric vehicle supply equipment, through wireless detection, the control system determines that there is a vehicle proximal to the supply equipment which is authorised to be used with the supply equipment. The control system then causes the automatic provision of some functionality of the supply equipment in recognition of the approach of an authorised vehicle. The electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise a Wi-Fi sniffing module configured to receive the authorised vehicle identification signal over the wireless connection and transmit the authorised vehicle identification signal to the control system. Advantageously, the vehicle can be automatically detected through Wi-Fi sniffing, and information about the vehicle, such as a vehicle identifier, can automatically be provided to the control system without requiring any explicit input from the driver of the vehicle. The authorised vehicle identification signal transmitted by the authorised vehicle may comprise a portion of a Vehicle Identification Number, VIN, of the authorised vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle can be automatically detected and identified via the provision of a unique immutable identifier, the VIN code portion. The control system may be configured to authorise a vehicle in operational proximity to the electric vehicle supply equipment by: receiving, over the wireless connection, a vehicle identifier of a vehicle in operational proximity to the electric vehicle supply equipment; comparing the received vehicle identifier to a stored list of authorised vehicle identifiers; and if the received vehicle identifier matches one of the stored list of authorised vehicle identifiers, determining the vehicle is an authorised vehicle. Advantageously, only authorised vehicles automatically be provided with functionality from the supply equipment, which is beneficial from a security perspective to ensure only authorised vehicles are able to use the supply equipment. The control system may be configured to: determine, in dependence on failing to receive an authorised vehicle identification signal from a vehicle detected in operational proximity to the electric vehicle supply equipment, that the vehicle is an unauthorized vehicle; and output a control signal to prevent the electric vehicle supply equipment from performing an electric vehicle charger operation with respect to the unauthorised vehicle. Advantageously, unauthorised vehicles are automatically prevented from accessing any functionality from the supply equipment, which is beneficial from a security perspective to ensure only authorised vehicles are able to use the supply equipment. The control system may be configured to determine that a vehicle detected in operational proximity to the electric vehicle supply equipment is an unauthorised vehicle by one or more of: receiving, over the wireless connection, a vehicle identifier of a vehicle in operational proximity to the electric vehicle supply equipment; comparing the received vehicle identifier to a stored list of authorised vehicle identifiers; and if the received vehicle identifier does not match one of the stored list of authorised vehicle identifiers, determining the vehicle is an unauthorised vehicle; and receiving a vehicle presence signal indicative of the presence of a vehicle in operational proximity to the electric vehicle supply equipment; and failing to receive, over the wireless connection, a vehicle identifier of the vehicle. Advantageously, the control system is able to determine whether a vehicle is authorised or unauthorised through receipt of a vehicle identifier which is not listed as an authorised vehicle, or through failure to receive a meaningful identifier at all, which is beneficial from a security perspective to ensure only authorised vehicles are able to use the supply equipment. The operational proximity of the authorised vehicle to the electric vehicle supply equipment may be one or more of, at most: a Wi-Fi transmission range proximity within which Wi-Fi signalling can be transmitted from the authorised vehicle to the electric vehicle supply equipment; and an electric vehicle supply equipment charging cable length proximity within which the charging cable can be connected to a charging port of the authorised vehicle. Advantageously, the approach of a vehicle within meaningful operational distance from the supply equipment (e.g. communication range and / or charging cable connection distance) triggers the provision of functionality for the authorised vehicle. The control system may be configured to determine the electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed by: comparing the received authorised vehicle identifier to a stored list of authorised vehicle identifiers, each of the authorised vehicle identifiers in the stored list having at least one associated operation; and outputting the control signal to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to perform the at least one associated operation of the authorised vehicle. Advantageously, each authorised vehicle may have a stored preference list of functionality which is to be provided as the vehicle approaches the supply equipment and is recognised. Thus an individualised automatic provision of functionality can be provided. The control system may be configured to, following receipt of the authorised vehicle identification signal over the wireless connection: receive, following connection of a charging cable of the electric vehicle supply equipment to a charging port of the authorised vehicle, an authorised connected vehicle identification signal indicative of the connection of the authorised vehicle to the charging cable of the electric vehicle supply equipment; determine, in dependence on receipt of the authorised connected vehicle identification signal, that the electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed; and output the control signal to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to perform the electric vehicle charger operation. Advantageously, the operation is performed once the charging cable is connected to the vehicle, for example in scenarios in which the operation(s) are related to the capability of the vehicle receiving charge from the supply equipment, such as receiving charge according to a charging schedule or providing a visual indication of the progress of charging, for example. The electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed may comprise retrieving a charging schedule of the authorised vehicle. The control system may be configured to output the control signal to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to charge the authorised vehicle according to the retrieved charging schedule. Advantageously, the vehicle can be automatically charged on connection of the charging cable according to a charging schedule retrieved for the recognised authorised vehicle. The electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed may comprise illuminating a light of the electric vehicle supply equipment. The control system may be configured to output the control signal to cause the light to illuminate. Advantageously, lighting on the supply equipment can automatically be illuminated for the recognised authorised vehicle, for example to illuminate parts of the supply equipment to assist a user to use it in dark ambient lighting. The electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed may comprise releasing a stowed charging cable of the electric vehicle supply equipment. The control system may be configured to output the control signal to cause the stowed charging cable to be released to allow connection of the charging cable to the proximal authorised vehicle. Advantageously, the charging cable can be automatically released for use (whereas it is otherwise locked in a housing of the supply equipment) on recognition of the proximal authorised vehicle e.g. when it is determined that the authorised vehicle is within reach of the charging cable. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an electric vehicle supply equipment comprising the control system of any preceding claim. Advantageously, on approach of the vehicle to the electric vehicle supply equipment, through wireless detection, the vehicle can be detected as being proximal to the supply equipment and be authorised to use the supply equipment. In an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising any electric vehicle supply equipment disclosed herein and an authorised vehicle configured to transmit, to the electric vehicle supply equipment, the authorised vehicle identification signal indicative of the presence of the authorised vehicle in operational proximity to the electric vehicle supply equipment. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment, the method comprising: receiving, over a wireless connection, an authorised vehicle identification signal indicative of the presence of an authorised vehicle in operational proximity to an electric vehicle supply equipment; determining, in dependence on receipt of the authorised vehicle identification signal, an electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed, the electric vehicle supply equipment operation being other than a supply of power from the electric vehicle supply equipment; and outputting a control signal to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to perform the electric vehicle charger operation. Advantageously, on approach of the vehicle to the electric vehicle supply equipment, through wireless detection, the vehicle can be detected as being proximal to the supply equipment and be authorised to use the supply equipment. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer readable instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform any method disclosed herein. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in anyway and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows electric vehicle supply equipment according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 2 shows a control system according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 3 shows a flow chart showing a method which control systems disclosed herein are configured to perform for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 4 shows a process which control systems disclosed herein are configured to perform for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment according to embodiments of the invention; and Figure 5 shows a flow chart showing a method which control systems disclosed herein are configured to perform for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment according to embodiments of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION It is known to provide an electric vehicle supply equipment at a home address, and a vehicle can be connected to the supply equipment and receive charge therefrom to charge an energy store of the vehicle. Discussion here in supply of electrical charge to the vehicle should be understood as a supply of electrical charge of an energy storage means of the vehicle e.g. a rechargeable battery. An electric vehicle supply equipment (or simply supply equipment) may be understood to be a “charger” or “home charger”, i.e. an apparatus which can be connected to a vehicle (and the electrical energy storage of that vehicle) for the provision of charge from the supply equipment to the vehicle, to recharge the electrical energy storage. The vehicle may be a battery electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, for example. There is a problem in the art that a person may park their unauthorised vehicle near an electric vehicle supply equipment which they are not authorised to use, connect their vehicle, and charge their vehicle energy store using an electricity supply which they are not authorised to use. Examples disclosed herein provide ways in which only an authorised vehicle is able to connect to an electric vehicle supply equipment and receive charge therefrom to charge an energy store of the vehicle. In some examples the presence of an authorised vehicle in proximity to the supply equipment can be automatically detected and used as authorisation to allow the vehicle to be connected to the supply equipment and receive charge therefrom. The presence may be detected wirelessly in some examples, for example via Wi-Fi sniffing by the supply equipment to detect an authorised Wi-Fi transmission signal from unauthorised vehicle. In some examples the Wi-Fi transmission signal may comprise a unique identifier for the vehicle, for example a Wi-Fi signal which comprises a portion of the vehicle is VIN. In this way the supply equipment can be “unlocked” and used with an authorised vehicle via automatic wireless detection of the vehicle being an authorised vehicle, whereas a vehicle which cannot be determined as an authorised vehicle is not able to use the supply equipment and e.g. receive charge from it. Advantageously, the user need not provide any specific credentials consciously, such as entering the PIN number into the supply equipment, to demonstrate authorisation (and, if the PIN number is observed or obtained by unauthorised user, take action to stop any unauthorised use of the supply equipment). Figure 1 shows electric vehicle supply equipment 200 according to embodiments of the invention. The electric vehicle supply equipment 200 comprises a control system 100 as discussed in relation to Figure 2. The electric vehicle supply equipment 200 comprises a charging gun 202 which can be connected to an electric vehicle and used to provide electrical charge from the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 to the vehicle (i.e. to a rechargeable energy store of the vehicle). In some examples the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 may comprise an output device 204 such as a display screen or visual indicator to indicate information to a user. Figure 2 shows a control system 100 according to embodiments of the invention which is for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment 200. The control system 100 is configured to wirelessly receive authorised vehicle identification data 165 from a proximal authorised vehicle 160, and determine an electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed. The control system 110 may then output a control signal 155 to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to perform the electric vehicle charger operation. The control system 100 as illustrated in Figure 2 comprises one controller 110, although it will be appreciated that this is merely illustrative. The controller 110 comprises processing means 120 and memory means 130. The processing means 120 may be one or more electronic processing device 120 which operably executes computer-readable instructions. The memory means 130 may be one or more memory device 130. The memory means 130 is electrically coupled to the processing means 120. The memory means 130 is configured to store instructions, and the processing means 120 is configured to access the memory means 130 and execute the instructions stored thereon. The controller 110 comprises an input means 140 and an output means 150. The input means 140 may comprise an electrical input 140 of the controller 110. The output means 150 may comprise an electrical output 150 of the controller 110. The input 140 is arranged to wirelessly receive an authorised vehicle identification signal 165 from a proximal authorised vehicle 160. The authorised vehicle identification signal 165 is an electrical signal which is indicative of the presence of an authorised vehicle in operational proximity to an electric vehicle supply equipment 200. The output 150 is arranged to output a control signal 155 for controlling the electric vehicle supply equipment charger operation to perform the electric vehicle charger operation determined dependent on receipt of the authorised vehicle identification signal. The control system 100 is configured to receive, over a wireless connection, an authorised vehicle identification signal 165 indicative of the presence of an authorised vehicle in operational proximity to an electric vehicle supply equipment 200; determine, in dependence on receipt of the authorised vehicle identification signal 165, an electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed, the electric vehicle supply equipment operation being other than a supply of power from the electric vehicle supply equipment; and output a control signal 155 to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 to perform the electric vehicle charger operation. Advantageously, on approach of the vehicle to the electric vehicle supply equipment 200, through wireless detection, the control system 100 determines that there is a vehicle proximal to the supply equipment which is authorised to be used with the supply equipment. The control system 100 then causes the automatic provision of some functionality of the supply equipment 200 in recognition of the approach of an authorised vehicle 100. This process will be discussed in more detail with reference to Figures 3 to 5. The methods 300, 400, 500 of Figures 3 to 5 may be performed by the control system 100 illustrated in Figure 2, and the supply equipment 200 of Figure 1. In particular, the memory 130 may comprise computer-readable instructions which, when executed by the processor 120, perform the methods 300, 400, 500. Figure 3 shows a computer-implemented method 300 which may be performed by the control system 100 of Figures 1 and 2 for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment. The method 300 comprises receiving 302, over a wireless connection, an authorised vehicle identification signal 310 indicative of the presence of an authorised vehicle in operational proximity to an electric vehicle supply equipment. This wireless detection process is discussed in relation to Figure 4. Operational proximity of the authorised vehicle to the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 may be understood to be a Wi-Fi transmission range proximity within which Wi-Fi signalling can be transmitted from the authorised vehicle to the electric vehicle supply equipment 200. This may be considered an operational proximity because Wi-Fi communications can take place between the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 and a Wi-Fi communication module of the vehicle, for example to communicate a vehicle identifier from the vehicle to the supply equipment. Operational proximity of the authorised vehicle to the electric vehicle supply equipment may be understood to be an electric vehicle supply equipment charging cable length proximity within which the charging cable 202 can be connected to a charging port of the authorised vehicle. This may be considered an operational proximity because within this distance, the vehicle by operationally connected to the supply equipment 200 via the charging cable 202 of the supply equipment 200 so the vehicle can receive charge from the supply equipment 200. The operational proximity of the authorised vehicle to the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 may be understood to be the lesser of these two factors. The operational proximity of the authorised vehicle to the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 may in other examples be determined using geofencing, such that when the vehicle is detected to be located within a predetermined geofence perimeter, it is deemed to be within operational proximity (e.g. within a 10 m radius of the supply equipment 200). The operational proximity of the authorised vehicle to the electric vehicle supply equipment may in other examples be determined using Bluetooth, such that when the vehicle is detected to be located within Bluetooth communication range of the supply equipment (or other Bluetooth communication device located with the supply equipment, or for example in the house where the supply equipment is located), the vehicle is deemed to be within operational proximity (e.g. within a 10 m radius of the supply equipment 200). Advantageously, the approach of a vehicle within meaningful operational distance from the supply equipment 200 (e.g. communication range and / or charging cable connection distance) triggers the provision of functionality for the authorised vehicle. The method 300 comprises determining 304, in dependence on receipt of the authorised vehicle identification signal 310, an electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed. The electric vehicle supply equipment operation is other than a supply of power from the electric vehicle supply equipment. The method 300 comprises outputting 306 a control signal 320 to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 to perform the electric vehicle charger operation. For example, the electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed may comprise retrieving a charging schedule of the authorised vehicle. The control system 100 may be configured to output the control signal 320 to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 to charge the authorised vehicle according to the retrieved charging schedule. Advantageously, the vehicle can be automatically charged on connection of the charging cable according to a charging schedule retrieved for the recognised authorised vehicle. The electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed may comprise illuminating a light of the electric vehicle supply equipment 200. The control system 100 may be configured to output the control signal 320 to cause the light to illuminate. Advantageously, lighting on the supply equipment 200 can automatically be illuminated for the recognised authorised vehicle, for example to illuminate parts of the supply equipment to assist a user to use it in dark conditions. The electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed may comprise releasing a stowed charging cable 202 of the electric vehicle supply equipment 200. The control system 100 may be configured to output the control signal 320 to cause the stowed charging cable 202 to be released to allow connection of the charging cable 202 to the proximal authorised vehicle. Advantageously, the charging cable 202 can be automatically released for use (whereas it is otherwise locked in a housing of the supply equipment 200) on recognition of the proximal authorised vehicle e.g. when it is determined that the authorised vehicle is within reach of the charging cable. Advantageously, on approach of the vehicle to the electric vehicle supply equipment, through wireless detection, the vehicle can be detected as being proximal to the supply equipment 200 and be authorised to use the supply equipment 200 and one or more suitable functions may be automatically authorised to be provided. Figure 4 shows a flow chart showing a process 400 which control systems 100 disclosed herein are configured to perform for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment 200 according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 4 shows a vehicle 50 which is able to wirelessly communicate with a Wi-Fi module 402 of the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 when in Wi-Fi range of the Wi-Fi module 402. Also shown is an authorisation list storage means 404 which the control system 100 may communicate with and which has stored therein information about one or more authorised vehicles which are authorised to use the functionality of the electrical vehicle supply equipment 200. The electric vehicle supply equipment 200 may comprise a Wi-Fi sniffing module 402 which is configured to receive the authorised vehicle identification signal 310 over the wireless connection, and transmit the authorised vehicle identification signal 310 to the control system 100. Advantageously, the vehicle 50 can be automatically detected through Wi-Fi sniffing, and information about the vehicle, such as a vehicle identifier, can automatically be provided to the control system 100 via the Wi-Fi sniffer module 402 without requiring any explicit input from the driver of the vehicle. The authorised vehicle identification signal 310 transmitted by the authorised vehicle 50 may comprise a portion of a Vehicle Identification Number, VIN, of the authorised vehicle 50. Advantageously, the vehicle 50 can be automatically detected and identified via the provision of a unique immutable identifier, the VIN code portion, and comparison of the transmitted authorised vehicle identification signal 310 with stored authorised vehicle identification information stored in the authorisation list storage means 404. The control system 100 may thus be configured to authorise a vehicle 50 in operational proximity to the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 by receiving, over the wireless connection, a vehicle identifier of a vehicle 50 in operational proximity to the electric vehicle supply equipment 200; comparing 406 the received vehicle identifier to a stored list of authorised vehicle identifiers (stored in the authorisation list storage means 404). If the received vehicle identifier matches one of the stored list of authorised vehicle identifiers, the control system 100 can determine the vehicle 50 is an authorised vehicle, and then provide some functionality 408. Advantageously, only authorised vehicles 50 may automatically be provided with functionality from the supply equipment, automatically through the Wi-Fi recognition procedure, which is beneficial from a security perspective to ensure only authorised vehicles are able to use the supply equipment without undue effort from the vehicle occupant / driver in entering I providing authorisation credentials. In some examples if the received vehicle identifier does not match one of the stored list of authorised vehicle identifiers, the control system 100 can determine the vehicle 50 is an unauthorised vehicle, and then prevent provision 410 of functionality of the supply equipment 200. That is, the control system 100 may be configured to determine, in dependence on failing to receive an authorised vehicle identification signal from a vehicle 50 detected in operational proximity to the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 (whether that is because no identification signal is received, or whether an identification signal is received which cannot be matched with a stored authorised identifier), that the vehicle 50 is an unauthorized vehicle. The control system 100 may be configured to then output a control signal to prevent the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 from performing an electric vehicle charger operation with respect to the unauthorised vehicle 50. Advantageously, unauthorised vehicles are automatically prevented from accessing any functionality from the supply equipment, which is beneficial from a security perspective to ensure only authorised vehicles are able to use the supply equipment. A further authorisation may be made in some examples to gain access to the functionality, such as a manual authorisation by a user. The control system 100 may be configured to determine that a vehicle 50 detected in operational proximity to the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 is an unauthorised vehicle by receiving, over the wireless connection, a vehicle identifier of a vehicle in operational proximity to the electric vehicle supply equipment 200; comparing the received vehicle identifier to a stored list of authorised vehicle identifiers; and if the received vehicle identifier does not match one of the stored list of authorised vehicle identifiers, determining the vehicle is an unauthorised vehicle. The control system 100 may be configured to determine that a vehicle 50 detected in operational proximity to the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 is an unauthorised vehicle by receiving a vehicle presence signal (e.g. a signal is detected by the Wi-Fi sniffing module 402) indicative of the presence of a vehicle in operational proximity to the electric vehicle supply equipment; and failing to receive, over the wireless connection, a vehicle identifier of the vehicle 50 (e.g. the signal detected does not contain a vehicle identifier). Advantageously, the control system is able to determine whether a vehicle is authorised or unauthorised through receipt of a vehicle identifier which is not listed as an authorised vehicle, or through failure to receive a meaningful identifier at all, which is beneficial from a security perspective to ensure only authorised vehicles are able to use the supply equipment. The control system 100 may be configured to determine the electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed by: comparing the received authorised vehicle identifier to a stored list of authorised vehicle identifiers, wherein each of the authorised vehicle identifiers in the stored list has at least one associated operation. The control system 100 may then output the control signal 155 to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 to perform the at least one associated operation of the authorised vehicle. Advantageously, each authorised vehicle may have a stored preference list of functionality which is to be provided as the vehicle approaches the supply equipment and is recognised. Thus an individualised automatic provision of functionality can be provided. For example a first authorised vehicle may have a stored profile linked to the stored authorised vehicle identifier of that vehicle and the stored profile may indicate that, on recognition of the first vehicle proximal to the supply equipment, a light on the supply equipment should be illuminated and a charging hose lock on the supply equipment should be unlocked, to remind the driver of the first vehicle to connect the vehicle to the supply equipment and charge the vehicle energy storage. However, a second authorised vehicle may have a stored profile linked to the stored authorised vehicle identifier of that second vehicle and the stored profile may indicate that, on recognition of the second vehicle proximal to the supply equipment, the supply equipment charging hose lock may remain locked, but an indication of the remaining change of the second vehicle energy storage is to be indicated on a display element of the supply equipment. Figure 5 shows a flow diagram 500 which control systems 100 disclosed herein are configured to facilitate for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment 200 according to embodiments of the invention. In this example, the vehicle 50 is operationally proximal to the supply equipment 200 and the Wi-Fi sniffer module 402 can detect a Wi-Fi signal from the vehicle 50 which indicates if the vehicle 50 is authorised, as discussed above. In this example, the vehicle 50 is physically connected to the supply equipment 200 by the charging cable 502 of the supply equipment 200. In this example the supply equipment 200 includes a power provision control module 504 which is configured to control the provision of electric charge to the connected vehicle 50. In this example, following connection of the vehicle 50 to the charging cable 502, the control system may perform an authorisation check 506. For example, this authorisation check 506 may relate to the provision of electrical power to the vehicle 50, since it takes place after connecting the vehicle 50 to the charging cable 502. In this example, the authorisation check 506 determines if the service set identifier (SSID) (a wireless network identification) of the vehicle is detected, and whether the SSID is in a local authorisation list. If the SSID is in the local authorisation list, the control system 100 may retrieve a charging schedule 508 for the identified vehicle. It may retrieve the charging schedule 508 by transmitting the vehicle SSID to a schedule storage means 510 which returns the charging schedule for the identified vehicle. If the SSID is not in the local authorisation list, or it cannot be located in the authorisation list, the control system 100 may send a response message that authorisation has been rejected 514. The control system may then await authorisation 512 following notifying the user that automatic authorisation has been rejected 514, which then allows for schedule retrieval 508 and subsequent charging according to the schedule. In some examples, the control system 100 may request a user 516 to authorise the retrieval of a charging schedule forthe vehicle, which the user may be able to provide via an application on a personal electronic device in communication with the control system 100, or via the supply equipment 200 if there is a suitable user interface for entering authorisation information. If the user does not provide authorisation the process ends without schedule retrieval or charging 408. If the user does provide authorisation, then the SSID forthe newly authorised vehicle may be added to the authorisation list 518, then the control system awaits authorisation 512 to cause the charging schedule to be retrieved 508. In other words, following receipt of the authorised vehicle identification signal 310 over the wireless connection the control system 100 may be configured to receive, following connection of a charging cable 502 of the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 to a charging port of the authorised vehicle 50, an authorised connected vehicle identification signal indicative of the connection of the authorised vehicle to the charging cable of the electric vehicle supply equipment 200. The control system 100 may then determine 506, in dependence on receipt of the authorised connected vehicle identification signal, that the electric vehicle supply equipment operation is to be performed; and output the control signal 320 to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 to perform the electric vehicle charger operation (in this example, retrieval of a charging schedule 508). Advantageously, the operation is performed once the charging cable 502 is connected to the vehicle 50, for example in scenarios in which the operation(s) are related to the capability of the vehicle receiving charge from the supply equipment 200, such as receiving charge according to a charging schedule or providing a visual indication of the progress of charging, for example. 5 It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A control system for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment, the control system comprising one or more processors collectively configured to:receive, over a wireless connection, an authorised vehicle identification signal indicative of the presence of an authorised vehicle in operational proximity to an electric vehicle supply equipment;determine, in dependence on receipt of the authorised vehicle identification signal, an electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed, the electric vehicle supply equipment operation being other than a supply of power from the electric vehicle supply equipment; andoutput a control signal to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to perform the electric vehicle charger operation.

2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the electric vehicle supply equipment comprises a Wi-Fi sniffing module configured to receive the authorised vehicle identification signal over the wireless connection and transmit the authorised vehicle identification signal to the control system.

3. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the authorised vehicle identification signal transmitted by the authorised vehicle comprises a portion of a Vehicle Identification Number, VIN, of the authorised vehicle.

4. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the control system is configured to authorise a vehicle in operational proximity to the electric vehicle supply equipment by:receiving, over the wireless connection, a vehicle identifier of a vehicle in operational proximity to the electric vehicle supply equipment;comparing the received vehicle identifier to a stored list of authorised vehicle identifiers; andif the received vehicle identifier matches one of the stored list of authorised vehicle identifiers, determining the vehicle is an authorised vehicle.

5. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the operational proximity of the authorised vehicle to the electric vehicle supply equipment is one or more of, at most:a Wi-Fi transmission range proximity within which Wi-Fi signalling can be transmitted from the authorised vehicle to the electric vehicle supply equipment; andan electric vehicle supply equipment charging cable length proximity within which the charging cable can be connected to a charging port of the authorised vehicle.

6. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the control system is configured to determine the electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed by:comparing the received authorised vehicle identifier to a stored list of authorised vehicle identifiers, each of the authorised vehicle identifiers in the stored list having at least one associated operation; andoutputting the control signal to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to perform the at least one associated operation of the authorised vehicle.

7. The control system of any preceding claim, further configured to:following receipt of the authorised vehicle identification signal over the wireless connection,receive, following connection of a charging cable of the electric vehicle supply equipment to a charging port of the authorised vehicle, an authorised connected vehicle identification signal indicative of the connection of the authorised vehicle to the charging cable of the electric vehicle supply equipment;determine, in dependence on receipt of the authorised connected vehicle identification signal, the electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed; andoutput the control signal to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to perform the electric vehicle charger operation.

8. The control system of claim 7, wherein the electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed comprises retrieving a charging schedule of the authorised vehicle; andthe control system is configured to output the control signal to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to charge the authorised vehicle according to the retrieved charging schedule.

9. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed comprises illuminating a light of the electric vehicle supply equipment; andthe control system is configured to output the control signal to cause the light to illuminate.

10. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed comprises releasing a stowed charging cable of the electric vehicle supply equipment; andthe control system is configured to output the control signal to cause the stowed charging cable to be released to allow connection of the charging cable to the proximal authorised vehicle.

11. An electric vehicle supply equipment comprising the control system of any preceding claim.

12. A computer-implemented method for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment, the methodcomprising:receiving, over a wireless connection, an authorised vehicle identification signal indicative of the presence of an authorised vehicle in operational proximity to an electric vehicle supply equipment;determining, in dependence on receipt of the authorised vehicle identification signal, an electric vehicle supply equipment operation to be performed, the electric vehicle supply equipment operation being other than a supply of power from the electric vehicle supply equipment; andoutputting a control signal to cause the electric vehicle supply equipment to perform the electric vehicle charger operation.

13. Computer readable instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method according to claim 12.15

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