Vehicle to vehicle charging

Abstract

A control system (200) for a plug-in adaptor (12) configured to enable electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging, the control system (200) comprising one or more controllers (201), wherein the con

Description

[0001] VEHICLE TO VEHICLE CHARGING

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle to vehicle charging. In particular, but not exclusively it relates to a control system, plug-in adaptor, method, and computer software for vehicle to vehicle charging.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] If an electric vehicle runs out of charge away from a charging location, it can be necessary to summon a support vehicle to charge the electric vehicle.

[0006] It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more disadvantages associated with the prior art.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a control system, a plug-in adaptor, a method, and computer software as claimed in the appended claims.

[0009] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a control system for a plug-in adaptor configured to enable electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging, the control system comprising one or more controllers, wherein the control system is configured to: communicate with a first electric vehicle that is to supply electrical power to a second electric vehicle to determine a charging current limit that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle; and communicate the determined charging current limit to the second electric vehicle that is to receive electrical power from the first electric vehicle to enable transfer of electrical power from the first electric vehicle to the second electric vehicle.

[0010] This provides the advantage that power can be transferred up to a limit of the vehicles AC-DC converter, and not limited by, for example, 13A plugs and sockets.

[0011] In some examples, the control system is configured to: act as a first supply equipment communication controller, SECC, towards the first electric vehicle to determine the charging current limit that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle; and act as a second SECC towards the second electric vehicle to communicate the determined charging current limit to the second electric vehicle.

[0012] In some examples, the first and second SECCs are configured to communicate with each other.

[0013] In some examples, the control system is configured to: communicate with an electric vehicle communication controller, EVCC, of the first electric vehicle to determine a charging current limit that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle; and communicate with an EVCC of the second electric vehicle to communicate the determined charging current limit to the second electric vehicle.

[0014] In some examples, the control system is configured to: communicate with the first and / or second electric vehicle to determine at least one charging parameter in addition to the charging current limit; and communicate the at least one charging parameter to the other of the first and second electric vehicle.

[0015] In some examples, the control system is configured to: communicate with the first electric vehicle using a communication standard; and communicate with the second electric vehicle using a different communication standard.

[0016] This provides the advantage that the adaptor can be used with any vehicles that use the standard(s).

[0017] In some examples, the control system is configured to: communicate with the first electric vehicle using at least one of ISO15118-20 and ISO15118- 2; and communicate with the second electric vehicle using at least one of SAE J1772:2012, EC 61851-1 :2017, and ISO15118.

[0018] In some examples, the control system is configured to: transfer electrical power from the first electric vehicle to the second electric vehicle using alternating current, AC, within the determined charging current limit.

[0019] In some examples, the one or more controllers collectively comprise: at least one electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving information associated with and / or for use in electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging; 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 cause the control system to perform and / or cause performance of any one or more methods described herein.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a plug-in adaptor configured to enable electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging comprising a control system as described herein. In some examples, the plug-in adaptor comprises a first chipset configured to communicate with the first electric vehicle and a second chipset configured to communicate with the second electric vehicle.

[0021] In some examples, the plug-in adaptor comprises a female connector configured to connect to the first electric vehicle and a male or female connector configured to connect to the second electric vehicle.

[0022] In some examples, the plug-in adaptor comprises a male connector configured to connect to the second electric vehicle using a cable.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of enabling electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging performed by a plug-in adaptor, the method comprising: communicating with a first electric vehicle that is to supply electrical power to a second electric vehicle to determine a charging current limit that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle; and communicating the determined charging current limit to the second electric vehicle that is to receive electrical power from the first electric vehicle to enable transfer of electrical power from the first electric vehicle to the second electric vehicle.

[0024] In some examples, the method comprises: acting as a first supply equipment communication controller, SECC, towards the first electric vehicle to determine the charging current limit that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle; and acting as a second SECC towards the second electric vehicle to communicate the determined charging current limit to the second electric vehicle.

[0025] In some examples, the method comprises: communicating with the first electric vehicle using a communication standard; and communicating with the second electric vehicle using a different communication standard.

[0026] In some examples, the method comprises: transferring electrical power from the first electric vehicle to the second electric vehicle using alternating current, AC, within the determined charging current limit.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided computer software that, when executed, is arranged to perform any one or more of methods described herein.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer readable instructions that, when executed by one or more electronic processors, causes the one or more electronic processors to carry out any one or more of the methods described herein. Thus the present disclosure concerns an adaptor that, when plugged into the charging ports of a first vehicle and a second vehicle, interrogates the first vehicle to determine a maximum current at which the first vehicle is able to deliver current from its charging port and communicates that limit to the second vehicle. In the unlikely event that the maximum current limit exceeds a limit of current that is acceptable to the second vehicle, the adaptor may be configured to receive a communication from the second vehicle that serves to limit the delivery of current through the adaptor from the first vehicle. Other parameters of the charging current, such as its voltage and the period over which it is delivered may be determined by the adaptor on the basis of communications with the first and second vehicles. The adaptor therefore permits and controls charging of the second vehicle from the first vehicle.

[0029] 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 falls within the scope of the appended claims. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination that falls within the scope of the appended claims, 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.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a plug-in adaptor and a first vehicle to donate charge to a second vehicle;

[0033] FIG. 2A and 2B illustrate an example of a control system and of a non-transitory computer readable storage medium;

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a method;

[0035] FIG. 4A illustrates an example of electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging; and FIG. 4B illustrates another example of electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a plug-in adaptor 12 in which embodiments of the invention can be implemented. In examples, an adaptor can be considered a plug-in adaptor 12 because it is separate from and configured to connect or plug into first and second electric vehicles 10A, 10B. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the vehicles 10A and 10B and, with regard to the first electric vehicle 10A illustrates a longitudinal x-axis between the front and rear of the vehicle representing a centreline, an orthogonal lateral y-axis between left and right lateral sides of the vehicle, and a vertical z-axis. A forward / fore direction typically faced by a driver’s seat is in the negative x-direction; rearward / aft is +x. A rightward direction as seen from the driver’s seat is in the positive y-direction; leftward is -y. These are a first lateral direction and a second lateral direction.

[0038] Depending on the vehicles 10A, 10B, the plug-in adaptor 12 may a female connector 24 configured to connect or plug into electric vehicle 10A and a male connector 24 to plug into vehicle 10B.

[0039] The plug-in adaptor 12 is configured to enable electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging, for example to enable transfer of electrical power 14 from the first electric vehicle 10A to the second electric vehicle 10B.

[0040] In some examples, the plug-in adaptor 12 is configured to enable communication of information with and between the first electric vehicle 10A and the second electric vehicle 10B.

[0041] In the example of FIG. 1 , a first electric vehicle 10A and a second electric vehicle 10B are also illustrated. In the illustrated example, the plug-in adaptor 10A is connected between the first electric vehicle 10A and the second electric vehicle 10B and is configured to enable transfer of electrical power 14 from the first electric vehicle 10A to the second electric vehicle 10B.

[0042] The first electric vehicle 10A is configured and / or can support supplying electrical power 14 to a load, for example a second electric vehicle 10B. In some examples, the first electric vehicle 10A is an alternating current (AC) bidirectional charging capability electric vehicle 10A.

[0043] Accordingly, in examples, the plug-in adaptor 12 is configured to enable transfer of electrical power 14 from an electric vehicle 10A that is configured to and / or can support supplying electrical power 14 to a second electric vehicle 10B.

[0044] Accordingly, in examples, the plug-in adaptor 12 is configured to enable transfer of electrical power 14 from an AC bidirectional charging capability electric vehicle 10A to a second electric vehicle 10B.

[0045] The plug-in adaptor 12 comprises a control system 200 comprising one or more controllers (see, for example, FIG. 2A), configured to control, for example, one or more functions and / or features of the plug-in adaptor 12. In examples, the plug-in adaptor 12 comprises a first chipset 22A configured to communicate with the first electric vehicle 10A and a second chipset 22B configured to communicate with the second electric vehicle 10B.

[0046] Any suitable chipsets can be used. For example, any suitable chipsets configured to allow communication using any suitable communication standards can be used. In examples, the chipsets are configured to operate with, and / or use, and / or for Power Line Communication (PLC).

[0047] An electric vehicle 10 can be considered a vehicle configured for electric-only driving or at least the provision of electric powered assistive tractive torque.

[0048] In examples, an electric vehicle 10 comprises electrical energy storage means, which can comprise a traction battery. In examples, a traction battery of an electric vehicle 10 at full charge can provide a nominal electrical power in the order of at least tens of kilowatts, to enable electric-only driving or at least the provision of assistive tractive torque. In examples, a nominal voltage of a traction battery of an electric vehicle 10 can be in the order of hundreds of volts.

[0049] In examples, the electrical storage means can have charge in the range 20 kWh to 100 kWh, or possibly more in the future as battery technology improves.

[0050] In examples, an electric vehicle 10 can be in the form of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, ora full (battery) electric vehicle.

[0051] In some, but not necessarily all examples, the first electric vehicle 10A and / or the second electric vehicle 10B is a passenger vehicle, also referred to as a passenger car or as an automobile. In other examples, embodiments of the invention can be implemented for other applications, such as commercial vehicles.

[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates an example control system 200 configured to implement one or more aspects of the invention. The control system 200 of FIG. 2 comprises a controller 201 . In other examples, the control system 200 may comprise a plurality of controllers.

[0053] The controller 201 of FIG. 2 includes at least one processor 204; and at least one memory device 206 electrically coupled to the electronic processor 204 and having instructions (for example, a computer program 208) stored therein. The at least one memory device 206 and the instructions contained therein are configured to, with the at least one processor 204, cause any one or more of the methods described herein to be performed. The controller 201 may have an interface 202 comprising an electrical input / output I / O 210, 212, or an electrical input 210, or an electrical output 212, for receiving information and interacting with external components. FIG. 2A therefore illustrates a control system 200, wherein the one or more electronic controllers collectively comprise: at least one electronic processor 204 having an electrical input 210 for receiving information associated with and / or for use in electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging; and at least one electronic memory device 206 electrically coupled to the at least one electronic processor 204 and having instructions 208 stored therein; and wherein the at least one electronic processor 204 is configured to access the at least one memory device 206 and execute the instructions stored therein so as to cause the control system 200 to perform and / or cause performance of any one or more methods described herein.

[0054] The control system 200 of FIG. 2A can be comprised in a plug-in adaptor 12, such as the plug-in adaptor 12 of FIG. 1.

[0055] Accordingly, FIG. 2A illustrates a control system 200 for a plug-in adaptor 12 configured to enable electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging, the control system comprising one or more controllers 201 , wherein the control system 200 is configured to perform and / or cause performance of any one or more methods described herein.

[0056] Also illustrated in the example of FIG. 2A are the first and second electric vehicles 10A, 10B.

[0057] Information can be communicated between the first electric vehicle 10A and the control system 200 and / or controller 201 . For example, information can be communicated between the first electric vehicle 10A and the control system and / or controller 201 to determine a charging current limit 16 that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle 10A.

[0058] There can be any number of intervening elements between the first electric vehicle 10A or second electric vehicle 10B and the control system 200 (including no intervening elements).

[0059] Information can be communicated between the second electric vehicle 10B and the control system 200 and / or controller 201 . For example, information can be communicated between the second electric vehicle 10B and the control system and / or controller to communicate the determined charging current limit 16 to the second electric vehicle 10B.

[0060] In examples, the control system 200 is configured to output one or more control signals to control, for example, one or more systems, and / or one or more features, and / or functionality of the plug-in adaptor 12. For example, the control system 200 can be configured to output one or more control signals to enable and / or control electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging. FIG. 2B illustrates a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 218 comprising the instructions (computer software).

[0061] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a method 300.

[0062] In examples, the method 300 can be considered a method of enabling electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging.

[0063] In examples, the method 300 can be considered a method of intelligently determining a charging current limit 16 in electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging.

[0064] In examples, the method 300 can be considered a method of efficiently transferring electrical power in electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging.

[0065] In examples, the method 300 can be considered a method 300 of enhancing and / or improving electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging.

[0066] In some examples, the method 300 is performed by the control system 200 of FIGS 2A, 2B.

[0067] That is, in some examples, the control system 200 described herein comprises and / or provides means for performing the method 300, and / or is configured to perform method 300.

[0068] Accordingly, in examples, method 300 can be performed by a control system 200 for a plug-in adaptor 12 configured to enable electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging and there is therefore provided a control system 200 for a plug-in adaptor 12 configured to enable electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging, the control system 200 comprising one or more controllers 201 , wherein the control system 200 is configured to perform method 300.

[0069] Method 300 can be considered a computer implemented method 300 for a plug-in adaptor 12, such as the plug-in adaptor 12 of FIG. 1.

[0070] In examples, method 300 can be performed in dependence on the plug-in adaptor 12 being connected to a first electric vehicle 10A and / or a second electric vehicle 10B.

[0071] One or more features discussed in relation to FIG. 3 can be found in one or more of the other figures.

[0072] At block 302, method 300 comprises communicating with a first electric vehicle 10A that is to supply electrical power 14 to a second electrical vehicle 10B to determine a charging current limit that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle 10A. The first electric vehicle 10A can be any suitable electric vehicle 10A. For example, the first electric vehicle 10A can be any suitable electric vehicle configured to transfer electrical power to a second electrical vehicle 10B. In some examples, the first electric vehicle 10A is an AC bidirectional charging capability electric vehicle.

[0073] In examples, communicating with the first electric vehicle 10A can be performed in any suitable way using any suitable method. For example, communicating with the first electric vehicle 10A can be performed in any suitable way to allow information to be transmitted between the first electric vehicle 10A and the plug-in adaptor 12 to allow a charging current limit 16 that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle 10A to be determined.

[0074] In some examples, communicating with the first electric vehicle 10A comprises transmitting and / or receiving at least one signal and / or message.

[0075] In some examples, communicating with the first electric vehicle 10A comprises communicating with the first electric vehicle 10A using a communication standard. Accordingly, in examples, method 300 comprises communicating with the first electric vehicle 10A using a communication standard.

[0076] Any suitable communication standard can be used. For example, any suitable communication standard to allow determination of a charging current limit 16 can be used.

[0077] In some examples, communicating with the first electric vehicle 10A comprises communicating with the first electric vehicle 10A using at least one of ISO151 18-20 and ISO151 18-2. Accordingly, in examples, method 300 comprises communicating with the first electric vehicle 10A using at least one of ISO15118-

[0078] 20 and ISO151 18-2.

[0079] Determining a charging current limit 16 can be performed in any suitable way using any suitable method. In examples, determining a charging current limit 16 comprises receiving at least one signal from the first electric vehicle 10A and determining the charging current limit 16 in dependence on the received at least one signal.

[0080] For example, determining a charging current limit 16 can comprise communicating with the first electric vehicle using at least one communication standard, for example at least one of ISO15118-20 and ISO15118-2.

[0081] In examples, a charging current limit 16 can be considered a current limit that can be provided by the first electric vehicle 10A to a second electric vehicle 10B to charge the second electric vehicle 10B. In examples, a charging current limit 16 can be considered a maximum amount of current that the first electric vehicle 10A can provide to a second electric vehicle 10B to charge the second electric vehicle 10B.

[0082] In examples, a charging current limit 16 can be considered an available charging current limit.

[0083] In examples, the charging current limit 16 is therefore determined in dependence on the capability of the first electric vehicle 10A and is not limited by the plug-in adaptor 12.

[0084] At block 304, method 300 comprises communicating the determined charging current limit 16 to the second electric vehicle 10B that is to receive electrical power 14 from the first electric vehicle 10A to enable transfer of electrical power 14 from the first electrical vehicle 10A to the second electrical vehicle 10B.

[0085] Consequently, FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 comprising: communicating with a first electric vehicle 10A that is to supply electrical power 14 to a second electric vehicle 10B to determine a charging current limit 16 that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle 10A; and communicating the determined charging current limit 16 to the second electric vehicle 10B that is to receive electrical power 14 from the first electric vehicle 10A to enable transfer of electrical power 14 from the first electric vehicle 10A to the second electric vehicle 10B.

[0086] The second electric vehicle 10B can be any suitable electric vehicle 10B. For example, the second electric vehicle 10B can be any suitable electric vehicle configured to receive electrical power 14 to charge energy storage means of the second electric vehicle 10B, for example a traction battery of the second electric vehicle 10B.

[0087] In examples, communicating the determined charging current limit 16 to the second electric vehicle 10B can be performed in any suitable way using any suitable method. For example, information can be transmitted between the second electric vehicle 10B and the plug-in adaptor 12 to allow the charging current limit 16 that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle 10A to be communicated to the second electric vehicle 10B.

[0088] In some examples, communicating the determined charging current limit 16 to the second electric vehicle 10B comprises transmitting and / or receiving at least one signal and / or message.

[0089] In some examples, communicating the determined charging current limit 16 to the second electric vehicle 10B comprises communicating with the second electric vehicle 10B using a communication standard, for example a communication standard that is different to a communication standard used to communicate with the first electric vehicle 10A.

[0090] Accordingly, in examples, method 300 comprises communicating with the second electric vehicle 10B using a different communication standard.

[0091] Consequently, in examples, method 300 comprises: communicating with the first electric vehicle 10A using a communication standard, and communicating with the second electric vehicle 10B using a different communication standard.

[0092] Any suitable communication standard can be used. For example, any suitable communication standard to allow the determined charging current limit 16 to be communicated to the second electric vehicle 10B can be used.

[0093] In some examples, communicating the determined charging current limit 16 to the second electric vehicle 10B comprises communicating with the second electric vehicle 10B using at least one of SAE J1772:2012, IEC 61851 -1 :2017, and ISO15118. Accordingly, in examples, method 300 comprises communicating with the second electric vehicle 10B using at least one of SAE J1772:2012, IEC 61851- 1 :2017, and ISO15118.

[0094] Consequently, in examples, method 300 comprises: communicating with the first electric vehicle 10A using at least one of ISO15118-20 and / or ISO15118-2 and communicating with the second electric vehicle 10B using at least one of SAE J1772:2012, IEC 61851-1 :2017, and ISO151 18.

[0095] In some examples, communicating the determined charging current limit 16 to the second electric vehicle 10B comprises transmitting information to the second electric vehicle 10B to allow / enable the second electric vehicle 10B to determine the determined charging current limit 16.

[0096] Any suitable information can be transmitted to allow / enable the second electric vehicle 10B to determine the determined charging current limit 16. In examples, communicating the determined charging current limit 16 comprises transmitting at least one signal from the plug-in adaptor 12 to the second electric vehicle 10B to allow / enable the second electric vehicle 10B to determine the determined charging current limit 16 in dependence on the transmitted at least one signal.

[0097] For example, communicating the determined charging current limit 16 can comprise transmitting a 1 kHz pulse signal configured to communicate and / or allow a determination of the charging current limit 16. In examples, information is transmitted between the plug-in adaptor 12 and the second electric vehicle 10B to allow the second electric vehicle 10B to determine the determined charging current limit 16. For example, the plug-in adaptor 12 can determine that a voltage on a communication line has changed, for example from 9V to 6V.

[0098] In some examples, method 300 comprises acting as a first supply equipment communication controller 18A, SECC, towards the first electric vehicle 10A to determine the charging current limit 16 that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle 10A, and acting as a second SECC 18B towards the second electric vehicle 10B to communicate the determined charging current limit 16 to the second electric vehicle 10B. See, for example, FIGS 4A and 4B.

[0099] In examples, an SECC can be considered an SECC as detailed in ISO15118.

[0100] In examples, acting as an SECC can comprise behaving, and / or operating, and / or functioning, and / or working, and / or performing as an SECC.

[0101] In examples, acting as an SECC comprises performing at least one action performed by an SECC. For example, acting as an SECC can comprise communicating with the first / second electric vehicle 10A, 10B as an SECC and / or in the way that an SECC would communicate.

[0102] In examples, acting as an SECC can comprise behaving, and / or operating, and / or functioning, and / or working, and / or performing as an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

[0103] Accordingly, in examples, from the point of view of the first electric vehicle 10A the plug-in adaptor 12, performing method 300, appears to be an SECC and / or EVSE.

[0104] Accordingly, in examples, from the point of view of the second electric vehicle 10B the plug-in adaptor 12, performing method 300, appears to be an SECC and / or EVSE.

[0105] In examples, the first and second SECCs 18A, 18B are configured to communicate with each other. Accordingly, in examples, method 300 comprises communicating information between the first and second SECCs 18A, 18B.

[0106] Communicating information between the first and second SECCs 18A, 18B can be performed in any suitable way using any suitable method.

[0107] In examples, the control system 200 is configured to provide and / or act as the first and second SECCs 18A, 18B and therefore can receive, transmit and / or access information relevant to both the first and second SECCs 18A, 18B. In examples, communicating information between the first and second SECCs 18A, 18B comprises communicating information to allow the charging current limit 16 to be determined and / or to allow the determined charging current limit 16 to be communicated to the second electric vehicle 10B.

[0108] In examples, the SECCs 18A, 18B cooperate, and / or collaborate, and / or work together. Accordingly, in examples, the SECCs 18A, 18B are configured to cooperate, and / or collaborate, and / or work together.

[0109] In some examples, method 300 comprises communicating with an electric vehicle communication controller 20, EVCC, of the first electric vehicle 10A to determine a charging current limit 16 that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle 10A, and communicating with an EVCC of the second electric vehicle 10B to communicate the determined charging current limit 16 to the second electric vehicle 10B. See, for example, FIGS 4A and 4B.

[0110] In some examples, method 300 comprises communicating with the first electric vehicle 10A to determine at least one charging parameter in addition to the charging current limit, and communicating the at least one charging parameter to the second electric vehicle 10B.

[0111] Any suitable charging parameters) can be determined and communicated to the second electric vehicle 10B. For example, limits on charging power and / or charging voltage and so on.

[0112] In some examples, method 300 comprises communicating a required voltage to the first electric vehicle 10A, for example 230V.

[0113] In some examples, method 300 comprises communicating additional information to the second electric vehicle 10B, for example available energy that can be discharged.

[0114] In examples, method 300 comprises transferring electrical power 14 from the first electric vehicle 10A to the second electric vehicle 10B using alternating current, AC, within the determined charging current limit 16.

[0115] Accordingly, in examples, method 300 enables AC electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging using a charging current up to the charging current limit 16 that can be supplied by the electric vehicle 10 that is supplying the electrical power 14.

[0116] In examples, the first electric vehicle 10A can use its interface for bidirectional power transfer to deactivate charging at a limit, and / or manually by an unlatch button at a connector of the first electric vehicle 10A. In examples, method 300 is initiated and / or started and / or performed in dependence on a plug-in adaptor 12, configured to perform method 300, being connected and / or plugged into a first electric vehicle 10A and / or a second electric vehicle 10B.

[0117] FIG. 4A illustrates an example of electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging.

[0118] In the example of FIG. 4A, a plug-in adaptor 12 as described herein is connected between a first electric vehicle 10A and a second electric vehicle 10B to enable electrical power 14 to be transferred from the first electric vehicle 10A to the second electric vehicle 10B.

[0119] In the illustrated example, the plug-in adaptor 12 is configured to perform method 300. Accordingly, FIG. 4A illustrates a plug-in adaptor 12 configured to enable electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging comprising a control system 200 as described herein.

[0120] In the example of FIG. 4A, the plug-in adaptor 12 comprises a first chipset 22A configured to communicate with the first electric vehicle 10A and a second chipset 22B configured to communicate with the second electric vehicle 10B.

[0121] In examples, the plug-in adaptor 12 comprises a female connector 24 configured to connect to the first electric vehicle 10A and a male or female connector 26, 24 configured to connect to the second electric vehicle 10B.

[0122] In examples, the connectors of the plug-in adaptor are standard connectors configured to connect to standard connectors of the first and second electric vehicles.

[0123] In the example of FIG. 4A, the plug-in adaptor 12 comprises two female connectors 24 and is connected / plugged into a male connector 26 of the first electric vehicle 10A and is connected / plugged into a male connector 26 of the second electric vehicle 10B.

[0124] In the illustrated example, the plug-in adaptor 12 is configured to act as a first SECO 18A towards the first electric vehicle 10A and is configured to act as a second SECO 18B towards the second electric vehicle 10B.

[0125] In the example of FIG. 4A, the plug-in adaptor 12 is configured to communicate with an EVCC 20 of the first electric vehicle 10A to determine a charging current limit 16 that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle 10A and is configured to communicate with an EVCC 20 of the second electric vehicle 10B to communicate the determined charging current limit to the second electric vehicle 10B. In the illustrated example, the charging current limit 16 of the first electric vehicle 10A is determined and communicated to the second electric vehicle 10B and electric power 14 is transferred from the first electric vehicle 10A, via the plug-in adaptor 12, to the second electric vehicle 10B using AC within the determined charging current limit 16.

[0126] FIG. 4B illustrates an example of electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging.

[0127] The example of FIG. 4B is similar to the example of FIG. 4A, however in the example of FIG. 4B, the plug-in adaptor 12 comprises a male connector 26 configured to connect to the second electric vehicle 10B using a cable 28.

[0128] Accordingly, FIG. 4B illustrates a plug-in adaptor 12 comprising a male connector 26 configured to connect to the second electric vehicle 10B using a cable 28.

[0129] Any suitable cable can be used. For example, any suitable standard cable can be used. In examples, a standard type 2 cable can be used.

[0130] Examples of the disclosure are advantageous and provide one or more technical benefits.

[0131] For example, examples of the disclosure provide for / enable / allow electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging up to the limit of the vehicle’s power transfer capabilities.

[0132] For example, examples of the disclosure provide for / enable / allow electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging using standard connectors.

[0133] For example, examples of the disclosure provide for / enable / allow electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging using any supply vehicle with a bidirectional AC charging interface.

[0134] For example, examples of the disclosure provide for a plug-in adaptorthat is readily storable in a vehicle and is configured to interface with a standard lead used for charging.

[0135] It is to be understood that the or each controller 200 can comprise a control unit or computational device having one or more electronic processors (e.g., a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.), and may comprise a single control unit or computational device, or alternatively different functions of the or each controller 200 may be embodied in, or hosted in, different control units or computational devices. As used herein, the term “controller,” “control unit,” or “computational device” will be understood to include a single controller, control unit, or computational device, and a plurality of controllers, control units, or computational devices collectively operating to provide the required control functionality. A set of instructions could be provided which, when executed, cause the controller 200 to implement the control techniques described herein (including some or all of the functionality required for the method described herein). The set of instructions could be embedded in said one or more electronic processors of the controller 200; or alternatively, the set of instructions could be provided as software to be executed in the controller 200. A first controller or control unit may be implemented in software run on one or more processors. One or more other controllers or control units may be implemented in software run on one or more processors, optionally the same one or more processors as the first controller or control unit. Other arrangements are also useful.

[0136] In the example illustrated in Figure 2A, the or each controller 200 comprises at least one electronic processor 204 having one or more electrical input(s) 210 for receiving one or more input signal(s) and one or more electrical output(s) 212 for outputting one or more output signal(s). The or each controller 200 further comprises at least one memory device 206 electrically coupled to the at least one electronic processor 204 and having instructions 208 stored therein. The at least one electronic processor 204 is configured to access the at least one memory device 206 and execute the instructions 208 thereon so as to, for example, communicate with a first electric vehicle to determine a charging current limit that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle; and communicate the determined charging current limit to a second electric vehicle to enable transfer of electrical power from the first electric vehicle to the second electric vehicle.

[0137] The, or each, electronic processor 204 may comprise any suitable electronic processor (e.g., a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an ASIC, etc.) that is configured to execute electronic instructions. The, or each, electronic memory device 206 may comprise any suitable memory device and may store a variety of data, information, threshold value(s), lookup tables or other data structures, and / or instructions therein or thereon. In an embodiment, the memory device 206 has information and instructions for software, firmware, programs, algorithms, scripts, applications, etc. stored therein or thereon that may govern all or part of the methodology described herein. The processor, or each, electronic processor 204 may access the memory device 206 and execute and / or use that or those instructions and information to carry out or perform some or all of the functionality and methodology describe herein.

[0138] The at least one memory device 206 may comprise a computer-readable storage medium (e.g. a non- transitory or non-transient storage medium) that may comprise any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine or electronic processors / computational devices, including, without limitation: a magnetic storage medium (e.g. floppy diskette); optical storage medium (e.g. CD-ROM); magneto optical storage medium; read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g. EPROM ad EEPROM); flash memory; or electrical or other types of medium for storing such information / instructions. Example controllers 200 have been described comprising at least one electronic processor 204 configured to execute electronic instructions stored within at least one memory device 206, which when executed causes the electronic processor(s) 204 to carry out the method as hereinbefore described. However, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be realised in any suitable form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. For example, it is contemplated that the present invention is not limited to being implemented by way of programmable processing devices, and that at least some of, and in some embodiments all of, the functionality and or method steps of the present invention may equally be implemented by way of non-programmable hardware, such as by way of non-programmable ASIC, Boolean logic circuitry, etc.

[0139] 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.

[0140] The blocks illustrated in FIG. 3 may represent steps in a method and / or sections of code in the computer program 208. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some steps to be omitted.

[0141] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

[0142] Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

[0143] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

[0144] Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

[0145] Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A control system for a plug-in adaptor configured to enable electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging, the control system comprising one or more controllers, wherein the control system is configured to: communicate with a first electric vehicle that is to supply electrical power to a second electric vehicle to determine a charging current limit that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle; and communicate the determined charging current limit to the second electric vehicle that is to receive electrical power from the first electric vehicle to enable transfer of electrical power from the first electric vehicle to the second electric vehicle within the determined charging current limit.

2. The control system of claim 1 , wherein the control system is configured to: act as a first supply equipment communication controller, SECC, towards the first electric vehicle to determine the charging current limit that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle; and act as a second SECC towards the second electric vehicle to communicate the determined charging current limit to the second electric vehicle, wherein the first and second SECCs are configured to communicate with each other.

3. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the control system is configured to: communicate with an electric vehicle communication controller, EVCC, of the first electric vehicle to determine a charging current limit that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle; and communicate with an EVCC of the second electric vehicle to communicate the determined charging current limit to the second electric vehicle.

4. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the control system is configured to: communicate with the first electric vehicle to determine at least one charging parameter in addition to the charging current limit; and communicate the at least one charging parameter to the second electric vehicle.

5. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the control system is configured to: communicate with the first electric vehicle using a communication standard; and communicate with the second electric vehicle using a different communication standard.

6. The control system of claim 5, wherein the control system is configured to: communicate with the first electric vehicle using at least one of ISO15118-20 and ISO151 18- 2; and communicate with the second electric vehicle using at least one of SAE J1772:2012, IEC 61851-1 :2017, and ISO151 18.

7. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the control system is configured to: transfer electrical power from the first electric vehicle to the second electric vehicle using alternating current, AC, within the determined charging current limit.

8. A plug-in adaptor configured to enable electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging comprising a control system as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A plug-in adaptor as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plug-in adaptor comprises a female connector configured to connect to the first electric vehicle and a male or female connector configured to connect to the second electric vehicle.

10. A plug-in adaptor as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the plug-in adaptor comprises a male connector configured to connect to the second electric vehicle using a cable.

11. A method of enabling electric vehicle to electric vehicle charging performed by a plug-in adaptor, the method comprising: the adaptor communicating with a first electric vehicle that is to supply electrical power to a second electric vehicle to determine a charging current limit that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle; and the adaptor communicating the determined charging current limit to the second electric vehicle that is to receive electrical power from the first electric vehicle to enable transfer of electrical power from the first electric vehicle to the second electric vehicle.

12. The method of claim 11 , comprising: acting as a first supply equipment communication controller, SECC, towards the first electric vehicle to determine the charging current limit that can be supplied by the first electric vehicle; and acting as a second SECC towards the second electric vehicle to communicate the determined charging current limit to the second electric vehicle.

13. The method of claim 11 or 12, comprising: communicating with the first electric vehicle using a communication standard; and communicating with the second electric vehicle using a different communication standard.

14. The method of claim 11 , 12 or 13, comprising: transferring electrical power from the first electric vehicle to the second electric vehicle using alternating current, AC, within the determined charging current limit.

15. Computer software that, when executed, is arranged to perform a method according to at least one of claims 11 to 14.

Images