An improved charging port

Abstract

A charging port system 1 for an electric vehicle (EV) 2 comprises: an elongate member 3 movable between a stored position and an extended position; and a pivotably mounted charge port 4 provided on th

Description

Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to charging port systems for an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an accessible charging port system, an electric vehicle comprising such a system, and a method of using the system to charge an electric vehicle. Background to the Invention The number of electric and hybrid vehicles is rapidly increasing worldwide. Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles must be charged, for example at a charging station. Such charging stations are provided in a variety of locations such as at homes or in residential areas, in car parks, or service stations. Typically, a charging station comprises a power source such as a charging tower, a plug, and a cable connecting the power source to the plug. Electric vehicles comprise a charging port configured to receive the plug of the charging station, thereby enabling the electric vehicle to be charged. Typically, charging ports are provided at a fixed location on the electric vehicle and are provided in a fixed orientation. It is known to provide a charging port on the rear wing of an electric vehicle, for example in the same position as a fuel cap may be provided on a traditional internal combustion engine powered vehicle. Alternatively, charging ports are often provided toward the front of an electric vehicle, for example below the front of the bonnet. Given the fixed location and orientation of the charging port on electric vehicles, it can be difficult for some users to insert the plug into the charging port. In particular, persons of reduced mobility who use wheelchairs may find it difficult to reach and insert the plug into the charging port from a seated position. This problem may be exacerbated in situations whereby the charging port is provided toward the front of an electric vehicle, for example below the front of the bonnet. Embodiments of the present invention seek to at least partially overcome or alleviate these and / or other disadvantages outlined above. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a charging port system for an electric vehicle, the system comprising an elongate member comprising a pivotably mounted charge port; wherein the elongate member is movable between a stored position and an extended position; and when the elongate member is provided in the extended position, the charge port is pivotable between at least a first orientation and a second orientation. Provision of a charging port system according to the first aspect of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it enables a single charging port system to be adapted such that it may be accessible by both persons stood up, and persons of reduced mobility who use wheelchairs; and who may find it difficult to reach and insert a corresponding plug into the charging port of a standard charging port system from a seated position. Pivoting of the charge port to either said first orientation or said second orientation may be in response to a determination as to whether a user is a person of reduced mobility. Movement of the elongate member between the stored position and the extended position may be in a substantially horizontal plane. This may assist in providing easy storage of the elongate member within the body of the electric vehicle. The elongate member may be mounted such that movement between the stored position and the extended position is linear. The elongate member may be slidingly mounted. In such instances, the charging port system may comprise a sliding assembly. The sliding assembly may allow movement of the elongate member between the stored position and the extended position. The sliding assembly may be telescopic. Suitable sliding assemblies may include but are not limited to: a linear guide rail, a sliding rail, and a telescopic guide rail. The elongate member may be mounted such that movement between the stored position and the extended position is rotational. The elongate member may be pivotably mounted. The elongate member may be pivotably mounted at a base end. The base end may be distal to a free end. The charge port may be provided between the base end and the free end. The charge port may be provided further towards the free end than the base end of the elongate member. The pivot axis may be located within the vehicle. The elongate member may be pivotable between the stored position and the extended position. The elongate member may comprise a substantially regular cross section. The elongate member may comprise a first aperture. The first aperture may be configured to receive the pivotably mounted charge port. The first aperture may be sized and shaped to allow movement of the charge port therewithin. The elongate member may comprise a second aperture. The second aperture may form a hand grip. The second aperture may be provided proximal to a free end of the elongate member. The elongate member may be mounted to or within a body panel of a vehicle. The elongate member may be mounted adjacent to an opening within the body panel of the vehicle. The elongate member may be configured to move through the opening within the body panel of the vehicle. The free end of the elongate member may comprise a cover for the opening. The cover may be configured to close the opening within the body panel of the vehicle. When the elongate member is in the stored position, the cover may be substantially flush with the exterior of the body panel of the vehicle. The cover may comprise a seal. The seal may be configured to seal the perimeter of the opening within the body panel. This may minimise ingress of water and debris into the opening. The body panel may be an external body panel of a vehicle. For example, the elongate member may be mounted to or within a front body panel, a bonnet, a rear body panel, or to a side body panel or wing. In particular embodiments the elongate member may be mounted to or within a rear side panel, such as at the location of the fuel filler cap on an internal combustion vehicle or on a front panel between the headlights and / or behind a vehicle badge. Movement of the elongate member between the stored position and the extended position may be powered by a motor. Alternatively, movement of the elongate member between the stored position and the extended position may be effected manually. In such instances, the charging port system may comprise a release mechanism. The release mechanism may be actuable manually or in response to an electronic signal, for example, in response to a signal provided by a user’s key. Suitable release mechanisms may include but are not limited to: a push-to open catch mechanism, a touch-release mechanism, and a locking mechanism. Actuation of the release mechanism may cause the elongate member to move from the stored position to a partially open position. In the partially open position, the user may be able to access the hand grip. This enables the hand grip to remain hidden until the charging port system is in use, thereby creating a neater overall appearance. Movement of the elongate member between the stored and extended position may be enabled or blocked in response to an electronic signal, for example, in response to a signal provided by a user’s key. When the signal indicates that the vehicle is not in a charging mode, the release mechanism may be blocked and movement of the elongate member between the stored position and the extended position may be prevented. An actuable locking member may be provided. The actuable locking member may interact with at least one of the elongate member and / or the opening within the body panel of the vehicle. Actuation of the actuable locking member may cause the locking member to engage with at least one of the elongate member and / or the opening within the body panel of the vehicle and prevent movement of the elongate member. When the signal indicates the vehicle is in a charging mode, the release mechanism may be enabled and movement of the elongate member between the stored position and the extended position may be enabled. The charge port may be pivotable between at least the first orientation, the second orientation, and a neutral orientation. The pivotal movement of the charge port may be in a substantially vertical plane, around a horizontal pivot axis. In the first orientation, the charge port may be pivoted upwards. In the first orientation, the charge port may be pivoted to an angle of at least 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, or 80° above the horizontal plane. In the first orientation, the charge port may be pivoted to an angle in the range of 10°-90°, 20°-80°, 30°-70°, or 40°-60° above the horizontal plane. Preferably, in the first orientation, the charge port may be pivoted to angle of around 45° above the horizontal plane. In the second orientation, the charge port may be pivoted downwards. In the second orientation, the charge port may be pivoted to angle of at least 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, or 80° below the horizontal plane. In the second orientation, the charge port may be pivoted to an angle in the range of 10°-90°, 20°-80°, 30°-70°, or 40°-60° below the horizontal plane. Preferably, in the second orientation, the charge port may be pivoted to angle of around 45° below the horizontal plane. The charge port may be retained in the neutral orientation when the elongate member is in the stored position. In the neutral orientation, the charge port may be provided substantially in the horizontal plane. This may minimise the volume of space the charge port requires when the elongate member is in the stored position, thereby enabling space-efficient storage. Pivoting of the charge port between the first orientation, the second orientation, and (where present) the neutral orientation may be powered by any suitable actuator. Suitable actuators include but are not limited to: a solenoid and a motor; particularly a stepper motor. Said actuators may be connected to the charge port via a suitable mechanism. Such mechanisms may comprise direct drive, gear wheels, cables, or other suitable drives. Determination of whether the user is a person of reduced mobility may be in response to the user’s key setting. The key setting may be pre-set. The key setting may indicate whether the user is a person of reduced mobility. If the user is not a person of reduced mobility, when the charging mode is initiated, the charge port may be pivoted to the first orientation. This may enable a user who is in a standing position to easily access the charge port; and to connect a corresponding charging plug. If the user is a person of reduced mobility, when the charging mode is initiated, the charge port may be pivoted to the second orientation. This may enable a user who is in a seated position; for example, in a wheelchair; to easily access the charge port and to connect a corresponding charging plug. The charge port may be configured to releasably connect to a corresponding plug of a charging station. The charging port system may detect when the charge port has been connected to the plug of a charging station. This may enable the charging port system to detect that charging has started. The charging port system may detect when the charge port has been connected to the plug of a charging station; and may then pivot the charge port to the second orientation. This enables the charge port to remain in the second orientation for the duration of the vehicle’s charging time, thereby minimising possible ingress of rain into the charging port system. The charging mode may be deactivated upon completion of charging. Alternatively, the charging mode may be deactivated in response to an electronic signal; for example, in response to a signal provided by a user’s key. The movement of the charge port following deactivation of the charging mode may be controlled in response to the user’s key setting. If the user is not a person of reduced mobility, when the charging mode is deactivated, the charge port may be pivoted to the first orientation. This provides a visual indication that charging is complete; and enables a user who is in a standing position to easily access the charge port and disconnect the corresponding charging plug. If the user is a person of reduced mobility, when the charging mode is deactivated, the charge port may remain in the second orientation. This may enable a user who is in a seated position, for example, in a wheelchair, to easily access the charge port and disconnect the corresponding charging plug. Furthermore, this ensures that if the person who initiated the charging mode is a different user to the person who deactivated the charging mode, the charging port system may accommodate for the user’s individual needs and provide easy access for all users. The charging port system may detect when the charge port has been disconnected from the plug of a charging station; and hence, that charging has stopped. It may then pivot the charge port to the neutral orientation. This enables the charge port to be provided in the neutral position, ready for the elongate member to move to the stored position. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a charging port system for an electric vehicle, of the type comprising an elongate member movable between a stored position and an extended position; and a pivotably mounted charge port provided on the elongate member, wherein when the elongate member is provided in the extended position, the charge port is pivotable between at least a first orientation and a second orientation, the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining whether a user is a person of reduced mobility; and (a) pivoting the charge port to either said first orientation or said second orientation in response to said determination. The method of the second aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of the charging port system of the first aspect of the present invention, as desired or as appropriate. The determination of whether the user is a person of reduced mobility may be in response to the user’s key settings. The method may comprise the step of initiating the charging mode. The method may comprise the step of moving the elongate member from the stored position to the extended position. In some embodiments, the charging mode may be initiated by moving the elongate member from the stored position to the extended position. In other embodiments, charging mode may be initiated in response to an electronic signal. An exemplary suitable electronic signal may be a signal provided by a user’s key or the like. In such embodiments, initiating the charging mode may enable the elongate member to be moved to the extended position. Determination of whether the user is a person of reduced mobility may take place upon initiation of charging mode or in response to moving the elongate member to the extended position. The method may comprise the step of moving the charge port to the first orientation if the user is not a person of reduced mobility. The method may comprise the step of moving the charge port to the second orientation if the user is a person of reduced mobility. The method may comprise the step of detecting whether the charge port has been connected to the plug of a charging station. The method may comprise the step of detecting whether charging has started. The method may comprise the step of moving the charge port to the second orientation if it is detected that charging has started. The method may comprise the step of detecting whether charging has stopped. The method may comprise the step of stopping charging in response to an electronic signal. An exemplary suitable electronic signal may be a signal provided by a user’s key or the like. Determination of whether the user is a person of reduced mobility may take place when charging is stopped and / or when it is detected that charging is stopped. The method may comprise the step of moving the charge port from the second orientation to the first orientation if the user is not a person of reduced mobility. The method may comprise the step of leaving the charge port in the second orientation if the user is a person of reduced mobility. The method may comprise the step of detecting when the charge port has been disconnected from the plug of a charging station. The method may comprise the step of moving the charge port to a neutral orientation in response to detecting the charge port has been disconnected from the plug of a charging station. The method may comprise the step of ending the charging mode. The method may comprise the step of moving the elongate member from the extended position to the stored position. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric vehicle comprising the charging port system of the first aspect of the present invention and / or a charging port system operable according to the method of the second aspect of the present invention. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is a provided an electric vehicle configured to carry out the method of the second aspect of the present invention. The electric vehicle of the third and fourth aspects of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of the charging port system of the first aspect of the present invention or the method of the second aspect of the present invention, as desired or as appropriate. Detailed Description of the Invention In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a top view of a charging port system for an electric vehicle according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of the charging port system of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of a charging port system according to the present invention; Figure 4a shows an electric vehicle provided with a charging port system according to the present invention at a rear side of the vehicle; Figure 4b shows an electric vehicle provided with a charging port system according to the present invention at a front of the vehicle; and Figure 5 shows a flowchart illustrating a method according to the present invention. Electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles (2, Figs. 4a, 4b) comprise a charging port configured to receive a plug of a charging station, thereby enabling the vehicle 2 to be charged. Typically, charging ports are provided at a fixed location and in a fixed orientation on the electric vehicle 2. Given the fixed location and orientation of the charging port on electric vehicles 2, it can be difficult for some users to insert the plug into the charging port. In particular, persons of reduced mobility who use wheelchairs may find it difficult to reach and insert the plug into the charging port from a seated position. Turning now to Figures 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a charging port system 1 for an electric vehicle 2 is shown. The charging port system 1 comprises an elongate member 3 which is moveable between a stored position (not shown) and an extended position. The elongate member 3 comprises a pivotably mounted charge port 4 which is pivotable between at least a first orientation 5a and a second orientation 5b when the elongate member is provided in the extended position. In this embodiment, the elongate member 3 is slidingly mounted via a sliding assembly (not shown) which allows linear movement of the elongate member 3 between the stored position and the extended position in a substantially horizontal plane. The elongate member 3 has a substantially regular cross section (rectangular in this example) and comprises a first aperture 6 configured to receive the pivotably mounted charge port 4. In this embodiment, the first aperture 6 is substantially rectangular although the skilled person will appreciate that a variety of alternative cross sections including, but not limited to circular and square may also be provided. The first aperture 6 is sized and shaped to allow unrestricted movement of the charge port 4 therewithin. The elongate member 3 also comprises a second aperture 7 configured to form a hand grip 7. The second aperture 7 is provided proximal to a free end 8 of the elongate member 3. In this particular embodiment, the second aperture 7 has a substantially rectangular shape having two rounded corners. However, the skilled person will appreciate that in alternative embodiments, the second aperture 7 may have an alternative shape; such as, a shape comprising a series of depressions conforming to the shape of a user’s fingers to encourage the user to grip the hand grip 7. Alternatively, such finger grips could be provided on the rear face of cover 11 (see below). The elongate member 3 is mounted to a body panel 9 of an electric vehicle 2 which in this particular embodiment is a wing of the electric vehicle. However, the skilled person will appreciate that the elongate member 3 may also be mounted to other parts of an electric vehicle 2 including but not limited to a front body panel or a rear body panel. The elongate member 3 is mounted adjacent to; and configured to move through; an opening 10 within the body panel 9 of the electric vehicle 2. The free end 8 of the elongate member 3 comprises a cover 11 configured to close the opening 10. When the elongate member 3 is in the stored position, the cover 11 is substantially flush with the body panel 9 of the electric vehicle 2. The cover 11 comprises a seal 12 which is configured to seal the perimeter of the opening 10, and to prevent the ingress of water and debris into the opening 10. The skilled person will appreciate that in some embodiments, the cover 11 can be separate to the elongate member 3 when the elongate member 3 is in the stored position; and may, for example, be hingedly mounted to body panel 9. In this particular embodiment, movement of the elongate member 3 between the stored position and the extended position is effected manually; however, the skilled person will appreciate that in alternative embodiments, this movement may be powered by a motor. The charging port system 1 comprises a release mechanism (not shown) which may be actuable manually or in response to an electronic signal, for example in response to a signal provided by a user’s key. The release mechanism in this embodiment is a push-to open catch mechanism however, other suitable release mechanisms include but are not limited to touch-release mechanisms or locking mechanisms. Actuation of the release member causes the elongate member 3 to move from the stored position to a partially open position whereby the user can access the hand grip 7, and can manually move the elongate member 3 to the extended position. This partial extension can minimize damage if the elongate member is, for example, too close to a wall of a car park. Movement of the elongate member 3 is enabled or blocked in response to an electronic signal; for example, in response to a signal provided by a user’s key. When the signal indicates the vehicle 2 is not in a charging mode, the release mechanism is blocked and movement of the elongate member 3 between the stored position and the extended position is prevented. An actuable locking member (not shown) is provided which interacts with at least one of the elongate member 3 and the opening 10. Actuation of the locking member causes the locking member to engage with at least one of the elongate member 3 and the opening 10 to prevent movement of the elongate member 3. When the signal indicates the electric vehicle 2 is in the charging mode, the release mechanism is enabled and movement of the elongate member 3 between the stored position and the extended position is enabled. The charge port 4 is pivotable in a substantially vertical plane between at least the first orientation 5a, the second orientation 5b, and a neutral orientation (not shown). In the first orientation 5a, the charge port 4 is pivoted upwards to an angle of around 45° above the horizontal plane. In the second orientation 5b, the charge port is pivoted downwards to angle of around 45° below the horizontal plane. In the neutral orientation, the charge port 4 is substantially in the horizontal plane. The charge port 4 is generally provided in the neutral orientation when the elongate member 3 is provided in the stored position to minimise the volume of space the charge port 4 requires, thereby enabling space-efficient storage. Movement of the charge port 4 between the first orientation 5a and the second orientation 5b in this embodiment is powered by an actuator (not shown). Suitable actuators include but are not limited to a solenoid and a motor. The actuator may be connected to the charge port 4 via a suitable mechanism. The skilled person will appreciate that suitable mechanisms may comprise but are not limited to gear wheels, cables and stepper motors. Movement of the charge port 4 between the first orientation 5a and the second orientation 5b may be controlled in response to a pre-set setting of a user’s key which indicates whether the user is a person of reduced mobility. This data may be part of a set of personalized data held on the key, which may for example determine preferred seat and steering wheel positions and HVAC settings for each regular driver of the vehicle. If the user is not a person of reduced mobility, when the charging mode is initiated, the charge port 4 is pivoted to the first orientation 5a such that a user who is standing may easily access the charge port 4 and connect a corresponding charging plug. However, if the user is a person of reduced mobility when the charging mode is initiated, the charge port 4 is pivoted to the second orientation 5b such that a user who is in a seated position, for example, in a wheelchair, may easily access the charge port 4 and connect the corresponding charging plug. The charge port 4 is configured to releasably connect to a corresponding plug of a charging station (not shown). The charging port system 1 can detect when the charge port has been connected to the plug, and can thereby detect that charging has started. The charging port system 1 pivots the charge port to the second position 5b once the charge port 4 has been connected to the plug. The charge port 4 remains in the second orientation 5b for the duration of the vehicles 2 charging time, thereby minimising possible ingress of rain into the charging port system 1. The charging mode is deactivated upon either completion of charging or in response to an electronic signal, for example, in response to a signal provided by a user’s key. The movement of the charge port following deactivation of the charging mode is controlled in response to the user’s key setting. Therefore, if the user is a person of reduced mobility, the charge port 4 remains in the second orientation 5b however, if the user is not a person of reduced mobility, the charge port 4 moves to the first orientation 5a. This enables the user disconnecting the plug to have easy access to the charge port 4 even if the person who initiated the charging mode is a different user to the person who deactivated the charging mode. The charging port system 1 can detect when the charge port 4 has been disconnected from the plug of a charging station, thereby enabling the system 1 to detect that charging has stopped. In response, the charge port 4 is moved to the neutral position, ready for the elongate member 3 to move to the stored position. An alternative embodiment of the charging port system is shown in Figure 3. The charging port system 1 shares many common features with the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, so only differing features will be described herein. In this embodiment, the elongate member 3 is pivotably mounted at a base end 13 such that movement between the stored position and the extended position is rotational. The base end 13 of the elongate member 3 is provided distal to the charge port 4, and the pivot axis 14 is located within the vehicle 2. In this particular embodiment, the cover 11 is provided along an external edge of the elongate member 3, extending from the base end 13 to the free end 8. The charging port system 1 can be provided at any suitable location on the vehicle. In this context, Figure 4a illustrates the provision of the charging port system 1, behind a cover 11 at a rear wing panel of the vehicle 2. This location substantially corresponds to the fuel filler cap location for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. Turning to Figure 4b, this illustrates the provision of the charging port system 1, behind a cover 11 at a front panel of the vehicle 2. As illustrated in this Figure, the cap 11 comprises a decorative badge of the vehicle. With reference now to Figure 5, a flowchart illustrating a method of charging an electric vehicle 2 using the charging port system 1 of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, or of Figure 3 is shown. The charging mode is initiated at step 15 causing the elongate member 3 to be moved from the stored position to the extended position. At step 16 the charging port system 1 determines whether the whether the user is a person of reduced mobility in response to the user’s key settings. If the user is a person of reduced mobility, the person of reduced mobility charging mode is initiated at step 17 and the charge port 4 is moved to the second orientation. The charge port 4 remains in the second orientation until the system 1 detects the charge port 4 has been disconnected from the plug of a charging station at step 24 and ends the charging mode at step 25. If the user is not a person of reduced mobility, the charge port 4 is moved to the first orientation at step 18. The charging port system 1 then detects whether the charge port 4 has been connected to the plug of a charging station; and therefore, whether charging has started. If it is detected that charging has started at step 19, the charge port 4 is moved to the second orientation at step 20. Subsequently, the charging port system 1 detects whether charging has stopped at step 21. The charging port system 1 then determines whether the user is a person of reduced mobility at step 22. If the user is a person of reduced mobility, the system does not adjust the orientation of the charge port 4. However, if the user is not a person of reduced mobility, the charge port 4 is moved to the first orientation at step 23. The system then detects when the charge port 4 has been disconnected from the plug of a charging station at step 24 and ends the charging mode at step 25. The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A charging port system for an electric vehicle, the system comprising:an elongate member movable between a stored position and an extended position; and a pivotably mounted charge port provided on the elongate member wherein when the elongate member is provided in the extended position, the charge port is pivotable between at least a first orientation and a second orientation.

2. The charging port system of claim 1, wherein pivoting of the charge port to either said first orientation or said second orientation is in response to a determination as to whether a user is a person of reduced mobility.

3. The charging port system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein movement of the elongate member between the stored position and the extended position is in a substantially horizontal plane.

4. The charging port system of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate member is mounted such that movement between the stored position and the extended position is linear, and the elongate member is slidingly mounted.

5. The charging port system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elongate member is mounted such that movement between the stored position and the extended position is rotational, and the elongate member is pivotably mounted.

6. The charging port system of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate member comprises a first aperture configured to receive the pivotably mounted charge port.

7. The charging port system of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate membercomprises a second aperture which forms a hand grip.

8. The charging port system of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate member is mounted adjacent to an opening in a body panel of the vehicle and is configured to move through the opening in the body panel of the vehicle.

9. The charging port system of claim 8, wherein a cover is provided for the opening, the cover being configured to close the opening within the body panel of the vehicle.

10. The charging port system of any preceding claim, wherein movement of the elongate member between the stored and extended position is enabled or blocked in response to an electronic signal provided by a user’s key.

11. The charging port system of any preceding claim, wherein in the first orientation, the charge port is pivoted upwards; and in the second orientation, the charge port is pivoted downwards.

12. The charging port system of any preceding claim, wherein determination of whether the user is a person of reduced mobility is in response to the user’s key settings.

13. The charging port system of claim 12, wherein if the user is not a person of reduced mobility, when a charging mode is initiated, the charge port is pivoted to the first orientation.

14. The charging port system of claim 12, wherein if the user is a person of reduced mobility, when the charging mode is initiated, the charge port is pivoted to the second orientation.

15. The charging port system of any preceding claim, wherein the charging port system detects when the charge port has been connected to a plug of a charging station; and pivots the charge port to the second orientation.

16. The charging port system of any preceding claim, wherein movement of the charge port following deactivation of the charging mode is controlled in response to the user’s key setting.

17. A method of operating a charging port system for an electric vehicle, of the type comprising an elongate member movable between a stored position and an extended position; and a pivotably mounted charge port provided on the elongate member; wherein when the elongate member is provided in theextended position, the charge port is pivotable between at least a first orientation and a second orientation, the method comprising the steps of:(a) determining whether a user is a person of reduced mobility; and(b) pivoting the charge port to either said first orientation or said second orientation in response to said determination.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein determination of whether the user is a person of reduced mobility is in response to the user’s key settings.

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein determination of whether the user is a person of reduced mobility takes place upon initiation of charging mode or in response to moving the elongate member to the extended position.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of moving the charge port to the first orientation if the user is not a person of reduced mobility or moving the charge port to the second orientation if the user is a person of reduced mobility.

21. The method of any one of claims 17 to 20, further comprising the step of moving the charge port to the second orientation if it is detected that charging has started.

22. The method of any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein determination of whether the user is a person of reduced mobility takes place when charging is stopped and / or when it is detected that charging is stopped.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of the step of moving the charge port from the second orientation to the first orientation if the user is not a person of reduced mobility; or leaving the charge port in the second orientation if the user is a person of reduced mobility.

24. The method of any one of claims 17 to 23, further comprising the step of moving the charge port to a neutral orientation in response to detecting the charge port has been disconnected from the plug of a charging station.

25. An electric vehicle comprising a charging port system according to any one of any one of claims 1 to 16, and / or a charging port system operable according to the method of any one of any one of claims 17 to 24.

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