An electric vehicle supply equipment

Abstract

An electric vehicle charging station 1 featuring a door 58 and a control system that has a controller (100, Figure 18) and one or more processors (102, Figure 18). The control system is configured to

Description

The present disclosure relates to an electric vehicle supply equipment. In particular, it relates to an electric vehicle supply equipment for charging a traction battery of an electric vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to an electric vehicle supply equipment and a method for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment. BACKGROUND It is known to provide an electric vehicle supply equipment for the transfer of electricity from a local power supply to charge the traction battery of a vehicle, such as an electric vehicle. A charging cable and charging gun for transferring electricity to the traction battery are connected to or part of the electric vehicle supply equipment. The charging cable of the electric vehicle supply equipment has significant length such that the charging cable may be used with electric vehicles of varying configurations, shapes, and sizes and / or extend around obstacles. Due to the length of the charging cable, the charging cable and charging gun need to be stowed when not in use charging the traction battery. For home charging of the traction battery, the electric vehicle supply equipment is typically mounted to a wall. The charging cable and charging gun may be stowed by wrapping the cable around the electric vehicle supply equipment or a bracket near the electric vehicle supply equipment. Stowing the cable in this way can result in an unsightly appearance of the charging cable due to the charging cable being wound around the cable holder in a haphazard manner. Additionally, the charging cable and gun are not provided with any protection when stowed in this way. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. The present invention provides an improved electric vehicle supply equipment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide an electric vehicle supply equipment and a method for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an electric vehicle supply equipment comprising: a housing for stowing a charging gun and a charging cable, the housing having an opening through which the charging gun and the charging cable are extendable from and retractable; and a door movable between an open position in which the opening is uncovered by the door and a closed position in which the opening is covered by the door. Such an electric vehicle supply equipment provides for convenient and safe stowing of a charging apparatus while also providing convenient access thereto for the user. In an embodiment, the door may be manually operable. In this way, the charging apparatus may be accessed manually by a user. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an electric vehicle supply equipment, the electric vehicle supply equipment comprising a door moveable between an open position and a closed position and a control system configured to: determine that a user interaction with the door corresponds to a manual door opening operation; and output, in dependence on the determination, a permission signal to permit the door to be moved between the open position and the closed position. In this way, the electric vehicle supply equipment provides a manual override mode for its operation, such that the charging apparatus is accessible to the user even in the case of malfunctions. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an electric vehicle supply equipment, the electric vehicle supply equipment comprising a controller and a door assembly in turn comprising a door moveable between an open position and a closed position, the control system comprising one or more processors collectively configured to: receive, from a sensor associated with the door assembly, a first signal indicative of a user interaction with the door; determine, in dependence on the first signal, that the user interaction corresponds to a manual door opening operation; and output, in dependence on the determination, a permission signal to the door assembly to permit the door to be moved between the open position and the closed position. In this way, the controller provides the electric vehicle supply equipment with a manual override for controlling operation of the door of the electric vehicle supply equipment. A user may engage physically with the door to move it from the open position to the closed position. This may be useful, for example, if there is malfunction of certain components of the electric vehicle supply equipment. The invention ensures that a user will still have access to the charging apparatus of the electric vehicle supply equipment. In an embodiment, the one or more processors if the controller are collectively configured to: obtain an authentication status of a user; and output the permission signal in dependence on the determination and the authentication status indicating a presence of an authorised vehicle. In this way, access to the charging apparatus may be dependent on the electric vehicle supply equipment identifying an authorised vehicle adjacent thereto. The electric vehicle supply equipment may communicate wirelessly with at least one of a vehicle and or a user device to obtain the authentication status. This is an efficient and convention way to manage verification of users and vehicles. Optionally, the one or more processors may be collectively configured to: receive an opened door signal indicative of the door being in the open position, and in dependence on the opened door signal, output a release signal to trigger release of a charging apparatus of the electric vehicle supply equipment. In this way, the user may be provided with convenient access to the charging apparatus even when engaging in manual operation of the door. In an embodiment, the electric vehicle supply equipment comprises the sensor configured to provide the first signal indicative of a user interaction with the door. In this way, the electric vehicle supply equipment can efficiently determine when a user wants to open the door manually. Optionally, the sensor may be a miniature snap-action switch. Such a sensor provides robust and reliable operation of the sensor functionality. In an embodiment, the electric vehicle supply equipment comprises a door motor configured to drive movement of the door. In this way, the door may be opened automatically by the door motor. Optionally, the permission signal from the controller instructs the door motor to allow movement of the door. This is a convenient and efficient manner of controlling the movement of the door, in an automatic mode or manual override mode. In an embodiment, the motor is an induction motor. Such a motor is an efficient way of opening the door. Optionally, the motor engages a pinion which in turn engages a rack connected to the door, such that the door is a slideable between the open position and the closed position. This is an efficient and effective way of moving the door between the open position and the closed position. In an embodiment, the electric vehicle supply equipment comprises a housing defining a chamber to stow a charging apparatus, the housing having an opening through which the charging apparatus is extendable from and retractable into the chamber wherein the opening is uncovered by the door while in the open position in which the opening is covered by the door while in the closed position. In this way, a convenient and robust manner of storing the charging apparatus is provided. The housing may be configured to be mounted to a wall above the ground and wherein the opening is in the lowermost side of the housing facing towards the ground when housing is mounted to the wall. Providing the opening on the lowermost side of the housing reduces the chance of water or debris entering the chamber when the charging gun and the charging cable are being used to charge the traction battery of a vehicle. As such, the longevity of the electric vehicle supply equipment may be increased. Optionally, the electric vehicle supply equipment may comprise the charging gun and charging cable. According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment, the electric vehicle supply equipment comprising a door moveable between an open position and a closed position, the method comprising determining that a user interaction with the door corresponds to a manual door opening operation; and outputting, in dependence on the determination, a permission signal to permit the door to be moved between the open position and the closed position. In this way, the method allows fora manual override mode of operation of the door. According to an additional aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment, the electric vehicle supply equipment comprising a door assembly in turn comprising a door moveable between an open position and a closed position, the method comprising: receiving, from a sensor associated with the door assembly, a first signal indicative of a user interaction with the door; determining, in dependence on the signal, that the user interaction corresponds to a manual door opening operation; and outputting, in dependence on the determination, a permission signal to the door assembly to permit the door to be moved between the open position and the closed position. In this way, the method allows a user to physically open the door of the electric vehicle supply equipment, for example if other opening mechanisms are not functioning correctly. 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 an exploded view of an electric vehicle supply equipment according to an embodiment the invention; Figures 2 and 3 each show a cross-section of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a cross-section of a part of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a sub-assembly of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a cross-section of a part of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1 with the charging gun omitted; Figure 7 shows a cross-section of a part of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1; Figure 8 shows a cross-section of a part of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1; Figure 9 is a detail view of a portion of Figure 6; Figure 10 is shows a shows a cross-section of a part of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1; Figure 11 shows a cross-section of a part of the electric vehicle supply equipment of Figure 1; Figure 12 shows a block diagram of an electric vehicle supply equipment according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 13 is a block diagram of a controller for use with an electric vehicle supply equipment according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 14 is a block diagram of an electric vehicle supply equipment according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 15 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 16 is a block diagram of an electric vehicle supply equipment according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 17 is a flowchart of another method according to another embodiment of the invention; and Figure18 is a block diagram of a door assembly for an electric vehicle supply equipment according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1 to 8 show an electric vehicle supply equipment 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 is for supplying electricity to a vehicle (not shown), such as an electric vehicle, to charge a traction battery (not shown) of the vehicle. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 comprises a housing 10. The housing 10 defines a chamber 12 to stow a charging apparatus comprising a charging gun 16 and a charging cable 14. The chamber 12 is sized to accommodate the entirety of the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16. As such, when the charging apparatus is stowed in the electric vehicle supply equipment 1, both the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16 are entirely inside the housing 10. The housing 10 provides a container for the charging gun 16 and the charging cable 14. As such, the housing 10 may conceal the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 when stowed improving the aesthetic of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1. The charging cable 14 is for transferring electrical power from the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 to the vehicle for charging the traction battery. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the charging cable 14 may be an elongate, flexible member. The charging cable 14 may comprise the charging gun 16 at one end. The charging gun 16 may comprise a plug 18 for coupling to a corresponding socket (not shown) in the vehicle to charge the traction battery. The charging cable 14 may be connected to the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 by a cable gland 20 or, alternatively, a socket (not shown). The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may be configured to supply electrical power to the charging cable 14. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise one or more wires 22 for supplying electrical power to the charging cable 14. In certain embodiments, the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise the charging apparatus including the charging gun 16 and the charging cable 14. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the housing 10 may comprise multiple parts. The housing 10 may comprise a front part 24 and a rear part 26. The front and rear parts 24, 26 of the housing 10 may be coupled together. The chamber 12 may be formed between the front and rear parts 24, 26. When stowed, the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 may therefore be located between the front and rear parts 24, 26 of the housing 10. As shown in the embodiment in the figures, the rear part 26 of the housing 10 may comprise a recess 27 for receiving the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16. The rear part 26 of the housing 10 may comprise a back panel 28. The rear part 16 may comprise four side panels 30 extending from the back panel 28 such that the recess 27 is formed between the side panels 30. The side panels 30 may extend around a perimeter of the back panel 28. The side panels 30 may be substantially perpendicular to the back panel 28. The back 5 panel 28 of the housing 10 may be substantially rectangular. The front part 24 of the housing 10 is configured to cover the recess 27 to form the chamber 12. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the front part 24 of the housing 10 may comprise a panel 32. Together, the front and rear parts 26 of the housing 10 may provide a box or cuboid for stowing the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 within. The front part 24 of the housing 10 may have a substantially planar outer surface to provide the housing 10 with a clean aesthetic. In a similar manner, the side panels 30 may each have a substantially planar outer surfaces. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may be configured to be mounted to a structure (not shown), such as a wall. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the housing 10 may comprise a back plate 34 (shown in Figure 1) for mounting to the structure. The back plate 34 may comprise a panel. The back plate 34 may be attached to the rear part 26 of the housing 10 and the structure by any suitable means. For example, in the non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 comprises fasteners 40 for attaching the back plate 34 to the wall. The housing 10 comprises an opening 42 through which the charging gun 16 and the charging cable 14 are extendable from and retractable into the chamber 12. The opening 42 is sufficiently large to allow the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16 to be removed for the chamber 12 in order to charge the traction battery of an electric vehicle. During normal use, the chamber 12 may only be accessible through the opening 42. That is, the housing 10 may comprise a single opening 42 through which the charging gun 16 and the charging cable 14 are extendable from and retractable into the chamber 12. Apart from the opening 42, the housing 10 may comprise no additional openings for accessing the chamber 12. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the opening 42 may be in one of the side panels 30 of the rear part 26 ofthe housing 10. The opening 42 may be on a lower side of the housing 10. The lower side being the side ofthe housing 10 closest to or facing the ground when the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 is mounted to the wall. In the embodiment in the Figures, the opening 42 is in the lower side panel 30a ofthe rear part 26 ofthe housing 10. To stow the charging cable 14 within the housing 10, the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a drum 44. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the drum 44 is positioned within the chamber 12. The drum 44 may be configured to receive windings ofthe charging cable 14 therearound. As such, the charging cable 14 may be neatly stowed within the chamber 12. The drum 44 may comprise a plurality of grooves (not shown) for receiving the windings ofthe charging cable 14 thereby ensuring that the cable may be neatly stowed on the drum 44. Figures 1 to 3 show the charging cable 14 fully wound about the drum 44 so that the entirety ofthe charging cable 14 and also the charging gun 16 are within the chamber 12. As shown in the Figures, the charging gun 16 extends downwards, below the drum 44 when the charging cable 14 fully wound about the drum 44. The drum 44 is rotatable relative the housing 10. Therefore, the drum 44 may be rotated to extend and retract the changing cable and charging gun 16 through the opening 42. The drum 44 is positioned in the chamber 12 such that the opening 42 is aligned with the charging gun 16 when the charging cable 14 is fully wound about the drum 44. When the charging cable 14 is unwound from the drum 44, the charging gun 16 descends through the opening 42 so that is can be accessed by a user. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the drum 44 is configured to rotate in an anti-clockwise direction to unwind the charging cable 14 from the drum 44 and to rotate in a clockwise direction to wind the charging cable 14 onto the drum 44. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a support 46 configured to support 46 the drum 44 within the housing 10. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the support 46 may comprise a rear section 48 and a front section 50. The support 46 may be attachable to the housing 10. The rear section 48 of the support 46 may be attached to the rear part 26 of the housing 10. The front part 24 of the housing 10 may be attached to the front section 50 of the support 46. The drum 44 may be supported between the rear and front sections 48, 50 of the support 46. The support 46 may comprise a plurality of bars 52 extending from the front section 50 to the rear section 48. The bars 52 may be parallel to the rotational axis of the drum 44. The bars 52 may be positioned around the circumference of the drum 44 at a radius slightly greaterthan the radius of the drum 44 with the charging cable wound thereabout 14. As such, the rods 52 may be configured to guide to charging cable 14 onto the drum 44 and help ensure the charging cable 14 is neatly wound onto the drum 44. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a drum actuator to rotate the drum 44. As shown in Figure 1, the drum actuator may comprise meshed circular gears 54a, 54b. The drum actuator may comprise a first circular gear 54a attached to one end of the drum 44. The first circular gear 54a may have a radius that is larger than the radius of the drum 44 when the electric charging cable 14 is wound thereabout. The drum actuator may comprise a second circular gear 54b configured to mesh (i.e. engage) with the first circular gear 54a. The second circular gear 54b may be attached to the support 46. As shown in the Figures, the first and second circular gears 54a, 54b may each comprise a plurality of parallel teeth so that the first and second circular gears 54a, 54b may engage one another. As shown in Figure 1, the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a drum motor 56, such as an electric motor, drivingly coupled to the drum actuator. The drum motor 56 may be drivingly coupled to the second circular gear 54b. The drum motor 56 may be attached to the support 46. The drum motor 56 may be configured to rotate the drum 44 to wind and unwind the charging cable 14 from the drum 44 to extend and retract the charging gun 16 and charging cable 14 through the opening 42. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 comprises a door 58 movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the chamber 12 is accessible through the opening 42 and in the closed position the opening 42 is covered by the door 58. In the closed position, the opening 42 is coved by the door 58 so that the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16 are enclosed within the chamber 12. Figure 2 shows the door 58 in the open position. The door 58 may be opened when a user wants to extend the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 to use the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 to charge a traction battery. Figure 3 shows the door 58 in the closed position. The door 58 may be movable into the closed position when the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 are stowed within the chamber 12. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, this is when the charging cable 14 is fully wound about the drum 44. Together, the housing 10 and the door 58, when in the closed position, surround the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16 such that the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16 are separated from the surrounding environment. The chamber 12 is effectively closed off from the surrounding environment which protects for the charging gun 16 and charging cable 14. Enclosing the charging gun 16 and charging cable 14 may improve the longevity of the charging gun 14, charging cable 16 and electric vehicle supply equipment because it: prevents animals entering the chamber 12 through the opening 42 whilst the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 is not in use thereby reducing the chance of animals making their home in the chamber 12 and of damage being caused to the electric vehicle supply equipment 1, charging gun 16 or charging cable 14; provides weather protection for the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16 helping to keep the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16 clean; improves protection from UV radiation protection for the charging cable 14; and increases the security of the charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16 when not in use. The charging cable 14 and the charging gun 16 may be entirely enclosed within the chamber 12 when the door 58 is in the closed position. That is, when the door 58 is in the closed position, the chamber 12 may not be accessible (i.e. by a user or an animal) from outside of the housing 10. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the door 58 may be a sliding door 58. In this way, the door is slideable between the open position and the closed position. That is, the door 58 may move within a plane between the open and closed positions. The door 58 may reside substantially within (i.e. inside) the housing 10. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, this is achieved by the door 58 being positioned above or on top of the lower side panel 30a of the rear part 26 of the housing 10 as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The door 58 is therefore inside of the housing 10. The door 58 may slide relative to the lower side panel 30a to cover and uncover the opening 42 as the door 58 is moved between the open and closed positions. The housing 10 may comprise a pair of parallel ledges 60 on which the door 58 is supported. Opposing lateral edges 62 of the door 58 may be supported on the pair of ledges 60. A lateral edge 62 is an edge of the door 58 that is parallel to a direction of movement of the door 58 between the closed and open positions. The door 58 is slidable on the pair of ledges 60. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the ledges 60 extend in a direction parallel to the lower side panel 30a of the housing 10. The length of the ledges 60 may be equal to at least length of the door 58 and the length of the opening 42 combined such that the opening 42 is entirely uncovered by the door 58 when the door 58 is in the closed position. The length of the ledges 60, the door 58 and the opening 42 each being in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the door 58. The door 58 may be rectangular in shape. However, as shown in the cross-section of the non-limiting embodiment in Figures 4 and 6, the door 58 may not be planar. The door 58 may comprise a central portion 64 configured cover the opening 42 when the door 58 is in the closed position. The door 58 may comprise a lip 66 towards or at each lateral edge 62 for engaging the ledges 60. As shown in the Figures, the central portion 64 of the door 58 and each lip 66 may reside in offset parallel planes. Each lip 66 is raised related to the central portion 64 of the door 58. Each lip 66 may comprise a first section 68 extending from and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central portion 64 of the door 58. Each lip 66 may also comprise a second section 70 extending from the first section 68, the second section 70 being configured to engage the corresponding ledge 60. The second section 70 may be substantially parallel to the central portion 64 of the door 58 and perpendicular to the first section 68 of the lip 66. The first section 68 of each lip 66 may be configured to engage the edge of the respective ledge 60 to limit lateral movement of the door 58 (i.e. movement in the parallel to the door 58 but a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the door between the open and closed positions). The end of the second section 70 of the each lip 66 may also be configured to limit lateral movement of the door 58. As shown, the end of the second section 70 of the each lip 66 may contact or be positioned close to a surface 72 from which the corresponding ledge 60 extends to limit lateral movement of the door 58. Fig. 9 shows a detail view of a portion of Fig. 6 where the lip 66 on the right-hand-side of Fig, 6 engages the ledge 60. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a brush 71 adjacent to the opening 42 as shown in Figures 6 to 8. The brush 71 is in contact with an inner side of the door 58 such that when the door 58 moves from the closed position to the open position the door 58 slides underneath the brush 71 so that the brush 71 sweeps debris off the inner side of the door 58 and through the opening 42. Whilst the charging gun 16 is stowed in the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 debris may, for example, fall from the charging gun 16 onto the door 58. The brush 71 enables the debris to be swept off the door 58 and out of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 when the door 58 is opened. The brush 71 may have substantially the same width as the opening 42 and / or the door 58, the width being in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the door 58 between the closed and open positions. The brush 71 may have substantially the same width the central portion 64 of the door 58. The brush 71 may comprise a block 73 to which a plurality of bristles 75 are attached. The block 73 may be attached to a cover 84 (described below) such that the bristles 75 contact the inner side of the door 58. The block 73 may be attached to the cover 84 by one or more fasteners 77 or by any suitable alternative means. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a door actuator 76 configured to move the door 58 between the open position and the closed position. The door actuator 76 may comprise a rack 78 meshed (i.e. engaged) with a pinion 80. The rack 78 and pinion 80 are shown in the cross-sectional views of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 in Figures 4 and 6. Figure 5 shows a sub-assembly of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 which includes the rack 78 and pinion 80, the door 58 and pair of ledges 60 in isolation from the majority of other features of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1. Figs. 10 and 11 show isometric views of a door assembly within the casing 86. The pinion 80 is a circular gear. The pinion 80 comprises a plurality of teeth parallel to the axis of rotation of the pinion. The pinion 80 is held in a fixed position relative to the housing 10. The rack 78 is a lineargear. The rack 78 comprises a row of parallel teeth configured to engage the plurality of teeth of the pinion 80. The rack 78 is attached to the door 58. Rotation of the pinion 80 therefore causes the door 58 to move between the open and closed positions. As shown in the Figures, the door actuator 76 is positioned within the housing 10. Therefore, the rack 78 is attached to the inside of the door 58. The pinion 80 may be drivingly coupled to a door motor 82, such as an electric motor. The door motor 82 is operable to cause the pinion 80 to rotate to move the door 58. The door motor 82 may be an induction motor. The motor may be part of a door motor assembly comprising the door motor 82 and certain components to secure and stabilise the door motor 82. The door actuator 76 may be configured to prevent rotation of the pinion 80 unless an appropriate instruction has been provided. The instruction may be in the form of a signal, which may be sent to the door motor 82. In this way, the door will not be allowed to move without the instruction. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the rack 78 may be adjacent to ortowards one of the lateral edges 62 of the door 58. The rack 78 is positioned on the central portion 64 of the door 58. Positioning the pinion 80 to one side of the door 58 reduces the likelihood the rack 78 and pinion 80 becoming disengaged if the door 58 is deflected during use. As shown in the Figures, the rack 78 may be positioned on the central portion 64 of the door 58 near or next to one of the lips 66. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a cover 84 for the pinion 80 and the door motor 82. As shown in Figure 4, the cover 84 may extend over the pinion 80 and the door motor 82. The cover 84 does not occlude the opening 42. The pinion 80 may be attached to the cover 84 to hold the pinion 80 in a fixed position relative to the housing 10. The door motor 82 may also be attached to the cover 84. The cover 84 may extend from one of the pair of ledges 60 to the other of the pair of ledges 60. A part of the cover 84 may therefore be positioned above and parallel to each of the ledges 6O.-The cover 84 may be considered to form part of the door motor assembly. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a casing 86 partially surrounding the opening 42, the ledges 60 and the door 58 when the door 58 is in the closed position. Together the cover 84 and the casing 86 may provide a compartment for the ledges 60, the door 58, the door actuator 76 and the door motor 82 as shown in Figure 1. The casing 86 and the cover 84 may help secure the ledges 60, the door 58 and the door actuator 76 in and to the housing 10. The ledges 60, the door 58, the door actuator 76 and the door motor 82 may be referred to a door assembly or door system. Such a door assembly or door system may comprise other components. Such a door assembly or door system is not limited to being a single assembly. The door motor assembly may be part of the door assembly. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 comprises a sensor 122 for detecting user interaction with the door 58. The sensor 122 may be comprised within the door actuator 76. The sensor 122 may form part of the door assembly. The sensor 122 may be a miniature snap-action switch, also known as a microswitch, In the embodiment in the Figures, the sensor 122 is located above the door, connected to the door motor assembly. The position of the sensor 122 is not limited this position and may be located elsewhere, for example affixed to the cover 84 of the door motor 82. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a further sensor, a door position sensor for detecting the position of the door, and may detect whether the door 58 is in the open position. The door position sensor may also detect if the door is in the closed position or in neither the open position or closed position. The door position sensor may be located at a position to allow convenient detection of the door being in the open position. In an example, the door position sensor may be located adjacent a point of furthest travel of the door when it is in its open position. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the door position sensor may be located adjacent the end of the ledges 60 furthest from the opening 42. In an example, the door position sensor is a miniature snap-action switch that is tripped by the door 58 when it has been moved all the way into its open position. As shown in Figure 5, the casing 86 may comprise two sections: a first section 88 parallel to and extending along one of the side panels 30 of the rear part 26 of the housing 10; and a second section 90 parallel to and extending partway along the front part 24 of the housing 10. The first section 88 of the casing 86 may extend between the pair of ledges 60. The second section 90 of the casing 86 may be coupled to one of the ledges 60. However, in alternative embodiments, the casing 86 may be omitted or may have a different configuration. The casing 86 may be used to facilitate attaching the ledges, and consequently the door, to the housing 10. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the housing 10 may comprise a guide member 92 positioned above the opening 42. The guide member 92 may be attached to the second section 90 of the casing 86. The guide member 92 extends inwardly into the chamber 12 within the housing 10. The purpose of the guide member 92 is to guide the charging gun 16 through the opening 42 when the charging cable 14 is unwound from the stowed position and to prevent the charging gun 16 becoming caught on the ledge or the front part 24 of the housing 10. Figure 7 shows the charging gun 16 in contact with the guide member 92 whilst in the stowed position. The guide member 92 comprises a first inclined surface 94 for engaging the charging gun 16. The first inclined surface 94 is angled relative to the front part 26 of the housing 10 so as to direct the charging gun 16 away from the housing 10 and through the opening 42. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the distance by which the guide member 92 extends into the chamber 12 increases along the first inclined surface 94 in a direction towards the opening 42. The guide member 92 may also comprise a second inclined surface 96. The first inclined surface 94 is further from the opening 42 than the second inclined surface 96. The first inclined surface 94 may meet the second inclined surface 96 at a corner. The distance by which the guide member 92 extends into the chamber 12 decreases along the second inclined surface 96 in a direction towards the opening 42. The second inclined surface 96 may be attached to the casing 86 near the opening 42. The first inclined surface 94 may be longer and shallower than the second inclined surface 96 and help guide the charging gun 16 out of the opening 42. Both the first and second inclined surfaces 94, 96 are inclined relative the front part 24 of the housing 10 and the second section of the casing 86. The guide member 92 may extend substantially along the length of the opening 42. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the guide member 92 comprises a connection section 97 which connects the portion of the guide section 92 having the second inclined surface 96 to the second section 90 of the casing 86. A terminating end 99 projects from the end of the portion having the second inclined surface 96. The housing 10 may comprise at least one limiting member to restrain movement of the door 58 in a direction perpendicular to the ledges 60 and the door 58. The door 58 may reside between and may be slidable relative to the ledges 60 and the at least one limiting member. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, at least one limiting members are positioned above each of the ledges 60. Each lateral edge 62 of the door 58 is therefore sandwiched between a ledge 60 and a limiting member. The at least one limiting members may be configured to abut the door 58 to restrain movement of the door 58 in a direction perpendicular to the ledges 60. Therefore, the at least one limiting member may be in contact with or positioned close to the door 58. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the at least one limiting member restrains movement of the door 58 in an upwards direction, away from the lower side panel 30a of the rear part 26 of the housing 10. The ledges 60 prevent movement of the door 58 in a downward direction. The at least one limiting members may extend at least along the length of the opening 42. The at least one limiting member may extend along the length of the ledges 60, upward movement of the door 58 may therefore be limited when door 58 is in the open and in the closed position. The at least one limiting member may be provided by one or more of the above-described components of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1. For example, the cover 84 may provide a limiting member for one or both lateral edges 62 of the door. As described above, the cover 84 may extend from one of the pair of ledges 60 to the other. A part of the cover 84 may be positioned above and parallel to each of the ledges 60. Therefore, the cover 84 may limit upward movement of the door 58 along each lateral edge 62 when the door 58 is in the open position. When the door 58 is in the closed position, a terminating end 99 of the guide member 92 may provide a limiting member for one of the lateral edges 62 of the door 58. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the guide member 92 may provide a limiting member 99 for the lateral edge 62 that is closest to the front part 24 of the housing 10. The terminating end 99 is located directly above the second section 70 of the lip 66 of the door 58. In this way, the second section lies 70 between the ledge 60 and terminating end 99 of the guide member, and the terminating end 99 limits significant upward movement of the lip 66 and so of the door 59. In a similar manner, when the door 58 is in the closed position, a terminating end of an internal panel 95 may be arranged to provide a limiting member for the edge of the door 58 that is furthest from the front part 24 of the housing 10. A terminating end of the internal panel 95 may be positioned above the ledge to limiting upward movement of the door 58 away from the ledge 60. The internal panel 95 may be substantially planar to not inhibit movement of the charging gun 16 out of the chamber 12. The internal panel 95 may extend substantially along the length of the opening 42. The internal panel 95 may also be used to separate the opening 42 from other components of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1. Some movement of the door away from the ledge may be desirable, for example, to allow manual opening of the door 58. As such, in the embodiment shown in the Figures, a small amount of upward movement of the door is allowed. There is a small gap 93 between the lip 66 of the door 58 and the terminating end 99 of the guide member 52 at the lateral edge of the door 58. The guide member 92 is configured to extend close but not all the way to the height of the door 58 when the door 58 is supported of the ledges 60. Similarly, there is a gap between the terminating end of the internal panel 95 and the lip 66 at the other lateral edge 62. In this way, upward movement of the door 58 relative to the ledges 60 is limited but possible to a small degree. In this way, the door 58 is configured to be pushed upward manually and is configured to be slid to one side manually. If it is desired to open the door manually, pressure on the outside of the door will move the lip 66 away from the ledges 60 enough to reduce friction therebetween and allow the door 58 to slide along the ledges 60 towards and until the open position. The height of the upward movement to be permitted may be controlled by the distance between the limiting portions and the lips 66 of the door 58. In an example, the guide member 92 may be configured to extend substantially to the height of the door 58 when the door 58 is supported of the ledges 60 so as to limit upward movement of the door 58 relative to the ledges 60. The internal panel 95 may be configured to extend substantially to the height of the door 58 when the door 58 is supported of the ledges 60 so as to limit upward movement of the door 58 relative to the ledges 60. Referring now to Fig. 12, there is shown a block diagram of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 comprising a controller 100. The controller 100 is enclosed within a compartment 98 in the housing 10. Referring to Fig. 13, there is shown a block diagram of a controller 100 according to the disclosure. The controller 100 comprises a processor 102. Fig. 13 shows a single processor 102 although it will be appreciated that this is merely illustrative. The processor 102 comprises processing means 108 and memory means 110. The processing means 108 may be one or more electronic processing device (not shown) which operably executes computer-readable instructions. The memory means 110 may be one or more memory device (not shown). The memory means 110 is electrically coupled to the processing means 108. The memory means 110 is configured to store instructions, and the processing means 108 is configured to access the memory means 110 and execute the instructions stored thereon. In an example, the memory means store computer readable instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the methods described herein. The controller 100 comprises an input means 112 and an output means 114. The input means 112 may comprise an electrical input of the controller 100. The output means 114 may comprise an electrical output of the controller 100. The controller 100 may be configured to control movement of the door 58 and / or the drum 44. The controller 100 may be connected to the door actuator 76, in a wired or wireless manner. In an example, the controller 100 may send one or more signals to the door actuator 76 via a signal cable. The controller 100 and the signal cable may be configured to provide serial communications to the door actuator 76. The controller 100 may be configured to cause the door 58 to move from the closed position to the open position. The controller 100 may be configured to receive an open signal indicative of an instruction or request that the door be moved to the open position. The open signal may be a direct request for the door to be moved to the open position or may be included in another request or instruction, for example a request to the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 to set up to charge the traction battery of a vehicle. The controller may be configured to cause the door 58 to move from the closed position to the open position in response to receipt of the open signal. Having received the open signal, the controller 100 may output a control signal to cause the door to move from the closed position to the open position. The controller may be configured to cause the door actuator 76 to move the door 58 from the closed position to the open position in response to receipt of the open signal. The controller may output a control signal to cause the door motor 82 to drive the door actuator 76 move the door 58 to the open position. The controller 100 may be configured to receive the open signal from a button 74 on the electric vehicle supply equipment 1. The button 74 may be on one of the side panel 30 of the housing 10. A user may press the button to indicate that the door 58 should be opened and generate the open signal. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 100 may be configured to receive the open signal over a wireless connection from a vehicle. The open signal may be indicative of the vehicle being in close proximity to the electric vehicle supply equipment 1. For example, the controller 100 may receive the open signal whilst the vehicle is being parked near the electric vehicle supply equipment 1. No input from a user may be required to generate the open signal. The door 58 may therefore be automatically moved from the closed to the open position when the vehicle is near the electric vehicle supply equipment 1, for example, whilst a user is parking the vehicle. The controller 100 may be configured to receive the open signal from the vehicle by WiFi sniffing, Bluetooth, GPS geofencing or any other suitable wireless means. The controller 100 may be configured to output the control signal in dependence on identifying that an authorised vehicle is present at electric vehicle supply equipment 1. The controller 100 may identify that an authorised vehicle is present, for example, by receiving a signal from the authorised vehicle; by sensing the presence of the vehicle, for example, using an image sensor and image analysis; or in another suitable way. In addition to, or as part of, the open signal, the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may obtain an authentication status of the vehicle. The authentication status indicates whether the vehicle has been previously approved to use the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 for charging of a traction battery. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may communicates wirelessly with at least one of a vehicle and or a user device to obtain the authentication status. Additionally, or alternatively, the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may sense identifying features of the vehicle, for example, reading a registration plate in an image captured by an image sensor. Referring to Fig. 14, there is shown a further block diagram of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1, showing the controller 100 and the door. The controller 100 may be configured to determine that a user interaction with the door 58 corresponds to a manual door opening operation; and output, in dependence on the determination, a permission signal 120 to permit the door 58 to be moved between the open position and the closed position. In this way, the door 58 can be moved to the open position in the absence of the open signal. Referring to Fig. 15, there is shown a flowchart of a method 200 for manual operation of the door 58. The method comprises, at block 202, determining that a user interaction with the door corresponds to a manual door opening operation. At block 204, the method 200 comprises outputting, in dependence on the determination, the permission signal to permit the door to be moved between the open position and the close position. Referring now to Fig. 16, there is shown a block diagram of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 comprising the control system 100 and a door assembly 158 in turn comprising a door, such as the door 58, wherein the door 58 is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The control system 100 is configured to receive from a sensor 122 associated with the door assembly 158, a first signal 124 indicative of a user interaction with the door 58. The controller 100 is configured to determine, in dependence on the first signal 124, that the user interaction corresponds to a manual door opening operation. The controller 100 is configured to output, in dependence on the determination, a permission signal 120 to the door assembly 158 to permit the door 58 to be moved between the open position and the closed position. Referring now to Fig. 17, there is shown a flow diagram of a method 300 for controlling manual operation of a door of an electric vehicle supply equipment, where the electric vehicle supply equipment comprises a door assembly in turn comprising a door moveable between an open position and a closed position. The method 300 may be implemented by the controller 100 as described herein but is not limited thereto, nor is it limited to use with the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 described herein in relation to Figures 1 to 9. The method 300 comprises, at block 302, receiving, from a sensor associated with the door assembly, a first signal indicative of a user interaction with the door. At block 304, the method 300 comprises determining, in dependence on the first signal, that the user interaction corresponds to a manual door opening operation. The method 300 comprises, at block 306 outputting, independence on the determination, a permission signal to the door assembly to permit the door to be moved between the open position and the closed position. Referring now to Fig. 18, there is shown a block diagram of a door assembly 158 according to the disclosure. The door assembly 158 may comprise the components of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 relating to the door 58 and its operation. The door assembly 158 may not be a single assembly, and may comprise a group of components that are physically connected to each other but the term is not limited thereto. Components of the door assembly 158 may also relate to functions and components of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 other than the door 58. The door assembly 158 comprises the door 58 and the door actuator 76. The door may comprise the rack 80. The door actuator may comprise the door motor 82 and the pinion 78 for engaging the rack 80 of the door 58. The door assembly 158 may also comprise the sensor 122 for detecting the manual door opening operation. The door assembly may also comprise a sensor for identifying the position of the door, which may be referred to as a door position sensor 126. The door assembly 158 may also comprise the ledges 60. In use, the controller 100 and the method 300 may be used to allow manual operation of the door 58, for example, manual override of the door 58. This may be useful in the event of a loss of power to the door motor 82 or a door motor 82 malfunction. In certain circumstances, the door motor 82 may not be functioning to open the door. For example, there may be power issues, such as a loss of power to the door motor, or a loss of power to the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 itself. In other examples, the door motor 82 may not be receiving the open signal or may not be responding to the open signal. In such cases, a user may still wish to access the charging apparatus to charge a traction battery of a vehicle. According to the present disclosure, the door 58 may be manoeuvred manually between the open position and the closed position. The door 58 may be configured to be pushed upward manually. The door 58 may be configured to be slid to one side manually. In an example, the door 58 can be pushed upward and slid to one side, from the closed position to the open position, to access the charging gun 16. When the user pushes on the door, for example, pushes upwardly on the door, the user interaction is detected by a sensor 122. The sensor 122 may be any type of suitable sensor, for example a pressure sensor, a motion detection sensor, and so on. In an example, the sensor 122 is a miniature snap-action switch (not shown), which may also be referred to as a microswitch. A user interaction with the door that causes the door 58 to move and trip the microswitch will generate the first signal 124. The sensor 122 may be located directly above the door 58, for example mounted on the casing 86 forthe door motor 82, so as to be tripped by upward motion of the door 58. In response to the first signal 124, the controller 100 is configured to determine that the user interaction corresponds to a manual door opening operation. Then, the controller 100 outputs the permission signal 120 to the door assembly 158. The permission signal 120 results in the door 58 being able to be moved manually between the open position and the closed position. In the absence of the permission signal, the door 58 may be prevented from moving, for example, by the door actuator 76. In an example, the permission signal 124 is an instruction to the door actuator 76 to allow the door to move. The permission signal 120 may be transmitted to the door motor 82 within the door assembly 158. The permission signal 124 may be an instruction to the door motor 82 to allow the pinion 78 connected thereto to be rotated. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise an energy storage device, such as a capacitor or battery to power the permission signal, where there is no power available to operate the door itself. In an example, the controller 100 may be configured to output the permission signal 120 in dependence on the determination a user interaction with the door 58 corresponds to a manual door opening operation and the authentication status indicating a presence of an authorised vehicle. In this way, the controller 100 may be configured such that the door can only be opened manually when an authorised vehicle is identified. If there has been a manual override door opening operation, then when the motor returns to functionality, if the charging gun 16 is plugged into a vehicle, the electric vehicle supply assembly 1 will take no action in relation to the door 58. Then the door 58 will be closed once the charging gun 16 is stowed again. If the charging gun 16 is stowed in electric vehicle supply assembly 1 when motor functionality is returned, the door motor 82 may do a power cycle and reset the door in the correct position. Once the door has been opened, the controller 100 may be configured to output a release signal to trigger release of the charging gun 16 through the open door. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a door position sensor 126 to sense whether the door 58 is in the open position or closed position. The door position sensor 126 may be configured to send a movement signal to the controller 100 in response the door 58 moving from the closed to the open position. In an example, the door position sensor 126 is configured to detect when the door 58 in the open position. The door position sensor 126 may be configured to send an opened door signal to the controller 100 in response to detecting that the door 58 is in the open position. In dependence on the opened door control signal from the door position sensor 126, the controller 100 may be configured to output the release signal to trigger release of the charging apparatus of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1. In this way, the charging gun 16 may be released through the opening 42. The controller 100 may be configured to cause the drum actuator to rotate the drum 44 in response to the door 58 moving from the closed position to the open position. The controller may be configured to cause the drum actuator to rotate the drum 44 until the charging gun 16 extends from the opening 42. The controller 100 may be configured to cause the drum actuator to rotate the drum 44 in response to receipt of the door opened control signal or the movement signal. The controller 100 may output a control signal, which may be referred to as a release signal, to cause the drum motor 56 to drive the drum actuator to rotate the drum 44. The controller may cause the drum actuator to rotate the drum 44 so that the charging gun 16 extends from the opening 42. A user may then access the charging gun 16 and engage it with the appropriate receptacle of the vehicle. As described herein, the door 58 may be caused to move from the closed position to the open position in at least three ways, with the opening of the door triggering the release of the charging apparatus in each case. Firstly, the controller 100 may identify the presence of a vehicle by automatically detecting the vehicle and then instructing the door to move to the open position. This may be referred to at the automatic mode. Secondly, the door may be opened by the user pressing the button 74, which instructs the controller 100 to instruct the doorto move to the open position. This may be referred to as the manual mode. Thirdly, there door may be manually moved from the closed position to the open position by a user moving the door themselves. This may be referred to as the manual override mode. For each mode, the controller may be configured to only allow the doorto move to the open position if the authentication status indicates the presence of an authorised vehicle. In one example, the controller 100 is configured to determine the position signal in dependence on the authentication status indicating the presence of an authorised vehicle only when the door is operating in automatic mode. In this way, the presence of an authorised vehicle may be used to control automatic operation of aspects of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1, but access to the charging apparatus will not be restricted if there is no authorised vehicle identified. While the authentication status of the vehicle may not be necessary to access the charging gun and charging cable, the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may be configured not to supply power via the charging gun without specific user confirmation. A wide range of user confirmation techniques will be apparent to the person skilled in the art, for example, passwords, biometric confirmation, a physical key and so on. However, in an example, the controller 10 may require approval from a user’s personal communication device to allow the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 to begin to supply power via the charging gun. In this way, while may be possible to connect the charging gun to a vehicle, it will only be possible to use the power from the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 to charge a vehicle if authorised by the user of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 . Once the vehicle has been sufficiently charged and the charging gun 16 has been disconnected from the vehicle, the controller 100 may be configured to receive a retract signal indicating that the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 should be retracted into the housing 10 and wound about the drum 44. The retract signal may be provided by the user pressing the button or by an alternative means. Upon receiving the retract signal, the controller 100 may be configured to cause the drum actuator to rotate the drum 44 to retract the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 into the housing 10. The controller 100 may output a control signal to cause the drum motor 56 to drive the drum actuator to retract the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16. In the event that the controller 100 causes the drum 44 to rotate so that the charging gun 16 extends from the opening 42 but the user does not use the charging gun 16 to charge the traction battery of the vehicle, the controller 100 may be configured retract the charging gun 16 into the housing 10 after a predetermined time period has passed. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a drum position sensor (not shown) to sense the position of the drum 44. The controller 100 may be configured to receive a drum position signal from the drum position sensor. If the controller 100 determines from the drum position signal that the position of the drum 44 has not changed during a predetermined time period after the charging gun 16 has been extended through the opening 42, the controller 100 may be configured to cause the drum 44 to rotate to retract the charging gun 16 back into the housing 10. The controller 100 may output a control signal to cause the drum motor 56 to drive the drum actuator to retract the charging gun 16. As such, the charging gun 16 may be automatically retracted if is it not used. Once the charging gun 16 is within the housing 10, the controller 100 may be configured to move the door 58 from the open to the closed position thereby enclosing the charging gun 16 and charging cable 14 within the housing 10. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a charging gun 16 position sensor to sense whether the charging gun 16 is within the housing 10. The charging gun 16 position sensor may be configured to send a position signal to the controller 100 in response to the charging gun 16 being retracted into the housing 10. The controller 100 may be configured to cause the door actuator 76 to move the door 58 in response to receipt of the position signal. The controller 100 may output a control signal cause the door motor 82 to drive the door actuator 76 to move the door 58 to the closed position. The door 58 may therefore be closed automatically once the charging gun 16 is within the housing 10. The above-described electric vehicle supply equipment 1 provides a chamber 12 within which a charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 may be stowed. Enclosing the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 when they are not in use charging a vehicle provides improved protection for the charging gun 16 and charging cable 14 when stowed which may improve their longevity and the aesthetics of the electric vehicle supply equipment 1. The door 58 which allows access to the charging cable 14 and charging gun 16 may be automated to improve ease of use and ensure that the benefits of enclosing the charging gun 16 and charging cable 14 in the electric vehicle supply equipment 1 are not dependent on a user. 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. In the above-described embodiment, the housing 10 is a box and formed of a front part 24 and a rear part 26. However, in alternative embodiments, the housing 10 may have a different shape. The housing 10 may be formed from more than two parts. In the above-described embodiment, the opening 42 is on the lowerside panel 30a of the housing 10. However, in alternative embodiments, the opening 42 could be positioned elsewhere on the housing 10. For example, the housing could be placed on to top, front ora side of the housing 10. The above-described embodiment comprises limiting members that limit upward movement of the door 58 in both in the closed and open positions. However, in an alternative embodiments the limiting members may be configured to only limit such movement of the door 58 in the open position. 5 In the above-described embodiment, the door 58 and the drum 44 are moved by respective motors 82, 56. However, in alternative embodiments, one of both of the door 58 and the drum 44 may be moved manually and the motors 82, 56 may be omitted. For example, a user may slide the door 58 between the open and closed positions. The electric vehicle supply equipment 1 may comprise a handle coupled to the drum actuator or the drum 44 for rotating the drum 44 manually. 10

Claims

1. An electric vehicle supply equipment, the electric vehicle supply equipment comprising a controller and a door assembly in turn comprising a door moveable between an open position and a closed position, the controller comprising one or more processors collectively configured to:receive, from a sensor associated with the door assembly, a first signal indicative of a user interaction with the door;determine, in dependence on the first signal, that the user interaction corresponds to a manual door opening operation; andoutput, in dependence on the determination, a permission signal to the door assembly to permit the door to be moved between the open position and the closed position.

2. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in claim 1 wherein the one or more processors are collectively configured to:obtain an authentication status; andoutput the permission signal in dependence on the determination and the authentication status indicating a presence of an authorised vehicle.

3. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the one or more processors are collectively configured to:receive an opened door signal indicative of the door being in the open position,in dependence on the opened door signal, output a release signal to trigger release of a charging apparatus of the electric vehicle supply equipment.

4. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising the sensor configured to provide the first signal indicative of a user interaction with the door.

5. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in claim 4 wherein the sensor is a miniature snapaction switch.

6. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a door motor configured to drive movement of the door.

7. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in claim 6 wherein the permission signal from the controller instructs the door motor to allow movement of the door.

8. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in 6 or 7 wherein the motor is an induction motor.

9. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8 wherein the motor engages a pinion which in turn engages a rack connected to the door, such that the door is slideable between the open position and the closed position.

10. An electric vehicle supply equipment as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a housing defining a chamber to stow a charging apparatus, the housing having an opening through which the charging apparatus is extendable from and retractable into the chamber wherein the opening is uncovered by the door while in the open position in which the opening is covered by the door while in the closed position.

511. A method for controlling an electric vehicle supply equipment, the electric vehicle supply equipment comprising a door assembly in turn comprising a door moveable between an open position and a closed position, the method comprising:receiving, from a sensor associated with the door assembly, a first signal indicative of a user 10 interaction with the door;determining, in dependence on the signal, that the user interaction corresponds to a manual door opening operation; andoutputting, in dependence on the determination, a permission signal to the door assembly to permit the door to be moved between the open position and the closed position.1512. Computer readable instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method according to claim 11.

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