Car sharing system, car sharing method, program, and computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

To provide a car-sharing system that uses an electric vehicle as a share car, configured to prompt a user to perform charging operation, such as charging a storage battery, when the user executes return processing to return the used electric vehicle.SOLUTION: A car-sharing system that uses an electric vehicle as a share car includes: a charger which charges a storage battery mounted on an electric vehicle; monitoring means which monitors the charger and acquires, when the electric vehicle is connected to the charger, charge / discharge information indicating whether the storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle is in charged state, discharged state, or standby state via the charger; and return processing means which executes return processing of a vehicle used by a user. The return processing means completes the return processing when the charge / discharge information acquired by the monitoring means indicates a charged state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a car-sharing system, a car-sharing method, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a car-sharing system, a car-sharing method, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium suitable for use in a car-sharing system that uses an electric vehicle (EV: Electric Vehicle) equipped with a rechargeable battery (battery) that can be charged from an external charging facility (charger) as a vehicle to be shared in the car-sharing system (hereinafter, the "vehicle to be shared in the car-sharing system" is appropriately referred to as a "shared car"). The electric motor driven by the electricity stored in the battery is used as a power source.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, as a new usage form of vehicles, so-called car-sharing, in which a plurality of members jointly use an automobile as a single vehicle, has attracted attention.

[0004] Here, car-sharing means that the user does not own an automobile as a vehicle, becomes a member of a car-sharing administrator (hereinafter, simply referred to as an "administrator" as appropriate), and borrows an automobile as a vehicle provided by the administrator as needed.

[0005] In addition, there are many cases where car-sharing is to share an automobile as a vehicle among members within a community limited to a certain area, and to check the usage status of the automobile and make reservations for use through an information communication network such as the Internet. Therefore, the lending procedure does not require time, and the lending place and the return place are often set in convenient places for members to use, such as the parking lot of the condominium where they live, or near the commuting station.

[0006] Through such carsharing, users can reduce various costs such as the acquisition cost, maintenance cost, and parking fee of the automobile compared to the case of owning an automobile.

[0007] Furthermore, with the widespread popularization of carsharing, a reduction in the total number of automobiles is expected. By alleviating traffic congestion in urban areas and reducing energy consumption, an effect of suppressing global warming caused by carbon dioxide is also expected.

[0008] By the way, in a system that enables the above-described carsharing (in this specification and the claims, the "system that enables carsharing" is appropriately referred to as the "carsharing system"), an administrator prepares an automobile as a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle device for business purposes, and the administrator provides the automobile to a plurality of registered users.

[0009] Here, the in-vehicle device is a device for managing an automobile as a vehicle by a carsharing system.

[0010] And the user shares the automobile equipped with the in-vehicle device and pays the fees generated along with the use of the automobile to the administrator.

[0011] That is, in such a carsharing system, the administrator manages the carsharing system and maintains and manages the automobiles equipped with in-vehicle devices for the management by the carsharing system.

[0012] In addition, the administrator recruits users who share the automobile, concludes a contract regarding the use of the automobile between the administrator and a plurality of users who respond to the recruitment, and provides the automobiles equipped with in-vehicle devices to the plurality of users.

[0013] Then, each user makes a reservation for the use of an automobile provided by the administrator (i.e., an automobile equipped with an in-vehicle device), and then starts actual use, so that the users share the automobile among themselves.

[0014] In addition, the administrator is also responsible for making reservations for the use of such automobiles and managing the reservation site for making reservations.

[0015] And in the car-sharing system, when returning the used automobile, the user of the automobile pays the administrator the fees generated by the use of the automobile.

[0016] Conventionally, in the car-sharing system as described above, for example, a car-sharing system as shown in FIG. 1 is constructed, and various processes including a reservation process for a user to make a reservation for the use of a vehicle, a reservable vehicle management process for managing the vehicles that can be reserved by the user, a cancellation process for canceling the reservation for the use of the vehicle before the start of use of the vehicle reserved by the user, a return process for the user to return the used vehicle, and an operation management process for managing the operation of the vehicle are appropriately executed.

[0017] That is, FIG. 1 shows an explanatory diagram schematically showing a car-sharing system according to the prior art. The car-sharing system 100 according to this prior art includes various communication devices such as a personal computer 102 of the administrator of the car-sharing system 100, a personal computer 104 of a user who has become a member of the administrator, and an information terminal 106 such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet of the user, etc., and a server 108 connected via an information communication network such as a mobile phone network or the Internet, an in-vehicle device 112 provided in an automobile 110 which is a shared car and connected to the server 108 via an information communication network such as a mobile phone network or the Internet, a card reader 114 attached to a preset position such as near the rear window of the automobile 110 and connected to the in-vehicle device 112, and a key box 116 provided in a preset position such as inside the dashboard of the automobile 110 and connected to the in-vehicle device 112.

[0018] In the above configuration, to reserve and use the automobile 110 using the car-sharing system 100, first, the user registers as a member with the administrator.

[0019] At this time, the administrator creates a registration code unique to each user, and issues an IC card storing the registration code as an authentication code as a use card for using the car-sharing system 100, and provides it to each user.

[0020] In addition to the method of providing each user with an IC card storing the above-described registration code as an authentication code, a method of using the driver's license information recorded on the user's driver's license as a registration code or an authentication code, and using the driver's license as the above-described use card similar to the IC card has also been proposed.

[0021] In addition to the above-described methods, when a user first uses the car-sharing system 100, a method has also been proposed in which a registration code or an authentication code is generated based on an IC card already owned by the user, and the IC card already owned by the user is used as the above-described usage card.

[0022] When the user reserves the automobile 110, the user accesses a reservation site provided in the server 108 using a personal computer 104 or an information terminal 106, etc., checks the reservation status of the automobile 110, and makes a reservation for the automobile 110 that meets the user's requirements.

[0023] Thereafter, when the reserved usage start time arrives, reservation information is sent from the server 108 to the in-vehicle device 112 via the information and communication network, and the card reader 114 is activated.

[0024] On the other hand, the user goes to the parking lot where the automobile 110 is parked at the reserved usage start time, has the above-described usage card read by the card reader 114 to receive authentication, whereby the lock of the door of the automobile 110 is released and the key can be taken out from the key box 116, and the automobile 110 can be used.

[0025] Then, the user uses the automobile 110 until the reserved usage end time. However, before the reserved usage end time, the automobile 110 is parked in a predetermined parking lot, the key is stored in the key box 116, all the doors are closed, and the above-described usage card is read by the card reader 114 to receive authentication, whereby the return process of the automobile 110 is completed and the use of the automobile 110 ends.

[0026] Thereafter, in the in-vehicle device 112, the usage time, the travel distance, and the state of the automobile 110 are confirmed. A distance charge corresponding to the travel distance or the like is added to the time charge corresponding to the confirmed usage time or the like to calculate the charge generated by the use of the automobile 110, and the calculated charge is notified to the user's personal computer 104, information terminal 106, or the like.

[0027] In addition, the administrator can confirm the usage status by such users using a personal computer 102 or the like.

[0028] Furthermore, the administrator can also confirm various troubles on the car-sharing system 100 on this personal computer 102 or the like.

[0029] Here, in such a conventional car-sharing system 100 according to the prior art, for example, when an electric vehicle is used as the automobile 110 which is a share car, it takes a long time to charge the storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle from a charger, and the charging facilities capable of charging the storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle are not sufficiently popularized, which has been an obstacle when using an electric vehicle as a share car.

[0030] For example, when a user who has been using an electric vehicle as a share car returns the electric vehicle, if the power amount of the storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle is not sufficient, there is a problem that even if the next user tries to start using the electric vehicle, there is a risk that the next user cannot reach the destination.

[0031] That is, when a certain user returns an electric vehicle, if the power amount of the storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle is not sufficient, when another user starts using the electric vehicle, the other user has a problem that he / she has to charge the storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle over a long period of time and then depart toward the destination.

[0032] Therefore, in a car-sharing system that uses an electric vehicle as a shared car, when a user returns the electric vehicle used as a shared car, there has been a strong demand for a method that encourages the user to perform charging operations such as charging the battery mounted on the electric vehicle.

[0033] Note that since the prior art known to the applicant of the present application at the time of patent application is not an invention related to a publicly known invention, there is no prior art document information to be described in the specification of the present application.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0034] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned demands of the prior art, and its object is to enable a car-sharing system, a car-sharing method, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium that can encourage a user to perform a charging operation such as charging a battery when performing a return process for returning an electric vehicle used by the user in a car-sharing using an electric vehicle as a shared car.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0035] In order to achieve the above object, the car-sharing system and the car-sharing method according to the present invention are configured such that when performing a return process for returning an electric vehicle used by a user as a shared car, the return process can be completed when it is confirmed that the battery of the electric vehicle is in a charged state or when the connection state between the electric vehicle and a charger can be confirmed.

[0036] Therefore, according to the car-sharing system and the car-sharing method of the present invention, when performing a return process for returning an electric vehicle used by a user as a shared car, if it is impossible to confirm that the battery of the electric vehicle is in a charged state, or if it is impossible to confirm the connection state between the electric vehicle and the charger, the return process cannot be completed. Thus, it becomes possible to prompt the user to perform a charging operation such as charging the battery.

[0037] That is, the car-sharing system according to the present invention is a car-sharing system that uses an electric vehicle as a shared car. The car-sharing system includes a charger that charges a battery mounted on the electric vehicle, a monitoring unit that monitors the charger and, when the electric vehicle is connected to the charger, acquires charge / discharge information indicating whether the battery mounted on the electric vehicle is in a charged state, a discharged state, or a standby state via the charger, and a return processing unit that performs a return process for a vehicle used by a user. The return processing unit is configured to complete the return process when the charge / discharge information acquired by the monitoring unit indicates a charged state.

[0038] Further, the car-sharing system according to the present invention is the car-sharing system according to the present invention described above. The return processing unit has a first notification unit that notifies the user that the battery mounted on the electric vehicle is not in a charged state when the charge / discharge information acquired by the monitoring unit does not indicate a charged state.

[0039] Further, the car-sharing system according to the present invention is the car-sharing system according to the present invention described above. The return processing unit has a second notification unit that notifies the user about a charging operation for the battery mounted on the electric vehicle when the charge / discharge information acquired by the monitoring unit does not indicate a charged state.

[0040] Further, the car-sharing system according to the present invention is a car-sharing system that uses an electric vehicle as a shared car. The system includes a charger for charging a storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle, monitoring means for monitoring the charger and acquiring connection state information indicating a connection state between the electric vehicle and the charger, and return processing means for performing a return process on the vehicle used by a user. The return processing means is configured to complete the return process when the connection state information acquired by the monitoring means indicates that the electric vehicle and the charger are connected.

[0041] Further, the car-sharing system according to the present invention is the car-sharing system according to the present invention described above. When the connection state information acquired by the monitoring means does not indicate that the electric vehicle and the charger are connected, the return processing means has first notification means for notifying the user that the electric vehicle and the charger are not connected.

[0042] Further, the car-sharing system according to the present invention is the car-sharing system according to the present invention described above. When the connection state information acquired by the monitoring means does not indicate that the electric vehicle and the charger are connected, the return processing means has second notification means for notifying the user about a charging operation for the storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle.

[0043] Further, the car-sharing method according to the present invention is a car-sharing method using an electric vehicle as a shared car, and includes a charger for charging a storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle, and a monitoring means for monitoring the charger and obtaining charge / discharge information indicating whether the storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle is in a charging state, a discharging state, or a standby state via the charger when the electric vehicle is connected to the charger, and a return processing means for performing a return process on the vehicle used by the user. The return processing means is configured to complete the return process when the charge / discharge information acquired by the monitoring means indicates a charging state.

[0044] Further, the car-sharing method according to the present invention is the car-sharing method according to the present invention described above. When the charge / discharge information acquired by the monitoring means does not indicate a charging state, the return processing means is configured to notify the user that the storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle is not in a charging state.

[0045] Further, the car-sharing method according to the present invention is the car-sharing method according to the present invention described above. When the charge / discharge information acquired by the monitoring means does not indicate a charging state, the return processing means is configured to notify the user about the charging operation of the storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle.

[0046] Further, the car-sharing method according to the present invention is a car-sharing method using an electric vehicle as a shared car, and includes a charger for charging a storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle, a monitoring means for monitoring the charger and obtaining connection state information indicating the connection state between the electric vehicle and the charger, and a return processing means for performing a return process on the vehicle used by the user. The return processing means is configured to complete the return process when the connection state information acquired by the monitoring means indicates that the electric vehicle and the charger are connected.

[0047] Also, in the car-sharing method according to the present invention, in the car-sharing method according to the present invention described above, when the connection status information acquired by the monitoring means is not the connection status information indicating that the electric vehicle and the charger are connected, the return processing means notifies the user that the electric vehicle and the charger are not connected.

[0048] Also, in the car-sharing method according to the present invention, in the car-sharing method according to the present invention described above, when the connection status information acquired by the monitoring means is not the connection status information indicating that the electric vehicle and the charger are connected, the return processing means notifies the user about the charging operation for the storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle.

[0049] Also, the program according to the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as the above-described car-sharing system.

[0050] Also, the program according to the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described car-sharing method.

[0051] Also, the computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which the above-described program is recorded.

Advantages of the Invention

[0052] Since the present invention is configured as described above, in car-sharing using an electric vehicle as a shared car, when performing return processing for returning the electric vehicle used by the user, it is possible to prompt the user to perform charging operations such as charging the storage battery, which is an excellent effect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0053]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0054] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an example of an embodiment of a car-sharing system, a car-sharing method, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention will be described in detail.

[0055] In the following description, for components that are the same as or equivalent to those of the car-sharing system according to the prior art described with reference to FIG. 1, the same reference numerals as those used above will be used to indicate them, and detailed descriptions of their configurations and operations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0056] (I) Explanation of the overall configuration and operation of the car-sharing system

[0057] Fig. 2 shows an explanatory diagram schematically showing a car-sharing system according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] The car-sharing system 10 according to the present invention shown in Fig. 2 uses an electric vehicle 12 as a shared car.

[0059] The electric vehicle 12 is equipped with a storage battery 14, and the storage battery 14 is monitored and controlled by an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 16 mounted on the electric vehicle 12.

[0060] In addition, for the sake of simplicity of explanation and clarity of the technical content, the description of the conventional car-sharing system 100 described with reference to Fig. 1 has been omitted, but an ECU is also mounted on the automobile 110.

[0061] And the car-sharing system 10, in addition to the configuration of the above-described conventional car-sharing system 100, includes a charger 18 as a charging facility for charging the storage battery 14 mounted on the electric vehicle 12, and a charger monitoring device 20 which is electrically connected to the charger 18 wirelessly or by wire and monitors the charger 18.

[0062] Here, the charger 18 is, for example, a charging facility installed at a place (station) or a parking lot where an electric vehicle 12 that is not in use is waiting.

[0063] In addition to the charging facilities installed at stations or parking lots, the charger 18 naturally includes charging facilities installed at various locations such as roadside stations and shopping malls.

[0064] The electric vehicle 12 and the charger 18 can be electrically connected via an EV plug 22 or the like. Regarding various information related to the electric vehicle 12 and the battery 14, such as the vehicle information of the electric vehicle 12 (the "vehicle information" will be described in detail later) and the information of the battery 14, it is output from the ECU 16 of the electric vehicle 12 to the charger 16 connected to the electric vehicle 12.

[0065] In addition, the charger monitoring device 20 is connected to the server 108 via an information communication network such as a mobile phone network or the Internet.

[0066] In the present specification and the claims below, "electrical connection" will be described simply as "connection" as appropriate.

[0067] (II) Description of the Configuration and Operation of the Charger Monitoring Device

[0068] FIG. 3 shows a block configuration explanatory diagram showing the functional configuration of the charger monitoring device 20 in the car sharing system 10.

[0069] This charger monitoring device 20 is constructed by a computer system, and includes a server information input unit 20a for inputting information from the server 108, a server information output unit 20b for outputting information to the server 108, a charger information input unit 20c for inputting information from the charger 18, a charger information output unit 20d for outputting information to the charger 18, a connection state detection unit 20e for detecting the electrical connection state between the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12, a connection state information acquisition unit 20f for acquiring connection state information indicating the electrical connection state between the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12, a vehicle information acquisition unit 20g for acquiring the vehicle information of the electric vehicle 12 connected to the charger 18 via the charger 18, a charge and discharge information acquisition unit 20h for acquiring the charge and discharge state of the battery 14 mounted on the electric vehicle 12 via the charger 18, and an SOC acquisition unit 20i for acquiring the SOC of the battery 14 mounted on the electric vehicle 12 via the charger 18.

[0070] Here, the server information input unit 20a inputs, from the server 108, inquiries about the information output from the server 108 and various control instructions including charging and discharging in the charger 18.

[0071] Next, the server information output unit 20b responds to inquiries about the information output from the server 108 and various control instructions including charging and discharging in the charger 18, and outputs various information to the server 108 periodically or when there is a change in the information.

[0072] Next, the charger information input unit 20c inputs, from the charger 18, various information including the information of the charger 18 itself output from the charger 18, the electric vehicle 12 connected to the charger 18, and the state of the storage battery 14 mounted on the electric vehicle 12.

[0073] Next, the charger information output unit 20d outputs to the charger 18 inquiries about information to the charger 18 and various control instructions including charging and discharging in the charger 18.

[0074] Next, the connection state detection unit 20e always detects the electrical connection state between the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12, that is, whether they are electrically connected or not, from when the charger monitoring device 20 is started until it is stopped.

[0075] Such an electrical connection state can be detected based on, for example, the insertion / removal state of the EV plug 22 between the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12.

[0076] Specifically, when the EV plug 22 of the charger 18 is inserted into the electric vehicle 12, it is detected that the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12 are electrically connected.

[0077] On the other hand, when the EV plug 22 of the charger 18 is not inserted into the electric vehicle 12, that is, when the EV plug 22 is removed from the electric vehicle 12, it is detected that the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12 are not electrically connected.

[0078] Next, the connection state information acquisition unit 20f acquires connection state information indicating the electrical connection state between the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12.

[0079] That is, the connection state information acquisition unit 20f acquires information indicating whether or not the charger 18 is electrically connected to the electric vehicle 12 via an EV plug or the like. The connection state information, which is the acquisition result, is output from the server information output unit 20b to the server 108.

[0080] Specifically, when the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12 are electrically connected, the connection state information acquisition unit 20f acquires connection state on information as connection state information indicating that the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12 are electrically connected. The connection state on information indicating that the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12 are electrically connected is output from the server information output unit 20b to the server 108.

[0081] Then, the server 108 updates the connection state between the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12 stored in the server 108 to the state where the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12 are electrically connected.

[0082] Also, when the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12 are not electrically connected, the connection state acquisition unit 20f acquires connection state off information as connection state information indicating that the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12 are not electrically connected. The connection state off information indicating that the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12 are not electrically connected is output from the server information output unit 20b to the server 108.

[0083] Then, the server 108 updates the connection state between the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12 stored in the server 108 to the state where the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12 are not electrically connected.

[0084] Next, the vehicle information acquisition unit 20g acquires the vehicle information of the electric vehicle 12 currently connected to the charger 18. Here, the vehicle information is data that can identify the individual of the vehicle 12, for example, the vehicle body number, the number described on the vehicle registration number plate or the vehicle number plate, etc.

[0085] The vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 20g is output from the server information output unit 20b to the server 108.

[0086] Then, the server 108 can identify the electric vehicle 12 currently connected to the charger 18 based on the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 20g.

[0087] Next, the charge / discharge information acquisition unit 20h acquires charge / discharge information indicating whether the storage battery 14 mounted on the electric vehicle 12 currently connected to the charger 18 is in a charging state where charging is being performed, a discharging state where discharging is being performed, or a standby state where neither charging nor discharging is being performed.

[0088] The charge / discharge information acquired by the charge / discharge state acquisition unit 20h is output from the server information output unit 20b to the server 108.

[0089] Then, the server 108 can identify whether the storage battery 14 mounted on the electric vehicle 12 currently connected to the charger 18 is in a charging state, a discharging state, or a standby state based on the charge / discharge information acquired by the charge / discharge state acquisition unit 20g.

[0090] Next, the SOC acquisition unit 20i acquires the SOC of the storage battery 14 mounted on the electric vehicle 12 currently connected to the charger 18.

[0091] The SOC acquired by the SOC acquisition unit 20i is output from the server information output unit 20b to the server 108.

[0092] Then, based on the SOC acquired by the SOC acquisition unit 20h, the server 108 can identify the SOC of the storage battery 14 mounted on the electric vehicle 12 currently connected to the charger 18.

[0093] (III) Outline of processing related to the implementation of the present invention in the car-sharing system

[0094] In the above configuration, in the car-sharing system 10, similar to the conventional car-sharing system 100 described above, various processes are appropriately executed using conventionally known techniques as appropriate, including a reservation process for a user to reserve the use of the electric vehicle 12, a reservable vehicle management process for managing the electric vehicles 12 that can be reserved by the user, a cancellation process for canceling the reservation for the use of the electric vehicle 12 before the start of use of the electric vehicle 12 reserved by the user, a return process for the user to return the used electric vehicle 12, and an operation management process for managing the operation of the electric vehicle 12.

[0095] These various processes are executed by the combined processing of the server 108, the personal computers 102 and 104, the information terminal 106, and the charger monitoring device 20.

[0096] Here, in the car-sharing system 10, since the charger monitoring device 20 is connected to the charger 18 and the charger monitoring device 20 is connected to the server 108, in addition to the conventional processes using the above-described conventionally known techniques, the connection state information between the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12, the vehicle information of the electric vehicle 12 currently connected to the charger 18, the charge and discharge information of the storage battery 14 mounted on the electric vehicle 12, and the SOC of the storage battery 14 mounted on the electric vehicle 12 are output to the server 108.

[0097] That is, by connecting the charger monitoring device 20 to the charger 18, the state of the electric vehicle 12 and the state of the storage battery 14 mounted on the electric vehicle 12 can be monitored via the charger 18, and various monitored information can be reflected in the various information stored in the server 108.

[0098] Therefore, an administrator or user can confirm the reflected information by using various communication devices such as personal computers 102 and 104 and information terminals 106 in the form of images or sounds.

[0099] Then, the various information output to the server 108 is reflected in various processes such as a reservable vehicle management process for managing the electric vehicle 12 that can be reserved by the user, a cancellation process for canceling the reservation of the electric vehicle 12 before the start of use of the electric vehicle 12 reserved by the user, or a return process for returning the electric vehicle 12 used by the user. In addition to the conventional processes using known technologies, processes corresponding to the reflected information are performed and provided to the administrator and the user.

[0100] Therefore, for example, when a user of a car-sharing system makes a reservation for the use of the electric vehicle 12, it becomes possible to avoid making a reservation for an electric vehicle 12 in which the storage battery 14 is not charged with enough electric power to reach the user's destination.

[0101] Also, when a user of a car-sharing system finds that the amount of electric power charged in the storage battery 14 is insufficient before starting the use of the reserved electric vehicle 12, it becomes possible to cancel the reservation for the use of the electric vehicle 12.

[0102] Furthermore, when a user of the car-sharing system finishes using the electric vehicle 12 and performs a return process to return the electric vehicle 12 used by the user, it is possible to determine and manage whether to complete the return process according to the state of the storage battery 14 mounted on the electric vehicle and the connection state between the electric vehicle 12 and the charger 18.

[0103] Hereinafter, the car-sharing system 10 according to the present invention will be described in detail with respect to various processes related to the implementation of the present invention.

[0104] (IV) Explanation of the Process of the Charger Monitoring Device in the Car-Sharing System

[0105] First, the process of the charger monitoring device 20 in the car-sharing system 10 will be described.

[0106] Here, FIG. 4 shows a flowchart showing a charger monitoring process routine related to the implementation of the present invention of the charger monitoring device 20 in the car-sharing system 10.

[0107] This charger monitoring process routine shows the charger monitoring process routine when the charger monitoring device 20 periodically outputs information to the server 108, and is periodically repeated at a predetermined time interval (for example, at 1-second intervals).

[0108] First, when this charger monitoring process routine is started, the connection state detection unit 20e detects whether the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12 are in a connected state (step S402).

[0109] In the detection process of step S402, if it is detected that the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12 are in a connected state (Yes), the process proceeds to step S404, and the connection state on information acquired by the connection state information acquisition unit 20f is output from the server information output unit 20b to the server 108.

[0110] When the process of step S404 ends, the process proceeds to step S406, and the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 20g is output from the server information output unit 20b to the server 108.

[0111] When the process of step S406 ends, the process proceeds to step S408, and the charge / discharge information acquired by the charge / discharge information acquisition unit 20h, that is, the charge / discharge information indicating whether the storage battery 14 is in a charging state, a discharging state, or a standby state, is output from the server information output unit 20b to the server 108.

[0112] When the process of step S408 ends, the process proceeds to step S410, and the SOC acquired by the SOC acquisition unit 20i is output from the server information output unit 20b to the server 108, and this charger monitoring processing routine ends.

[0113] On the other hand, in the detection process of step S402, if it is detected that the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12 are not in a connected state (No), the process proceeds to step S412, and the connection state off information acquired by the connection state information acquisition unit 20f is output from the server information output unit 20b to the server 108, and this charger monitoring processing routine ends.

[0114] Note that the server 108 performs a process of reflecting various information output from the above-described charger monitoring processing routine in various information stored in the server 108.

[0115] Therefore, according to the above-described charger monitoring processing routine, since the charger monitoring processing routine is periodically and repeatedly executed at a predetermined time interval, each time the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12 are connected, various information regarding the electric vehicle 12 and the storage battery 14 of the electric vehicle 12 is output to the server 108, and the server 108 can update the various information to the latest information.

[0116] (V) Explanation of the return process of an electric vehicle in a car-sharing system

[0117] Next, in the car-sharing system 10, the return process for the user to return the electric vehicle 12 used will be explained.

[0118] According to this car-sharing system 10, as described above, connection state information (connection state on information, connection state off information) and charge / discharge information (charge state, discharge state, standby state) can be obtained.

[0119] Therefore, when performing the return process for the user to return the electric vehicle 12 used, if it can be confirmed from the charge / discharge information that the battery 14 of the electric vehicle 12 used by the user is in the charged state, the return process can be completed.

[0120] Alternatively, when performing the return process for the user to return the electric vehicle 12 used, if the connection state between the electric vehicle 12 used by the user and the charger 18 can be confirmed from the connection state information (that is, when the connection state information is the connection state on information), the return process can be completed.

[0121] Here, whether to enable the return process to be completed when it can be confirmed that it is in the above-described charged state, or whether to enable the return process to be completed when the above-described connection state can be confirmed, for example, the return process may be enabled to be completed only when both the charged state and the connection state can be confirmed, or the return process may be enabled to be completed when either one can be confirmed.

[0122] Also, for each individual vehicle or vehicle type of the electric vehicle 12, as described above, the return process may be enabled to be completed only when both can be confirmed, or the return process may be enabled to be completed when either one can be confirmed.

[0123] As described above, when it is possible to confirm that the battery 14 of the electric vehicle 12 used by the user is in a charged state, or when it is possible to confirm the connection state between the electric vehicle 12 used by the user and the charger 18, by enabling the return process to be completed, when performing the return process for returning the electric vehicle 12 used by the user, it is possible to prompt the user to perform charging operations such as charging the battery 14.

[0124] As a result, when the next user uses the electric vehicle 12, it becomes possible to maintain a state in which a sufficient amount of electric power is stored in the battery 14.

[0125] Also, when it is not confirmed that the battery 14 of the electric vehicle 12 used by the user is in a charged state, or when the connection state between the electric vehicle 12 used by the user and the charger 18 is not confirmed, the return process is not completed, so it is possible to prompt the user to return the electric vehicle 12 to the return location equipped with the charger 18 set in advance, and it becomes possible to suppress the return of the electric vehicle 12 to places other than the determined place.

[0126] Here, FIGS. 5 and 6 each show a flowchart showing a return process routine related to the implementation of the present invention in the car-sharing system 10.

[0127] First, as an example, the return process routine shown in FIG. 5 shows an example in which when performing the return process for returning the electric vehicle 12 used by the user, when it is possible to confirm that the battery 14 of the electric vehicle 12 used by the user is in a charged state, the return process can be completed.

[0128] This return process routine is executed when the user performs an operation of the return process for returning the used electric vehicle 12 using various communication devices such as a personal computer 104 and an information terminal 106.

[0129] First, when this return process routine is activated, the electric vehicle 12 to be returned is identified from the vehicle information, and it is determined whether the charge / discharge information regarding the electric vehicle 12 acquired by the charge / discharge information acquisition unit 20h indicates that the electric vehicle 12 is in a charged state (step S502).

[0130] In the determination process of step S502, if it is determined that the charge / discharge information does not indicate that the electric vehicle 12 is in a charged state (No), the process proceeds to step S504. Without completing the return process, the user is notified that the battery 14 of the electric vehicle 12 is not in a charged state by means of the display on the screens of the personal computer 104 and the information terminal 106, the sound from them, or the sound from a speaker (not shown) provided in the key box 116. The user is prompted to perform a connection operation, which is an operation to connect the electric vehicle 12 and the charger 18 (specifically, for example, an operation to connect the electric vehicle 12 and the charger 18 by means of the EV plug 22). The user is notified to perform a charging operation such as a charging operation for charging the battery 14 mounted on the electric vehicle 12, and then the process returns to step S502.

[0131] On the other hand, in the determination process of step S502, if it is determined that the charge / discharge information indicates that the electric vehicle 12 is in a charged state (Yes), the process proceeds to step S506. A conventionally known return process is performed to complete the return process, and this return process routine is terminated.

[0132] Next, as an example, the return process routine shown in FIG. 6 shows an example in which when the connection state between the electric vehicle 12 used by the user and the charger 18 can be confirmed when performing the return process of returning the electric vehicle 12 used by the user, the return process can be completed.

[0133] This return process routine is executed when the user performs an operation of the return process for returning the used electric vehicle 12 by using various communication devices such as the personal computer 104 and the information terminal 106.

[0134] First, when this return processing routine is started, the electric vehicle 12 to be returned is identified from the vehicle information, the connection state between the charger 18 and the electric vehicle 12 is detected by the connection state detection unit 20e, and it is determined whether the connection state information acquired by the connection state information acquisition unit 20f and input to the server 108 is connection state on information or connection state off information (step S602).

[0135] In the determination process of step S602, if it is determined that the connection state information is connection state off information, that is, if the connection state between the electric vehicle 12 and the charger 18 cannot be confirmed, the process proceeds to the process of step S604, without completing the return process, and the user is notified that the electric vehicle 12 and the charger 18 are not connected by the display on the screens of the personal computer 104 and the information terminal 106, the sound from them, or the sound from a speaker (not shown) provided in the key box 116, and the user is prompted to perform a connection operation, which is an operation to connect the electric vehicle 12 and the charger 18 (specifically, for example, an operation to connect the electric vehicle 12 and the charger 18 by the EV plug 22). That is, the user is notified to perform a charging operation such as a charging operation for charging the storage battery 14 mounted on the electric vehicle 12, and then the process returns to the process of step S602.

[0136] On the other hand, in the determination process of step S602, if it is determined that the connection state information is connection state on information, that is, if the connection state between the electric vehicle 12 and the charger 18 can be confirmed, the process proceeds to the process of step S606, and a conventionally known return process is performed to complete the return process, and this return processing routine is terminated.

[0137] Therefore, according to the above-described return processing routine, when performing a return process for returning the electric vehicle used by the user, it becomes possible to prompt the user to perform a charging operation such as a charging operation on the storage battery, and when the next user uses the electric vehicle 12, a sufficient amount of electric power can be maintained in the storage battery 14. At the same time, it is possible to prompt the user to return the electric vehicle 12 to a return location equipped with a charger 18 set in advance, and it is possible to prevent the electric vehicle 12 from being returned to a location other than the determined location.

[0138] (VI) Explanation of the management process of reservable electric vehicles in the car-sharing system

[0139] Next, in the car-sharing system 10, the process when the user manages the reservable electric vehicle 12 on the server 108 will be described.

[0140] According to this car-sharing system 10, as described in the above charger monitoring processing routine, for each electric vehicle 12, the latest SOC can be obtained when the user makes a reservation or actually starts using it.

[0141] Therefore, as an administrator-side process, it becomes possible to restrict the electric vehicle 12 whose SOC is lower than a preset value so that a reservation cannot be made in advance.

[0142] Here, FIG. 7 shows a flowchart showing a reservable vehicle management processing routine related to the implementation of the present invention in the car-sharing system 10.

[0143] Note that this reservable vehicle management processing routine is executed, for example, every time the server 108 updates the SOC.

[0144] First, when this reservable vehicle management processing routine is started, the electric vehicle 12 with the updated SOC is specified from the vehicle information (step S702).

[0145] When the process of step S702 ends, the process proceeds to step S704, and it is determined whether the updated SOC of the electric vehicle 12 identified in the process of step S702 is less than a preset minimum value.

[0146] In the determination process of step S704, if it is determined that the updated SOC is less than the preset minimum value (Yes), the process proceeds to step S706. The time interval from the current time to the preset elapsed time is set as a reservation restriction time zone, and the reservation acquisition of the electric vehicle 12 identified in step S702 in this reservation restriction time zone is restricted so that it cannot be obtained, and this reservation possible vehicle management process routine ends.

[0147] Therefore, in the reservation restriction time zone, if the SOC of the electric vehicle 12 identified in step S702 is less than the preset minimum value, reservation acquisition cannot be performed. On the other hand, if the reservation restriction time zone has passed, reservation acquisition of the electric vehicle 12 identified in step S702 becomes possible.

[0148] Here, the reservation restriction time zone can be, for example, a time interval (for example, several hours) in which it is expected that the SOC of the electric vehicle 12 will recover and become equal to or higher than the minimum value. It may be set individually for each electric vehicle 12 managed by the administrator or for each vehicle type of the electric vehicle 12, or it may be set uniformly for each electric vehicle 12 managed by the administrator. The administrator may set it as appropriate.

[0149] On the other hand, in the determination process of step S704, if it is not determined that the updated SOC is less than the preset minimum value (No), this reservation possible vehicle management process routine ends as it is.

[0150] Therefore, when the SOC of the electric vehicle 12 identified in step S702 is equal to or higher than the preset minimum value, reservation acquisition is not restricted and is possible.

[0151] Therefore, according to the above-described reservable vehicle management processing routine, when a user makes a reservation for using the electric vehicle 12 using various communication devices such as the personal computer 104 and the information terminal 106, it is possible to restrict the reservation of the electric vehicle 12 with an SOC below a preset value during the reservation restricted time zone.

[0152] (VII) Explanation of the cancellation process for the reservation of using an electric vehicle in the car-sharing system

[0153] Next, in the car-sharing system 10, a cancellation process will be described, which is a process for canceling the reservation of using the electric vehicle 12 before the start of use reserved by the user.

[0154] According to this car-sharing system 10, when the administrator cancels the reservation of using the electric vehicle 12 reserved by the user on the grounds that the SOC is low before the start of use, even in a situation where a cancellation fee usually occurs, it is possible to process the cancellation by canceling the reservation without generating a cancellation fee.

[0155] By performing the above-described process, the administrator can improve the convenience for the user.

[0156] Here, FIG. 8 shows a flowchart showing the cancellation processing routine related to the implementation of the present invention in the car-sharing system 10.

[0157] Note that this cancellation processing routine is executed when an operation of the cancellation process, which is a process for canceling the reservation of using the electric vehicle 12 reserved by the user, is performed using various communication devices such as the personal computer 104 and the information terminal 106.

[0158] First, when this cancellation processing routine is started, the electric vehicle 12 to be cancelled, which is the reservation target, is identified from the vehicle information, and it is determined whether or not the timing of the cancellation processing operation for the electric vehicle 12 is within a free time zone, which is a cancellable time zone in which the reservation can be cancelled free of charge for the electric vehicle 12 (step S802).

[0159] Regarding this free time zone, the administrator may appropriately set an arbitrary time zone.

[0160] In the determination process of step S802, if it is not determined that the timing of the cancellation processing operation is within the free time zone, which is a cancellable time zone in which the reservation can be cancelled free of charge (No), the process proceeds to the process of step S804, and it is determined whether or not the SOC of the electric vehicle 12 to be cancelled, which is the reservation target, is equal to or less than an upper limit value set in advance as an upper limit value that can be cancelled free of charge.

[0161] In the determination process of step S804, if it is determined that the SOC of the electric vehicle 12 to be cancelled is equal to or less than the upper limit value (Yes), the process proceeds to the process of step S806, and a free cancellation process is performed to cancel the reservation free of charge without charging the user a cancellation fee, and this cancellation processing routine is terminated.

[0162] Regarding the free cancellation process, a conventionally known technique can be applied.

[0163] On the other hand, in the determination process of step S804, if it is determined that the SOC of the electric vehicle 12 to be cancelled is not equal to or less than the upper limit value (No), the process proceeds to the process of step S808, and a paid cancellation process is performed to charge the user a cancellation fee and cancel the reservation for a fee, and this cancellation processing routine is terminated.

[0164] Regarding the paid cancellation process, a conventionally known technique can be applied.

[0165] On the other hand, in the determination process of step S802, if it is determined (Yes) that the timing of the cancel operation is within the free time zone where cancellation is possible free of charge, the process proceeds to step S806, and a free cancellation process is performed to cancel the reservation free of charge without charging the user a cancellation fee, and this cancellation process routine is terminated.

[0166] Regarding the free cancellation process, as described above, a conventionally known technique can be applied.

[0167] Therefore, according to the above-described cancellation process routine, when the user performs a cancellation process to cancel the reservation for the electric vehicle 12 because the SOC of the reserved electric vehicle 12 is below the above-described upper limit value, even if the cancellation is in a time zone where a cancellation fee normally occurs, the reservation can be cancelled free of charge without generating a cancellation fee.

[0168] (VIII) Operational Effects in the Car Sharing System

[0169] As described above, according to the car sharing system 10 of the present invention, when performing a return process for returning the electric vehicle 12 used by the user as a shared car, if it is possible to confirm that the battery 14 of the electric vehicle 12 is in a charged state or if it is possible to confirm the connection state between the electric vehicle 12 and the charger 18, the return process can be completed. If it is not possible to confirm that the battery 14 of the electric vehicle 12 is in a charged state or if it is not possible to confirm the connection state between the electric vehicle 12 and the charger 18, the return process cannot be completed. Therefore, when performing a return process for returning the electric vehicle used by the user, it is possible to effectively encourage the user to perform charging operations such as charging the battery.

[0170] In addition, according to the car-sharing system 10 of the present invention, the server 108 can appropriately manage various information about the electric vehicle 12 and the storage battery 14 mounted on the electric vehicle 12, which is obtained by the charger monitoring device 20 monitoring the charger 18.

[0171] Therefore, the administrator can monitor and operate the electric vehicle 12 by using a communication terminal such as the personal computer 102, and the convenience of operation management can be improved.

[0172] For example, the administrator can confirm the connection state between the electric vehicle 12 and the charger 18. Therefore, if the connection state becomes unconnected in a situation where it should originally be connected, such a problem can be immediately addressed.

[0173] In addition, the administrator can monitor the SOC of the electric vehicle 12. Therefore, when the SOC is low, the administrator can request the user, an operator on the administrator's side, etc. to perform charging operations such as charging, and can also determine and implement the reservation stop or use stop of the electric vehicle 12.

[0174] Alternatively, when the administrator has installed a call center or the like, the administrator can support the user by contacting the user who has reserved the electric vehicle 12 with a low SOC and asking the user to determine whether to use the vehicle based on the fact that the SOC of the electric vehicle 12 is low.

[0175] In addition, when the storage battery 14 of the electric vehicle 12 is not in a charged state, SOC management can be implemented by requesting charging to the charger 18 via the server 108 and starting charging if necessary.

[0176] In addition, the user can appropriately determine the reservation and start of use of the electric vehicle 12 by using a communication terminal such as the personal computer 104 or the information terminal 106.

[0177] That is, by checking the SOC before reserving the electric vehicle 12, it is possible to avoid reserving an electric vehicle 12 with a low SOC. Also, by checking the SOC before starting the use of the reserved electric vehicle 12, it becomes possible to determine whether to start the use or cancel the use according to the level of the SOC of the reserved electric vehicle 12.

[0178] Furthermore, when the user of the car-sharing system finishes using the electric vehicle 12 and returns the electric vehicle 12, it becomes possible to determine whether to complete the return process according to the connection state between the electric vehicle 12 and the charger 18 and the state of the storage battery 14 mounted on the electric vehicle, and manage it.

[0179] That is, in the car-sharing system 10 according to the present invention, since it is possible to accurately manage the SOC and the charging state of the storage battery 14, etc., it becomes possible to improve the reliability at the time of reservation and return of the electric vehicle 12, and it becomes possible to reduce the occurrence of troubles at the time of reservation and return of the electric vehicle 12 between the administrator and the user.

[0180] That is, in car-sharing, the management of the state of the electric vehicle 12, particularly the SOC, is important because it takes time to charge, unlike gasoline refueling. According to the car-sharing system 10 of the present invention, since the SOC of the electric vehicle 12 can be accurately and easily checked, when the SOC is low, that is, when the remaining battery level is low, it can be used for the administrator's judgment of reservation and use suspension and the user's own use judgment. Specifically, it is possible to avoid inconveniences such as when the user starts using the electric vehicle 12 and there is no remaining battery, for example, the vehicle can only run 10 Km, and it takes dozens of minutes to wait for charging to recover it. Also, even when returning after use, by making the completion of the return process, i.e., the trigger for the end of use, depend on whether the EV plug 22 of the charger 18 is connected to the electric vehicle 12 or whether the storage battery 14 is in a charged state, etc., it is possible to expect the effect of reducing troubles such as the next user not being able to charge during use.

[0181] Furthermore, if the state of the electric vehicle 12 can be monitored and managed in the waiting state for the start of use at a station where the electric vehicle 12 is pre-waiting, since the user can visually confirm the state of the electric vehicle 12 after the start of use, there is not much need for SOC management on the car-sharing system after the start of use.

[0182] Therefore, like the car-sharing system 10 according to the present invention, it can be fully utilized for the operation of car-sharing only by obtaining information from the charger 18.

[0183] (IX) Explanation of Other Embodiments and Variations

[0184] Note that the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms. That is, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0185] For example, the above-described embodiments may be modified as shown in the following (IX-1) to (IX-4).

[0186] (IX-1) In the above-described embodiments, detailed descriptions were omitted to simplify the explanation and facilitate understanding of the present invention. However, in the car-sharing system 10 according to the present invention, it goes without saying that an internal combustion engine vehicle may be used in combination with the electric vehicle 12.

[0187] (IX-2) In the above-described embodiment, the charger monitoring device 20 is connected to the charger 18 wirelessly or by wire, but it goes without saying that it is not limited to this, and the charger monitoring device 20 may be integrally assembled in the charger 18.

[0188] (IX-3) In the above-described embodiment, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet is exemplified as the information terminal 106. However, it goes without saying that the information terminal 106 is not limited to these, and various forms may be used as long as information transmission is possible with the server 108.

[0189] (IX-4) It goes without saying that the above-described embodiment and the modified examples shown in the above-described (IX-1) to (IX-3) may be appropriately combined.

Industrial Applicability

[0190] The present invention can be used for carsharing using an electric vehicle as a shared car.

Explanation of Signs

[0191] 10 Carsharing system 12 Electric vehicle 14 Storage battery 16 ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 18 Charger 20 Charger monitoring device (monitoring means) 20a Server information input section 20b Server information output section 20c Charger information input section 20d Charger information output section 20e Connection state detection section 20f Connection state information acquisition section 20g Vehicle information acquisition section 20h Charge / discharge information acquisition section 20i SOC acquisition section 22 EV plug 100 Car sharing system 102 Personal computer 104 Personal computer 106 Information terminal 108 Server (return processing means, first notification means, second notification means,) 110 Automobile 112 In-vehicle device 114 Card reader 116 Key box

Claims

1. In a car-sharing system that uses an electric vehicle as a shared car, a charger for charging a storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle; monitoring means for monitoring the charger and, when the electric vehicle is connected to the charger, acquiring, via the charger, vehicle information of the electric vehicle, the state of charge (SOC) of the storage battery, and charge / discharge information indicating whether the storage battery is in a charging state, a discharging state, or a standby state; cancellation processing means for canceling, free of charge or for a fee, a reservation for using the vehicle before the start of use of the vehicle reserved by a user; return processing means for performing a return process on the vehicle used by the user and having when the SOC of the electric vehicle in the vehicle information acquired by the monitoring means is lower than a preset value, the cancellation processing means cancels the reservation for using the electric vehicle in the vehicle information free of charge; when the charge / discharge information acquired by the monitoring means indicates a charging state, the return processing means completes the return process A car-sharing system characterized by the above.

2. In the car-sharing system according to Claim 1, when the charge / discharge information acquired by the monitoring means does not indicate a charging state, the return processing means has first notification means for notifying the user that the storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle is not in a charged state. A car-sharing system characterized by the above.

3. In the car-sharing system according to any one of Claims 1 or 2, when the charge / discharge information acquired by the monitoring means does not indicate a charging state, the return processing means has second notification means for notifying the user about a charging operation for the storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle. A car-sharing system characterized by the above.

4. In a car-sharing system that uses an electric vehicle as a shared car, a charger for charging a storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle, monitoring means for monitoring the charger, obtaining connection state information indicating a connection state between the electric vehicle and the charger, and when the electric vehicle is connected to the charger, obtaining vehicle information of the electric vehicle and the SOC of the storage battery via the charger; cancellation processing means for canceling, free of charge or for a fee, a reservation for using the vehicle before the start of use of the vehicle reserved by the user; return processing means for performing a return process on the vehicle used by the user and when the SOC for the electric vehicle of the vehicle information obtained by the monitoring means is lower than a preset value, the cancellation processing means cancels the reservation for using the electric vehicle of the vehicle information free of charge; when the connection state information obtained by the monitoring means is connection state information indicating that the electric vehicle and the charger are connected, the return processing means completes the return process A car-sharing system characterized by this.

5. In the car-sharing system according to claim 4, when the connection state information obtained by the monitoring means is not connection state information indicating that the electric vehicle and the charger are connected, the return processing means has first notification means for notifying the user that the electric vehicle and the charger are not connected. A car-sharing system characterized by this.

6. In the car-sharing system according to any one of claims 4 or 5, When the connection status information acquired by the monitoring means is not the connection status information indicating that the electric vehicle and the charger are connected, the return processing means has second notification means for notifying the user about the charging operation of the storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle. A car-sharing system characterized by this.

7. In a car-sharing method using an electric vehicle as a shared car, A charger for charging a storage battery mounted on an electric vehicle, Monitoring the charger, and when the electric vehicle is connected to the charger, vehicle information of the electric vehicle, the SOC of the storage battery, and charge / discharge information indicating whether the storage battery is in a charging state, a discharging state, or a standby state are acquired via the charger. Monitoring means, Cancellation processing means for canceling the reservation of the vehicle used by the user free of charge or for a fee before the start of use of the reserved vehicle, Return processing means for returning the vehicle used by the user A car-sharing method having When the SOC of the electric vehicle in the vehicle information acquired by the monitoring means is lower than a preset value, the cancellation processing means cancels the reservation of the use of the electric vehicle in the vehicle information free of charge. When the charge / discharge information acquired by the monitoring means indicates a charging state, the return processing means completes the return processing. A car-sharing method characterized by this.

8. In the car-sharing method according to Claim 7, When the charge / discharge information acquired by the monitoring means does not indicate a charging state, the return processing means notifies the user that the storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle is not in a charged state. A car-sharing method characterized by this.

9. In the car-sharing method according to any one of Claims 7 or 8, When the charge / discharge information acquired by the return processing means does not indicate a charged state, the user is notified of the charging operation for the storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle. A car-sharing method characterized by the above.

10. In a car-sharing method using an electric vehicle as a shared car, A charger for charging a storage battery mounted on an electric vehicle, Monitoring means for monitoring the charger, acquiring connection state information indicating the connection state between the electric vehicle and the charger, and when the electric vehicle is connected to the charger, acquiring the vehicle information of the electric vehicle and the SOC of the storage battery via the charger; Cancellation processing means for canceling, free of charge or for a fee, the reservation for using the vehicle before the start of use of the vehicle reserved by the user; Return processing means for returning the vehicle used by the user; A car-sharing method having: When the SOC of the electric vehicle in the vehicle information acquired by the monitoring means is lower than a preset value, the cancellation processing means cancels the reservation for using the electric vehicle in the vehicle information free of charge; When the connection state information acquired by the monitoring means indicates that the electric vehicle and the charger are connected, the return processing means completes the return processing. A car-sharing method characterized by the above.

11. In the car-sharing method according to claim 10, When the connection state information acquired by the monitoring means does not indicate that the electric vehicle and the charger are connected, the return processing means notifies the user that the electric vehicle and the charger are not connected. A car-sharing method characterized by the above.

12. In the car-sharing method according to any one of claims 10 or 11, when the connection status information acquired by the monitoring means is not connection status information indicating that the electric vehicle and the charger are connected, the return processing means notifies the user of the charging operation of the storage battery mounted on the electric vehicle. A car-sharing method characterized by this.

13. A program for causing a computer to function as the car-sharing system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.

14. A program for causing a computer to execute the car-sharing method according to any one of claims 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12.

15. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to any one of claims 13 or 14 is recorded.

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