Electric vehicles and electric vehicle systems

Abstract

To provide an electric vehicle capable of appropriately controlling electric power such as charging when the electric vehicle is compatible with a plurality of versions of predetermined communication standards.SOLUTION: An electric vehicle 10 comprises a communication section 13 compatible with a plurality of versions (A to C) of predetermined communication standards. The electric vehicle 10 also has a processor 14a (control section) which controls the communication section 13 so that electric power control protocol communication between the electric vehicle 10 and an EVSE 20 (electric vehicle supply equipment) can be made through predetermined communication standards. A degree of priority is preliminarily set for the plurality of versions. The processor 14a determines the version to be used for the electric power control protocol communication according to the degree of priority.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electric vehicles and electric vehicle systems. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, the charging system described in JP 2020-127296 A (Patent Document 1) includes a vehicle and a charger that are electrically connected to each other. The vehicle includes a CPU that charges the battery by controlling the transmission and reception of messages according to a specified communication sequence. If the message received from the charger is a predetermined specific signal, the CPU proceeds with the communication sequence regardless of the content represented by the specific signal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-127296 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, as described above, when the message received from the charger is a predetermined specific signal, the vehicle's CPU proceeds with the communication sequence regardless of the content of the specific signal. However, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the communication standard used for charging protocol communication between the vehicle and the charger. For example, when a vehicle is compatible with multiple versions of a predetermined communication standard, one of the multiple versions may be randomly selected, resulting in an inappropriate version being used for charging protocol communication. In this case, it is considered difficult to charge the vehicle. Therefore, there is a demand for an electric vehicle that can appropriately perform power control, such as charging, when the electric vehicle is compatible with multiple versions of a predetermined communication standard.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an electric vehicle and an electric vehicle system that are capable of appropriately performing power control such as charging when the electric vehicle is compatible with multiple versions of a specified communication standard. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electric vehicle according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is an electric vehicle capable of power control including at least one of charging from a power stand that supports at least one version of a predetermined communication standard and supplying power to the power stand, and is equipped with a communication unit that supports multiple versions of the predetermined communication standard, and a control unit that controls the communication unit so that power control protocol communication between the electric vehicle and the power stand is carried out using the predetermined communication standard, with priorities set in advance for the multiple versions, and the control unit determining the version to be used for power control protocol communication based on the priority.

[0007] In the electric vehicle according to the first aspect, as described above, the control unit determines the version to be used for power control protocol communication based on the priority. This allows the version of the predetermined communication standard to be selected based on the priority, making it possible to easily reduce the possibility of a version inappropriate for power control protocol communication being randomly selected. Therefore, when the electric vehicle supports multiple versions of the predetermined communication standard, it is possible to easily select an appropriate version and perform appropriate power control.

[0008] In the electric vehicle according to the first aspect, the multiple versions preferably include a first version and a second version having a lower priority than the first version, and the control unit performs control to switch to communication using the second version when communication using the first version fails in power control protocol communication. With this configuration, communication using the second version is possible even if communication using the first version having a relatively high priority fails, so failure of power control protocol communication can be more reliably prevented compared to when communication is attempted using only the first version.

[0009] In this case, preferably, when communication using the first version fails in power control protocol communication, the control unit performs control to switch to communication using the second version, which has a priority one level lower than that of the first version. With this configuration, it is possible to preferentially check whether communication using the second version, which has the second highest priority after the first version, is possible.

[0010] In the electric vehicle according to the first aspect, preferably, the communication unit acquires information relating to past performance of power control protocol communication corresponding to each of the plurality of versions, and the control unit determines the version to be used for the power control protocol communication based on the performance information and the priority. With this configuration, the version to be used for the power control protocol communication can be determined taking into account the performance of the power control protocol communication in addition to the priority. As a result, failure of the power control protocol communication can be more reliably prevented than when the version to be used for the power control protocol communication is determined based only on the priority.

[0011] In this case, preferably, the information on the past performance includes information on whether power control protocol communication has been possible in the past, the multiple versions include versions in which power control protocol communication has been possible in the past and versions in which power control protocol communication has not been possible in the past, and the control unit determines the version in which power control protocol communication has been possible in the past as the version to be used for power control protocol communication. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the selection of a version in which power control protocol communication has not been possible in the past, and therefore it is possible to more reliably prevent failure of power control protocol communication.

[0012] In an electric vehicle in which the information on performance includes information on the feasibility of power control protocol communication, preferably, when there are multiple versions that have been capable of power control protocol communication in the past, the control unit determines the version with the highest priority among the multiple versions that have been capable of power control protocol communication in the past as the version to be used for power control protocol communication. With this configuration, the version that is most suitable for power control protocol communication among the multiple versions that have been capable of power control protocol communication in the past can be used for power control protocol communication.

[0013] In this case, preferably, when all of the power control protocol communication using multiple versions that have previously been possible for power control protocol communication have failed, the control unit performs control to switch to communication using a version that has previously been impossible for power control protocol communication. With this configuration, the possibility of successful power control protocol communication can be increased compared to when there is no switch to a version that has previously been impossible for power control protocol communication.

[0014] In the electric vehicle that performs control to switch to communication using a version with which power control protocol communication was previously impossible, preferably, the control unit controls the communication unit so that, when communication using a version with which power control protocol communication was previously impossible is successful, information regarding the feasibility of power control protocol communication corresponding to the version with which power control protocol communication was successful is updated. With this configuration, the version to be used for power control protocol communication in the next power control protocol communication can be determined based on the latest information regarding the feasibility of power control protocol communication.

[0015] In the electric vehicle according to the first aspect, the communication unit is preferably configured to communicate with a first server in which information related to the performance of power control protocol communication is stored, and the control unit controls the communication unit to acquire the information related to the performance of power control protocol communication from the first server. With this configuration, it is not necessary to store the information related to the performance in the electric vehicle. As a result, it is possible to avoid the need to store the information related to the performance in a storage device or the like of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the amount of data stored in a storage device or the like of the electric vehicle.

[0016] In the electric vehicle according to the first aspect, the communication unit is preferably configured to communicate with a second server in which information about the priority is stored, and the control unit controls the communication unit to acquire the information about the priority from the second server. With this configuration, there is no need to store the information about the priority in the electric vehicle. As a result, it is possible to avoid the need to store the information about the priority in a storage device or the like of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, it is possible to further reduce the amount of data stored in a storage device or the like of the electric vehicle.

[0017] An electric vehicle system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes a power stand that supports at least one version of a predetermined communication standard, and an electric vehicle that is capable of power control including at least one of charging from the power stand and supplying power to the power stand, wherein the electric vehicle includes a communication unit that supports multiple versions of the predetermined communication standard, and a control unit that controls the communication unit so that power control protocol communication between the electric vehicle and the power stand is performed using the predetermined communication standard, and the multiple versions are prioritized in advance, and the control unit determines the version to be used for power control protocol communication based on the priority.

[0018] In the electric vehicle system according to the second aspect, as described above, the control unit determines the version to be used for power control protocol communication based on the priority. This allows the version of the predetermined communication standard to be selected based on the priority, thereby easily reducing the possibility of a version inappropriate for power control protocol communication being randomly selected. Therefore, when an electric vehicle supports multiple versions of a predetermined communication standard, it is possible to provide an electric vehicle system that can easily select an appropriate version and perform appropriate power control. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present disclosure, when an electric vehicle is compatible with multiple versions of a predetermined communication standard, power control such as charging can be performed appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an electric vehicle, an EVSE, and a server according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between each version of a predetermined communication standard and priority according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating sequence control between an electric vehicle, an EVSE, and a server according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an electric vehicle, an EVSE, and a server according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between each version of a predetermined communication standard and the performance of power control protocol communication according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating sequence control between an electric vehicle, an EVSE, and a server according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between each version of a predetermined communication standard and the performance of power control protocol communication after updating according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0022] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electric vehicle 10 and an electric vehicle system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] The electric vehicle system 1 includes an electric vehicle 10 and an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) 20. The EVSE 20 is an example of the "power station" of the present disclosure.

[0024] Electric vehicle 10 is configured to be able to communicate with EVSE 20 according to a predetermined communication standard. Examples of the predetermined communication standard include the CHAdeMO standard, the GB / T standard, and the CSS (Communications Standards Summary) standard.

[0025] The server 100 is a server that manages communication between the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20. The server 100 is configured to be able to communicate with each of the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20. The server 100 is an example of a "second server" in the present disclosure.

[0026] The server 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, and a communication unit 103. The processor 101 performs predetermined information processing. The memory 102 is configured to be able to store various types of information. The memory 102 stores programs executed by the processor 101 as well as information used in the programs (for example, maps, mathematical formulas, and various parameters). The communication unit 103 includes various communication I / Fs.

[0027] Server 100 is also configured to manage information on a plurality of registered electric vehicles 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "vehicle information"), information on each registered user (hereinafter also referred to as "user information"), and information on registered EVSEs 20 (hereinafter also referred to as "EVSE information"). The user information, vehicle information, and EVSE information are distinguished by identification information (ID) and stored in memory 102.

[0028] The user ID is identification information for identifying a user, and also functions as information (terminal ID) for identifying the mobile terminal 16 carried by the user. The server 100 is configured to store information received from the mobile terminal 16 separately for each user ID. The user information includes the communication address of the mobile terminal 16 carried by the user and the vehicle ID of the electric vehicle 10 belonging to the user.

[0029] The vehicle ID is identification information for identifying the electric vehicle 10. The vehicle ID may be a license plate or a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The vehicle information includes the travel schedule of each electric vehicle 10.

[0030] The EVSE-ID is identification information for identifying the EVSE 20. The EVSE information includes the communication address of each EVSE 20 and the status of the electric vehicle 10 connected to each EVSE 20. The EVSE information also includes information indicating the combination of the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20 that are connected to each other (for example, a combination of the EVSE-ID and the vehicle ID).

[0031] The electrically powered vehicle 10 is configured to be capable of power control, including charging from the EVSE 20 (external charging) and power supply to the EVSE 20 (external power supply). The electrically powered vehicle 10 includes, for example, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a battery electric vehicle (BEV), and a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The electrically powered vehicle 10 may also include at least one of a vehicle owned by an individual (a personally owned vehicle (POV)) and a vehicle managed by a mobility as a service (MaaS) operator (a MaaS vehicle). The electrically powered vehicle 10 may also be configured to be capable of only one of external power supply and external charging.

[0032] The electric vehicle 10 includes a traction motor 11, a battery 12, a communication unit 13, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 14, and a charger / discharger 15.

[0033] The battery 12 supplies power to the driving motor 11. The battery 12 includes a secondary battery that stores power for driving. The secondary battery is a battery pack including a plurality of lithium-ion batteries or a plurality of nickel-metal hydride batteries. Note that other power storage devices such as an electric double layer capacitor may be used instead of the secondary battery.

[0034] Furthermore, the communication unit 13 communicates with each of the server 100 and the EVSE 20. The communication unit 13 may include a communication I / F compatible with a DCM (Data Communication Module) or 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system).

[0035] The ECU 14 performs power control (charge control and discharge control) of the battery 12. The ECU 14 includes a processor 14a and a storage device 14b. The ECU 14 may be a computer or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage device 14b is configured to be able to save stored information. In addition to programs, the storage device 14b stores information used by the programs (for example, maps, formulas, and various parameters). The processor 14a executes the programs stored in the storage device 14b, thereby performing various controls in the ECU 14. The processor 14a is an example of a "control unit" in the present disclosure.

[0036] EVSE 20 refers to a vehicle power supply facility. Electrically powered vehicle 10 is configured to be electrically connectable to EVSE 20. For example, by connecting a charging cable 30 connected to EVSE 20 to an inlet of electric vehicle 10, it becomes possible to exchange power between EVSE 20 and electric vehicle 10. The number of EVSEs 20 managed by electric vehicle system 1 is arbitrary and may be around five, ten or more, or even one hundred or more.

[0037] The EVSE 20 includes a DC-type EVSE. Therefore, DC power is supplied from the electric vehicle 10 to the EVSE 20, and DC / AC conversion is performed by an inverter built into the EVSE 20. The charger / discharger 15 that adjusts the charge / discharge power of the battery 12 of the electric vehicle 10 is configured to adjust the charge / discharge power using, for example, a DC / DC converter. However, it is not essential that the EVSE 20 be of the DC type, and it may be of the AC type.

[0038] Furthermore, the EVSE 20 supports at least one version of the predetermined communication standard. In the first embodiment, the EVSE 20 supports versions A, B, and C of the predetermined communication standard. In the first embodiment, the versions are most recent in the order of version A, version B, and version C.

[0039] Furthermore, the communication unit 13 of the electrically powered vehicle 10 supports multiple versions of the predetermined communication standard. In the first embodiment, the EVSE 20 supports version A, version B, and version C of the predetermined communication standard. Although an example has been described in which the electrically powered vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20 support the same version, the supported versions may be different from each other.

[0040] Furthermore, the processor 14a of the electric vehicle 10 controls the communication unit 13 so that power control protocol communication between the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20 is performed using the predetermined communication standard. Specifically, the processor 14a performs control to determine the version of the predetermined communication standard used in power control protocol communication between the communication unit 13 and the EVSE 20. A method for determining the version will be described in detail later. Note that the power control protocol communication in the first embodiment refers to communication for determining the protocol between the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20 that is necessary to start power control.

[0041] Furthermore, priorities (priorities) are set in advance for the multiple versions (A to C) of the predetermined communication standard. For example, the priority is set in descending order of newness of the version (i.e., A, B, C). Information relating to the priorities is stored in memory 102 of server 100. Specifically, memory 102 stores the relationship between priorities and versions of the predetermined communication standard. Memory 102 may also store a table in which priorities are associated with versions of the predetermined communication standard.

[0042] Here, a conventional charging system is known that includes an electric vehicle and that, when a message received from an EVSE is a predetermined specific signal, proceeds with a communication sequence regardless of the content of the specific signal. However, this charging system does not take into consideration the communication standard used for charging protocol communication between the electric vehicle and the EVSE. For example, when a vehicle is compatible with multiple versions of a predetermined communication standard, one of the multiple versions may be randomly selected, resulting in an inappropriate version being used for charging protocol communication. In this case, it is considered difficult to charge the vehicle. Therefore, there is a demand for an electric vehicle (electric vehicle system) that can appropriately perform power control, such as charging, when the electric vehicle is compatible with multiple versions of a predetermined communication standard.

[0043] Therefore, in the first embodiment, processor 14a of electric vehicle 10 determines the version to be used in power control protocol communication based on the priority. Specifically, processor 14a controls communication unit 13 so that information related to the priority is acquired from server 100 (memory 102). Then, processor 14a selects the version to be used in power control protocol communication based on the acquired information related to the relationship between the priority and the multiple versions (A to C).

[0044] In particular, the processor 14a (first) selects version A, which has the highest priority among the multiple versions (A to C), as the version to be used for power control protocol communication.

[0045] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when communication using version A fails in power control protocol communication, processor 14a performs control to switch to communication using version B, which has a priority one level lower than version A. In this case, version A and version B are examples of the "first version" and "second version" of the present disclosure, respectively. Note that a "failure" in communication includes, for example, a case where a response signal is not returned from the EVSE within a predetermined period in response to a request signal from the vehicle, or a case where the EVSE does not respond even after a retry operation.

[0046] Thereafter, if communication using version B also fails in the power control protocol communication, the processor 14a performs control to switch to communication using version C, which has a priority one level lower than version B. In this case, version B and version C are examples of the "first version" and "second version" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0047] (Sequence control) Next, a method for determining the version of a predetermined communication standard to be used in power control protocol communication will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining the version to be used in protocol communication until power control starts.

[0048] First, in step S1, the server 100 transmits information relating to the priority (information relating to the relationship between the priority and the version of a predetermined communication standard, see FIG. 2) to the electrically powered vehicle 10 (the communication unit 13). At this time, the electrically powered vehicle 10 (the processor 14a) controls the communication unit 13 so that the information relating to the priority is acquired from the server 100 (the memory 102).

[0049] Next, in step S2, the processor 14a selects the version with the highest priority (version A) as the version to be used for communication with the EVSE 20 based on the information on the priority acquired in step S1.

[0050] As a result, in step S3, communication using version A is started between the electrically powered vehicle 10 (communication unit 13) and the EVSE 20. As a result, the electrically powered vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20 can exchange information with each other.

[0051] Next, in step S4, the electric vehicle 10 (communication unit 13) transmits information about the version used for communication to the EVSE 20. Specifically, the communication unit 13 notifies the EVSE 20 that version A will be used for communication with the EVSE 20.

[0052] Next, in step S5, a version to be used for power control protocol communication is determined based on the information transmitted in step S4 from electric vehicle 10 to EVSE 20. For example, electric vehicle 10 and EVSE 20 may determine to perform power control protocol communication by mutually using version A selected in step S2.

[0053] Next, in step S6, the processor 14a determines whether or not power control protocol communication using version A fails (determines communication compatibility). Specifically, the determination may include an adhesion check stage, an insulation test stage, a handshake stage, and a power control specification configuration stage.

[0054] In the adhesion check stage, it is determined whether or not the contactors provided in the electric vehicle 10 are stuck. In the insulation test stage, the insulation between the wiring between the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20, which are electrically connected to each other, is determined. In the handshake stage, charging (discharging) compatibility information and identification messages are exchanged between the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20. In the power control specification configuration stage, the electric vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20 send and receive various charging (discharging) specification messages to determine whether charging (discharging) is possible between them.

[0055] If it is determined in step S6 that the power control protocol communication has failed (Yes in S6), the process proceeds to step S61. If it is determined in step S6 that the power control protocol communication has succeeded (No in S6), the process proceeds to step S7.

[0056] In step S61, the processor 14a determines whether there is a version for which the possibility of power control protocol communication has not been confirmed. If it is determined in step S61 that there is a version for which the possibility of power control protocol communication has not been confirmed (Yes in S61), the process proceeds to step S62. If it is determined in step S61 that there is no version for which the possibility of power control protocol communication has not been confirmed (No in S61), the process ends. Specifically, at the time of the first execution of step S61, the possibility of power control protocol communication using versions B and C has not been confirmed. Therefore, the process proceeds from step S61 to step S62.

[0057] In step S62, the processor 14a switches the version used for power control protocol communication to a version with a priority level lowered by one among versions for which the feasibility of power control protocol communication has not been confirmed. That is, the processor 14a switches the version used for power control protocol communication to a version with a priority level higher than that among versions for which the feasibility of power control protocol communication has not been confirmed. Specifically, if it is determined in step S6 that power control protocol communication using version A has failed, the version used for power control protocol communication is switched to version B, which has the next highest priority after version A.

[0058] Thereafter, the process returns to the point between steps S2 and S3, and the processes from step S3 onward are repeated. Specifically, in the second step S6, it is determined whether or not power control protocol communication using version B, which was switched to in step S62, will fail. If the process then proceeds to step S62, the version used in power control protocol communication is switched to version C, which has the next highest priority after version B.

[0059] Thereafter, the process returns to the point between steps S2 and S3. In step S6 for the third time, it is determined whether or not power control protocol communication using version C, which was switched to in step S62, will fail. If the process then proceeds to step S61, it is determined that there are no versions for which the feasibility of power control protocol communication has not been confirmed (No in S61), and the process ends.

[0060] On the other hand, in step S7, power control between the electrically powered vehicle 10 and the EVSE 20 is started based on the version determined in step S6 to be capable of power control protocol communication.

[0061] [Second embodiment] Next, control in an electric vehicle 110 (electric vehicle system 21) according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Unlike the first embodiment in which the version of a predetermined communication standard used in power control protocol communication is determined based only on the priority, the second embodiment determines the version based on the priority and the performance of power control protocol communication. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electric vehicle 110 and an electric vehicle system 21 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] The electric vehicle system 21 includes an electric vehicle 110 and an EVSE 20.

[0064] Server 200 is a server that manages communication between electric vehicle 110 and EVSE 20. Server 200 is configured to be able to communicate with each of electric vehicle 110 and EVSE 20. Server 200 is an example of the "first server" and "second server" of the present disclosure.

[0065] The server 200 includes a processor 201, a memory 202, and a communication unit 203. The processor 201 performs predetermined information processing. The memory 202 is configured to be able to store various types of information. In addition to programs executed by the processor 201, the memory 202 stores information used in the programs (for example, maps, mathematical formulas, and various parameters). The communication unit 203 includes various communication I / Fs.

[0066] The memory 202 of the server 200 stores information about the performance of power control protocol communication in addition to the information about priority in the first embodiment. The information about the performance of power control protocol communication includes information about whether past (previous) power control protocol communication was possible. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the memory 202 stores information about whether past (previous) power control protocol communication was possible, corresponding to each of versions A to C. For example, the memory 202 may store a table in which priority, version information, and the performance are associated with each other. In the second embodiment, it is assumed, as an example, that past power control protocol communication using version A failed, while past power control protocol communication using versions B and C was successful.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 4, the electric vehicle 110 includes a communication unit 113 and an ECU 114. The communication unit 113 communicates with each of the server 200 and the EVSE 20. The ECU 114 includes a processor 114a and a storage device 114b. The processor 114a executes a program stored in the storage device 114b, thereby performing various types of control in the ECU 114. The processor 114a is an example of a "control unit" in the present disclosure.

[0068] The processor 114a controls the communication unit 113 so that the information relating to the performance of the power control protocol communication (see FIG. 5) is acquired from the server 200 (memory 202). That is, the communication unit 113 acquires, based on the control (command) of the processor 114a, information relating to the performance of past power control protocol communication corresponding to each of versions A to C from the memory 202.

[0069] In the second embodiment, the processor 114a determines the version to be used for power control protocol communication based on the information on the performance and the priority. That is, the processor 114a determines the version to be used for power control protocol communication based on the priority and information on whether or not power control protocol communication was successful in the past (previous).

[0070] Specifically, the processor 114a determines a version that was previously (previously) capable of power control protocol communication (hereinafter referred to as a version with a track record of "OK") as the version to be used for power control protocol communication. In particular, when there are multiple versions with a track record of "OK", the processor 114a determines the version with the highest priority among the multiple versions with a track record of "OK" as the version to be used for power control protocol communication. In the second embodiment, as described above, since versions B and C have a track record of "OK", version B with the highest priority is (first) determined as the version to be used for power control protocol communication.

[0071] Furthermore, if power control protocol communication using a version with a "good" track record fails, the processor 114a performs control to switch to communication using a version with a priority one level lower than the failed version. In other words, if power control protocol communication using version B fails, the processor 114a selects version C as the next version to be used for power control protocol communication.

[0072] Furthermore, in the case where all communications using multiple versions with a track record of "OK" have failed in power control protocol communications, the processor 114a controls to switch to communications using a version with which power control protocol communications have previously been impossible (hereinafter referred to as a version with a track record of "NOT OK"). Specifically, if power control protocol communications using versions B and C have failed, the processor 114a next selects version A as the version to be used for power control protocol communications. Note that, when there are multiple versions with a track record of "NOT OK," the processor 114a checks whether communication is possible based on each of the multiple versions with a track record of "NOT OK" in descending order of priority.

[0073] Furthermore, the processor 114a controls the communication unit 113 so that, when power control protocol communication using a version with a track record of "not possible" is successful, information relating to the possibility of power control protocol communication corresponding to the successful version is updated. Specifically, when power control protocol communication using version A is successful, the track record (possibility) corresponding to version A stored in the memory 202 of the server 200 is changed to "possible."

[0074] If communication using a version with a track record of "OK" fails, the processor 114a controls the communication unit 113 so that information relating to the possibility of power control protocol communication corresponding to the failed version is updated. Specifically, if power control protocol communication using version B (C) fails, the track record (possibility) corresponding to version B (C) stored in the memory 202 of the server 200 is changed to "NOT OK."

[0075] (Sequence control) Next, a method for determining the version of a predetermined communication standard to be used in power control protocol communication will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining the version to be used in protocol communication until power control starts.

[0076] Steps S11 to S13 are similar to steps S1 to S3 (see FIG. 3) in the first embodiment, respectively, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0077] In step S14, the electrically powered vehicle 110 (processor 114a) identifies the EVSE 20 for which power control is to be performed. For example, the processor 114a may identify the EVSE 20 based on the EVSE-ID or model number information of the EVSE 20 transmitted from the EVSE 20, or a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, etc.

[0078] Next, in step S15, server 200 transmits information (see FIG. 5) relating to whether or not power control protocol communication was possible in the past (previous) corresponding to EVSE 20 identified by processor 114a in step S14 to communication unit 113. That is, processor 114a controls communication unit 113 so that information relating to whether or not power control protocol communication was possible corresponding to EVSE 20 identified in step S14 is acquired from server 200 (memory 202).

[0079] Next, in step S16, the processor 114a determines a version to be used for power control protocol communication based on the information regarding whether or not power control protocol communication was possible in the past (previous) acquired in step S15 and the above-mentioned priority. Specifically, the processor 114a determines version B, which has the highest priority among versions B and C with a track record of "OK," as the version to be used for power control protocol communication. Note that if there is no version with a track record of "OK" as of step S16, the processor 114a may determine the version with the highest priority among versions with a track record of "NOT OK" as the version to be used for power control protocol communication.

[0080] Next, in step S17, communication between the electrically powered vehicle 10 (communication unit 113) and the EVSE 20 is started using the version determined in step S16.

[0081] The following steps S18 and S19 are similar to steps S4 and S5 (see FIG. 3) in the first embodiment, respectively, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0082] Next, in step S20, processor 114a determines whether or not power control protocol communication using version B will fail (determines communication compatibility). A specific example of the determination is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0083] If the power control protocol communication fails in step S20 (Yes in S20), the process proceeds to step S201. If the power control protocol communication succeeds in step S20 (No in S20), the process proceeds to step S21.

[0084] In step S201, the processor 114a determines whether there is a version whose track record is "OK" and whose ability to perform power control protocol communication has not been confirmed. If it is determined in step S201 that there is a version whose track record is "OK" and whose ability to perform power control protocol communication has not been confirmed (Yes in S201), the process proceeds to step S202. If it is determined in step S201 that there is no version whose track record is "OK" and whose ability to perform power control protocol communication has not been confirmed (No in S201), the process proceeds to step S203.

[0085] Specifically, at the time of the first step S201, the feasibility of power control protocol communication has been confirmed only for version B out of versions B and C, which have a track record of "OK." In other words, the feasibility of power control protocol communication using version C has not been confirmed. Therefore, the process proceeds from step S201 to step S202.

[0086] In step S202, the processor 114a switches the version used for power control protocol communication to a version with a track record of "OK" and a priority level lowered by one among versions for which the feasibility of power control protocol communication has not been confirmed. That is, in step S202, the processor 114a switches the version used for power control protocol communication to a version with a track record of "OK" and a priority level higher than any other version for which the feasibility of power control protocol communication has not been confirmed. Specifically, if it is determined in step S20 that power control protocol communication using version B has failed, in step S202 the version used for power control protocol communication is switched from version B to version C. In this case, versions B and C are examples of the "first version" and "second version" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0087] Then, in step S205, the processor 114a controls the communication unit 113 to update the performance of the power control protocol communication stored in the memory 202 of the server 200. Specifically, the performance of the power control protocol communication using version B is changed to "failed."

[0088] Then, the process returns to the point between steps S16 and S17, and the processes from step S17 onwards are repeated. At this time, in step S17, communication is started using the version switched to in step 202. Specifically, in the second step S17, communication using version C is started. Also, in the second step S20, it is determined whether or not power control protocol communication using version C has failed.

[0089] In the second step S201, it is determined that there is no version whose track record is "OK" and whose availability of power control protocol communication has not been confirmed (No in S201), so the process proceeds to step S203.

[0090] In step S203, processor 114a determines whether there is a version for which the past (previous) performance is "not possible" and the possibility of power control protocol communication has not been confirmed. If it is determined in step S203 that there is a version for which the past performance is "not possible" and the possibility of power control protocol communication has not been confirmed (Yes in S203), the process proceeds to step 194. If it is determined in step S203 that there is no version for which the past performance is "not possible" and the possibility of power control protocol communication has not been confirmed (No in S203), the process ends.

[0091] In step S204, the processor 114a switches the version used for power control protocol communication to the version with the highest priority among versions whose past (previous) performance was "not possible" and whose feasibility of power control protocol communication has not been confirmed. Specifically, in step S204, the processor 114a switches the version used for power control protocol communication from version C to version A.

[0092] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S205, where the performance of power control protocol communication using version C is changed to "No."

[0093] Then, the process returns to the step between steps S16 and S17, and the process from step S17 onwards is repeated. At this time, in step S17, communication is started using the version switched to in step 204. Specifically, in the third step S17, communication using version A is started. Also, in the third step S20, it is determined whether or not power control protocol communication using version A has failed.

[0094] In the third iteration of step S201, it is determined that there are no versions whose track record is "OK" and whose ability to perform power control protocol communication has not been confirmed, so the process proceeds to step S203. In the second iteration of step S203, it is determined that there are no versions whose track record is "NO" and whose ability to perform power control protocol communication has not been confirmed, so the process ends.

[0095] If there is a version (let's say version D) whose performance is "not possible" and whose ability to perform power control protocol communication has not been confirmed in step S203 for the second time, the process proceeds to step S204. In this case, versions A and D are examples of the "first version" and "second version" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0096] On the other hand, in step S21, power control between electric vehicle 110 and EVSE 20 is started based on the version confirmed to be capable of power control protocol communication in step S20.

[0097] Then, in step S22, the processor 114a controls the communication unit 113 to update the performance of power control protocol communication stored in the memory 202 of the server 200. Specifically, if it is determined in step S20 that power control protocol communication using version A, whose performance in the past was "failed," has been successful (No in S201), the performance of power control protocol communication using version A is changed to "passed" (see FIG. 7).

[0098] The other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0099] As described above, in the first and second embodiments, the processor 14a (114a) determines the version to be used for power control protocol communication based on the priority. This makes it possible to minimize the use of a version with a low priority that is inappropriate for power control protocol communication.

[0100] In the first and second embodiments, an example is shown in which switching control is performed to use a version with a lower priority when power control protocol communication fails, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. If power control protocol communication using the version initially selected based on priority fails, processing may simply end.

[0101] In the first and second embodiments, an example is shown in which switching control is performed to use a version with a priority level one step lower when power control protocol communication fails, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. When power control protocol communication fails, switching control may be performed to use a version with a priority level two or more steps lower.

[0102] In the second embodiment, the version to be used for power control protocol communication is determined based on whether the previous power control protocol communication was successful, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the version to be used for power control protocol communication may be determined based on whether the success rate of the previous power control protocol communication is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0103] In addition, in the second embodiment, an example is shown in which, when all communications using multiple versions with a track record of "OK" have failed, communications are switched to communications using a version with a track record of "NG", but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Switching to communications using a version with a track record of "NG" does not have to be performed.

[0104] In addition, in the above-described second embodiment, an example has been shown in which information relating to priority and information relating to the performance of power control protocol communication are stored in server 200, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Information relating to priority and information relating to the performance of power control protocol communication may be stored in separate servers.

[0105] In the first and second embodiments, the communication unit 13 (113) and the EVSE 20 each support three versions (A to C), but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The communication unit 13 (113) may support two or four or more versions. The EVSE 20 may support one, two, or four or more versions.

[0106] In the first and second embodiments, the version of the power control protocol used for starting power control is determined based on priority, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The version of the power control protocol used for power control communication during power control may be determined based on priority.

[0107] The various modifications described above may be implemented in any combination.

[0108] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1, 21 Electric vehicle system, 10, 110 Electric vehicle, 13, 113 Communication unit, 20 EVSE (power station), 14a, 114a Processor (control unit), 100, 200 Server (first server) (second server), A to C versions.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle capable of power control including at least one of charging from a power station compatible with at least one version of a predetermined communication standard and supplying power to the power station, a communication unit that supports multiple versions of the predetermined communication standard; a control unit that controls the communication unit so that power control protocol communication between the electric vehicle and the power stand is performed using the predetermined communication standard, the communication unit acquires information about past performance of the power control protocol communication corresponding to each of the plurality of versions; the control unit determines the version to be used in the power control protocol communication based on the performance information; the information about the performance includes information about whether the power control protocol communication was successful in the past; the plurality of versions include the version in which the power control protocol communication was previously possible and the version in which the power control protocol communication was previously impossible; the control unit determines the version in which the power control protocol communication was previously possible as the version to be used for the power control protocol communication; the control unit, when all of the power control protocol communication using the multiple versions in which the power control protocol communication was previously possible has failed, performs control to switch to communication using the version in which the power control protocol communication was previously impossible.

2. 2. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the communication unit so that, when communication using the version in which the power control protocol communication was previously impossible is successful, information regarding the possibility of the power control protocol communication corresponding to the version in which the power control protocol communication was successful is updated.

3. the communication unit is configured to communicate with a server that stores information about the performance of the power control protocol communication; The electric vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the communication unit so that information relating to the performance of the power control protocol communication is acquired from the server.

4. a power stand that supports at least one version of a predetermined communication standard; an electric vehicle capable of power control including at least one of charging from the power station and supplying power to the power station; the electric vehicle includes a communication unit that supports multiple versions of the predetermined communication standard, and a control unit that controls the communication unit so that power control protocol communication between the electric vehicle and the power stand is performed using the predetermined communication standard; the communication unit acquires information about past performance of the power control protocol communication corresponding to each of the plurality of versions; the control unit determines the version to be used in the power control protocol communication based on the performance information; the information about the performance includes information about whether the power control protocol communication was successful in the past; the plurality of versions include the version in which the power control protocol communication was previously possible and the version in which the power control protocol communication was previously impossible; the control unit determines the version in which the power control protocol communication was previously possible as the version to be used for the power control protocol communication; and when all of the power control protocol communication using the multiple versions in which the power control protocol communication was previously possible has failed, the control unit performs control to switch to communication using the version in which the power control protocol communication was previously impossible.

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