Vehicle management method and server

Abstract

To prevent a user from being notified of a lease fee higher than a lease fee commensurate with an actual degree of degradation in a fee system for determining the lease fee using the degree of degradation of a power storage device.SOLUTION: A vehicle management method for managing a power storage device provided in a vehicle includes: calculating a first fee commensurate with a first degree of degradation of the power storage device evaluated in an evaluation period by a first method (S21); calculating a second fee commensurate with a second degree of degradation when obtaining the second degree of degradation of the power storage device evaluated in the evaluation period by a second method with higher measurement accuracy than the first method (S23); determining the second fee as a lease fee for a lease period when the second fee is lower than the first fee (S31); and determining the first fee as a lease fee for the lease period when the second degree of degradation evaluated in and before the evaluation period is not obtained (S33).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle management method and a server.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-177652 (Patent Document 1) discloses a server that manages rental fees paid by a user for renting a driving battery mounted on a vehicle. The server collects the full charge capacity of the battery from the vehicle and lowers the rental fee as the collected full charge capacity decreases.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the vehicle management method described in Patent Document 1, the lease fee (rental fee) decreases as the full charge capacity of the power storage device (battery) decreases. This makes it possible to determine the lease fee of the power storage device in consideration of the deterioration of the power storage device. However, in the above vehicle management method, the lease fee is not necessarily calculated based on the degree of deterioration measured with high accuracy (more specifically, the full charge capacity corresponding to the degree of deterioration). When the measurement accuracy of the degree of deterioration of the power storage device is low, a lease fee higher than the lease fee corresponding to the actual degree of deterioration of the power storage device may be determined and notified to the user.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to suppress the notification to the user of a lease fee higher than the lease fee corresponding to the actual degree of deterioration in a fee system for determining the lease fee using the degree of deterioration of the power storage device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In accordance with the first aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle management method is provided which includes obtaining a first degree of degradation of a battery storage device installed in a vehicle, measured by a first method; obtaining a second degree of degradation of the battery storage device, measured by a second method with higher measurement accuracy than the first method; determining the lease fee for the battery storage device for the lease period using the degree of degradation of the battery storage device evaluated in an evaluation period set prior to the lease period; and notifying the vehicle user of the determined lease fee. Determining the lease fee includes determining a first fee corresponding to the first degree of degradation evaluated in the evaluation period by the first method; determining a second fee corresponding to the second degree of degradation if a second degree of degradation evaluated in the evaluation period by the second method is obtained; determining the second fee as the lease fee for the lease period if the second fee is lower than the first fee; and determining the first fee as the lease fee for the lease period if a second degree of degradation evaluated in the evaluation period or earlier is not obtained.

[0007] Implementing a system in a vehicle that can consistently measure the degree of degradation of the energy storage device while it is installed is technically and economically difficult. In the above method, the first fee corresponding to the first degree of degradation evaluated by the first method is basically determined as the lease fee and notified to the vehicle user. However, if the second degree of degradation evaluated by the second method is obtained, and the second fee corresponding to that second degree of degradation is lower than the first fee, the second fee is determined as the lease fee and notified to the vehicle user. With this method, the first fee can be notified to the user as the lease fee regardless of whether the evaluation by the second method is performed. Furthermore, if the second degree of degradation evaluated by the second method is closer to the actual degree of degradation than the first degree of degradation, the second fee can be notified to the user as the lease fee. Therefore, with the above method, in a fee system that determines the lease fee using the degree of degradation of the energy storage device, it is possible to prevent users from being notified of a lease fee that is higher than the lease fee corresponding to the actual degree of degradation. Furthermore, if a second degree of deterioration is obtained during the evaluation period using the second method, and the second fee corresponding to that second degree of deterioration is higher than the first fee, the second fee may also be determined as the lease fee and notified to the vehicle user.

[0008] In accordance with a second aspect of this disclosure, a server is provided comprising a processor and a storage device that stores a program causing the processor to execute the vehicle management method described above. The vehicle management method described above can be suitably executed by such a server.

[0009] The above-mentioned vehicles may also be electric vehicles (xEVs) that use electricity as all or part of their power source. Examples of xEVs include battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, in a pricing system that determines lease fees using the degree of degradation of energy storage devices, it becomes possible to prevent users from being notified of lease fees that are higher than the actual lease fees corresponding to the degree of degradation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates an overview of the vehicle management system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates methods (first and second methods) for measuring the degree of degradation of a vehicle's energy storage device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a first modified example of the process. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows a second modified example of the process shown in Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the energy storage device management system according to this embodiment. This management system includes a dealer 100, a battery exchange station (hereinafter referred to as "BSta") 200, and a management center 500. The dealer 100 includes a server 110 and measuring instruments 120. The BSta 200 includes a server 210 and measuring instruments 220. In this embodiment, multiple dealers 100 and multiple BSta 200 are installed to cover the entire area under the jurisdiction of the energy storage device management system. The BSta 200 is configured to replace energy storage devices for vehicles. In this embodiment, a secondary battery is used as the energy storage device. However, any device capable of storing electricity is acceptable as the energy storage device. The management center 500, the servers 110 at each location, and the servers 210 at each location are configured to communicate with each other via a communication network NW. The communication network NW is, for example, a wide-area network constructed by the internet and wireless base stations.

[0014] The management center 500 is a server that provides a leasing service for vehicle energy storage devices. The management center 500 manages information related to the leasing service. The management center 500 belongs to, for example, an automobile manufacturer. In this embodiment, the automobile manufacturer also acts as the leasing provider.

[0015] Automobile manufacturers provide vehicles they have manufactured to customers (vehicle users) through dealers 100. For example, the energy storage device 12A of vehicle 10A (vehicle A) shown in Figure 1 may be leased to the user under a partial lease agreement. In vehicle A (partially leased vehicle), the vehicle body 11A is owned by the user, and the energy storage device 12A is owned by the automobile manufacturer. Alternatively, vehicle 10B (vehicle B) shown in Figure 1 may be leased to the user under a full lease agreement. In vehicle B (fully leased vehicle), the entire vehicle (vehicle body 11B and energy storage device 12B) becomes the property of the automobile manufacturer.

[0016] Hereinafter, the vehicle provided by the dealer 100 may be referred to as "vehicle 10". The vehicle 10 according to this embodiment is either vehicle A or vehicle B shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the vehicle 10 and a method for measuring the degree of deterioration of the power storage device mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 2, the vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 11 and a battery 12 mounted on the vehicle body 11. The vehicle 10 may be a BEV without an internal combustion engine or a PHEV with an internal combustion engine. As the battery 12, a known vehicle power storage device (for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery or a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery) can be adopted. A plurality of secondary batteries may form a battery pack. The battery 12 corresponds to an example of the "power storage device" according to the present disclosure.

[0018] The vehicle body 11 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 111, an inlet 112, a charge / discharge circuit 113, a BMS (Battery Management System) 114, a communication device 115, and a drive device 116. The vehicle body 11 may further include an HMI (Human Machine Interface) not shown. The communication device 115 includes a communication I / F (interface) for communicating with a device outside the vehicle (for example, the management center 500). The communication device 115 is configured to be able to access the communication network NW by wireless communication.

[0019] The drive device 116 includes an MG (Motor Generator) and a circuit (PCU: Power Control Unit) for driving the MG. The MG functions as a traveling motor of the vehicle 10. The MG is driven by the PCU to rotate the drive wheels of the vehicle 10. Also, the MG performs regenerative power generation during braking (deceleration) of the vehicle 10 and outputs the generated power to the battery 12.

[0020] The mobile terminal 30 is carried and operated by the user of the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, a smartphone equipped with a touch panel display is adopted as the mobile terminal 30. The smartphone incorporates a computer and has a speaker function. The identification information (terminal ID) of the mobile terminal 30 is associated with the identification information (vehicle ID) of the corresponding vehicle 10 and registered in the management center 500. Note that the mobile terminal 30 may be a mobile terminal other than a smartphone.

[0021] The management center 500 includes a processor 510, a storage device 520, and a communication module 530. The communication module 530 is connected to the communication network NW, for example, by wire. The storage device 520 stores a program to be executed by the processor 510 (for example, a program for executing the process shown in FIG. 3 described later).

[0022] The ECU 111 includes a processor 111a and a storage device 111b. The storage device 111b stores a program to be executed by the processor 111a. The ECU 111 controls in-vehicle devices (such as the drive device 116) according to a program. The ECU 111 is configured to measure the first degree of deterioration of the battery 12 by a first method. The first method according to this embodiment is a method of measuring the first degree of deterioration of the battery 12 based on the data of the battery 12 (battery data) measured by the BMS 114 (first measuring device) mounted on the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the first degree of deterioration is represented by the capacity retention rate. Hereinafter, the first method will be described.

[0023] The BMS114 includes various sensors (e.g., current sensor, voltage sensor, and temperature sensor) for detecting the state of the battery 12, and sequentially outputs the detection results to the ECU111. The ECU111 stores the battery data acquired from the BMS114 in the storage device 111b. As a result, data (history data) showing the usage history of the battery 12 measured while it is installed in the vehicle 10 is stored in the ECU111. The storage device 111b pre-stores the initial capacity retention rate of the battery 12 and conversion information M1 (formula, map, model, etc.) determined according to the characteristics of the battery 12. The conversion information M1 is configured to output the battery 12's degradation level (e.g., capacity retention rate) at the end of a certain period when it receives data (history data) showing the usage history of the battery 12 over a certain period and the degradation level of the battery 12 at the start of that period as input.

[0024] The conversion information M1 converts the above historical data into the degree of degradation of the battery 12 due to use (e.g., the decrease in capacity retention rate). The conversion information M1 outputs a value that adds the degree of degradation due to use to the degree of degradation of the battery 12 at the start of use. The above historical data may also include temperature data of the battery 12 while the vehicle 10 is running and while it is idle. When the temperature of the battery 12 goes outside the normal operating range, the degradation of the battery 12 tends to progress. The above historical data may also include SOC data of the battery 12 while the vehicle 10 is idle. The longer the battery 12 is left idle with a large remaining charge (e.g., when the SOC exceeds the degradation threshold), the more the degradation of the battery 12 tends to progress. The above historical data may also include data showing the current, voltage, and SOC of the battery 12 while the vehicle 10 is running. The more times the battery 12 is overcharged (e.g., charging where the charging power exceeds the charging durability value, or charging where the SOC exceeds the upper limit of the recommended range), the more the degradation of the battery 12 tends to progress. Furthermore, the more times the battery 12 is over-discharged, the more its degradation tends to progress. Conversion information (e.g., maps, formulas, or models) may be provided for each degradation parameter of the battery 12 (temperature, high SOC storage time, number of overcharge cycles, number of over-discharge cycles).

[0025] According to the first method described above, the current degradation level (first degradation level) of the battery 12 can be obtained from the history data of the battery 12 using the conversion information M1. The ECU 111 performs a measurement of the first degradation level using the first method described above in response to a request from the management center 500, and transmits the measurement result (first degradation level) to the management center 500.

[0026] Furthermore, the second degree of degradation of the battery 12 is measured using a second method, which has higher measurement accuracy than the first method. The second method according to this embodiment is a method for measuring the second degree of degradation of the battery 12 based on data of the battery 12 measured by external measuring instruments 120 and 220 (second measuring instruments) of the vehicle 10. The measurement results from measuring instruments 120 and 220 are transmitted to servers 110 and 210, respectively, and then transmitted from each server to the management center 500. The second method will be described below.

[0027] In the Dealer 100, the battery 12 remains installed in the vehicle 10, and the battery 12 is charged and discharged using the measuring instrument 120, and the data during charging and discharging is analyzed. On the other hand, in the BSt 200, the battery 12 is removed from the vehicle 10, and the battery 12 (battery 12 alone) is charged and discharged using the measuring instrument 220, and the data during charging and discharging is analyzed. The removed battery 12 is returned to the vehicle 10 after measurement. Each of the measuring instruments 120 and 220 includes various sensors to measure the state of the battery 12 (e.g., temperature, current, and voltage) during charging and discharging. Each measuring instrument discharges the battery 12 until it reaches a State of Charge (SOC) value indicating an empty state, and then charges the battery 12 until it reaches a State of Charge (SOC) value indicating a fully charged state. Then, each measuring instrument measures the full charge capacity of the battery 12 from the measured data. The amount of energy charged into the battery 12 from an empty state to a fully charged state corresponds to the full charge capacity of the battery 12. Each measuring instrument may repeatedly charge and discharge the battery 12 until it obtains the necessary test data.

[0028] For vehicles 10 that visit dealer 100 and BSt 200, the full charge capacity of the battery 12 is measured by measuring instruments 120 and 220. The measurement result (full charge capacity) is then transmitted from servers 110 and 210 to the management center 500 along with the vehicle ID. The management center 500 calculates the capacity retention rate (second degree of degradation) of the battery 12 by dividing the full charge capacity (current capacity) of the battery 12 received from server 110 or 210 by its initial capacity. The initial capacity of the battery 12 is stored in the storage device 520, linked to the vehicle ID. In this way, the capacity retention rate of the battery 12 can also be determined by the second method described above.

[0029] The storage device 520 further stores conversion information M2 (formulas, maps, models, etc.) for determining the lease fee for battery 12 from the degree of degradation of battery 12. In this embodiment, the lease fee for battery 12 changes according to the degree of degradation of battery 12. The conversion information M2 defines a relationship in which the lease fee for battery 12 decreases as the degree of degradation of battery 12 increases. The management center 500 obtains the lease fee for battery 12 according to the degree of degradation of battery 12 (first or second degree of degradation) according to the relationship defined by the conversion information M2. Note that the parameter indicating the degree of degradation of the energy storage device is not limited to the capacity retention rate (= current capacity / initial capacity). Internal resistance may be used instead of the capacity retention rate. As the degree of degradation of the energy storage device increases, the full charge capacity of the energy storage device decreases and the internal resistance of the energy storage device increases. As the degree of degradation of the energy storage device increases, the capacity retention rate of the energy storage device decreases. In addition, the second measuring instrument may be built into the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) outside the vehicle.

[0030] In the first method described above, the first degradation level of the energy storage device is obtained using a first measuring instrument mounted on the vehicle 10, making it easier to obtain the first degradation level of the energy storage device at a high frequency (for example, constantly). On the other hand, in the second method described above, the second degradation level of the energy storage device is obtained using a second measuring instrument located outside the vehicle 10, making it easier to obtain the second degradation level of the energy storage device with high accuracy. The second measuring instrument is not subject to the constraints of mounting it on the vehicle 10 (for example, constraints on dimensions, weight, power consumption, etc.), so it is easy to make it low-cost and high-performance. However, since the second measuring instrument is not mounted on the vehicle 10, it is subject to constraints in terms of measurement frequency. Therefore, the management center 500 uses the first method and the second method depending on the situation by implementing the vehicle management method described below.

[0031] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the vehicle management method according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 3, a vehicle user who has entered into a lease agreement with a leasing company (automobile manufacturer) can receive lease services (e.g., partial lease or full lease) during the first unit period (the first target period in Figure 3). Subsequently, the leasing company notifies the vehicle user of the lease fee for the next unit period (the second target period in Figure 3), and if the vehicle user does not terminate the contract during the predetermined termination period (the first termination period), the lease agreement is renewed. The termination period may be, for example, the period immediately preceding the next lease target period (e.g., the period from a few days before the start of the next lease target period to the day itself). By paying the notified lease fee, the vehicle user can receive lease services during the next lease target period (the second target period). Similarly, for subsequent lease target periods (the third target period, the fourth target period, the fifth target period, ...), the lease fee is notified to the vehicle user at the time when they decide whether or not to renew the lease agreement, and the lease agreement is renewed or terminated. In this embodiment, the length of the lease target period (unit period) is set to one month. However, the length of this period can be changed as needed.

[0032] The management center 500 executes a series of processes S11 to S14 described below during the evaluation period set before the next lease term. In the flowchart, "S" means step. In Figure 3, the first evaluation period and the second evaluation period correspond to the evaluation periods set for the second and third lease terms, respectively. The first termination period and the second termination period correspond to the period for deciding whether or not to enter into a lease agreement for the second and third lease terms, respectively. In this embodiment, the evaluation period is defined as the period from the end of the previous evaluation period to the start of the termination period for the next lease term. However, the first evaluation period (first evaluation period) is defined as the period from the start of the first lease term (first lease term) to the start of the first termination period.

[0033] Referring to Figure 3 along with Figures 1 and 2, in S11 the management center 500 determines whether or not the measurement by the second method has been performed. Specifically, if the full charge capacity of the battery 12 is measured by a second measuring instrument outside the vehicle 10 (measuring instrument 120 or 220 shown in Figure 2), the measurement result (full charge capacity) is transmitted to the management center 500 along with the vehicle 10's identification information (vehicle ID). The management center 500 determines whether or not the measurement by the second method has been performed based on whether or not it has received the full charge capacity of the battery 12 from the dealer 100 or BSt200.

[0034] If it is determined that measurement by the second method has been performed (YES in S11), the management center 500, in the subsequent S12, calculates the capacity retention rate (second degree of degradation) of the battery 12 from the received measurement result (full charge capacity), and stores the obtained capacity retention rate in the storage device 520, linked to the measurement time (current time) and vehicle ID. The process then proceeds to S13. The capacity retention rate stored in the storage device 520 by the process in S12 corresponds to the second degree of degradation evaluated during the evaluation period by the second method.

[0035] On the other hand, if it is determined that measurement by the second method has not been performed (NO in S11), S12 is skipped and the process proceeds to S13. In S13, the management center 500 determines whether the evaluation period has expired. In this embodiment, the management center 500 determines whether the evaluation period has expired based on whether the termination period for the next lease period has arrived. If the evaluation period is the first evaluation period, the next lease period is the second lease period, and the period for termination is the first termination period. In this case, when the start time of the first termination period arrives, it is determined to be YES in S13.

[0036] If it is determined that the evaluation period has not expired (NO in S13), the process returns to the first step (S11). Therefore, the series of processes from S11 to S13 are repeated as long as the evaluation period has not expired. On the other hand, when the evaluation period has expired (YES in S13), the management center 500 requests the vehicle 10 for the measurement results by the first method in S14 and saves the capacity retention rate of the battery 12 obtained as the measurement result by the first method. When the vehicle 10 receives the above request from the management center 500, it inputs, for example, the capacity retention rate of the battery 12 at the start of the evaluation period and the history data of the battery 12 measured by the BMS 114 (first measuring instrument) during the evaluation period into the conversion information M1, thereby obtaining the capacity retention rate of the battery 12 at the end of the evaluation period and transmitting this to the management center 500 along with the vehicle's identification information (vehicle ID). The capacity retention rate of the battery 12 at the end of the evaluation period, obtained in this way, corresponds to the first degree of degradation evaluated during the evaluation period by the first method. The management center 500 stores the received capacity retention rate of the battery 12 in the storage device 520, linked to the measurement time (current time) and vehicle ID. When the process of S14 is executed, the series of processes from S11 to S14 are completed, and S21 and the subsequent series of processes are started. That is, the series of processes described below are started at the end time of the evaluation period (start time of the cancellation period).

[0037] In S21, the management center 500 determines the lease fee (first fee) for the battery 12 according to the first degree of degradation (S14) evaluated during the evaluation period using the first method. Specifically, the management center 500 uses, for example, the conversion information M2 shown in Figure 2 to determine the first fee from the first degree of degradation.

[0038] In S22, the management center 500 determines whether or not the measurement results (S12) obtained by the second method during the evaluation period have been acquired. If the measurement results (S12) obtained by the second method during the evaluation period have been stored in the storage device 520 (YES in S22), the management center 500 determines the lease fee (second fee) for the battery 12 in S23, according to the second degradation level (S12) evaluated by the second method during the evaluation period. Specifically, the management center 500 uses, for example, the conversion information M2 shown in Figure 2 to determine the second fee from the second degradation level.

[0039] Next, in S24, the management center 500 determines whether the second charge is higher than the first charge. If the second charge is less than or equal to the first charge (NO in S24), the management center 500 determines the second charge as the lease charge for the next lease period in S31, and in the following S40, notifies the user terminal of the vehicle 10 (e.g., in-vehicle HMI or mobile terminal 30) of the determined lease charge (second charge). In this way, if the second charge is lower than the first charge, the second charge is determined as the lease charge and notified to the user.

[0040] If the second charge is higher than the first charge (YES in S24), the management center 500 calculates a third charge in S25 that is higher than the first charge but lower than the second charge. The third charge may be the difference between the first and second charges multiplied by a coefficient less than 1 (for example, the difference between the first and second charges multiplied by 0.5) and added to the first charge. Subsequently, in S32, the management center 500 determines the third charge obtained in S25 as the lease charge for the next lease period, and in the following S40, notifies the user terminal of the vehicle 10 of the determined lease charge (third charge). In this way, if the second charge is higher than the first charge, the third charge is determined as the lease charge and notified to the user.

[0041] If the measurement results from the second method during the above evaluation period are not stored in the storage device 520 (NO in S22), the management center 500 determines in S26 whether the lease fee for the previous lease contract renewal (most recent lease contract renewal) was the third fee. If the lease fee for the previous lease contract renewal was not the third fee (NO in S26), the management center 500 determines the first fee as the lease fee for the next lease period in S33, and in the following S40, notifies the user terminal of the vehicle 10 of the determined lease fee (first fee). On the other hand, if the lease fee for the previous lease contract renewal was the third fee (YES in S26), the management center 500 determines the previous second fee (the second fee obtained at the time of the previous lease contract renewal) as the lease fee for the next lease period in S34, and in the following S40, notifies the user terminal of the vehicle 10 of the determined lease fee (the previous second fee).

[0042] For example, if the expired evaluation period is the second evaluation period, and the termination period is the second termination period, then in this lease renewal, the lease fee for the third target period will be determined. Therefore, the lease fee for the second target period corresponds to the lease fee for the previous lease renewal. If the third fee is determined as the lease fee for the second target period in S32 of the first termination period, then it is judged as YES in S26 of the second termination period, and in S34 of the second termination period, the previous second fee (the second fee obtained in S23 of the first termination period) is determined as the lease fee for the third target period. On the other hand, if the third fee is not determined as the lease fee for the second target period in the first termination period, then it is judged as NO in S26 of the second termination period, and in S33 of the second termination period, the current first fee (the first fee obtained in S21 of the second termination period) is determined as the lease fee for the third target period.

[0043] Furthermore, if the management center 500 does not obtain the second degree of deterioration evaluated during the first and second evaluation periods (the second evaluation period that has expired and the period prior thereto), it will be determined to be NO in both S22 and S26 of the first termination period, and the first rate will be determined as the lease fee for the second target period in S33 of the first termination period. In addition, if it is determined to be NO in both S22 and S26 of the second termination period, the first rate will be determined as the lease fee for the third target period in S33 of the second termination period.

[0044] In S40, the management center 500 notifies the user terminal of vehicle 10 of the determined lease fees (S31-S34) and requests the vehicle user to reply whether or not to terminate the lease agreement. For vehicle B (a fully leased vehicle), the vehicle user may be notified of the total lease fees for vehicle 10, including the lease fee for battery 12. The management center 500 waits for a reply from the vehicle user, and if it receives a reply to terminate the lease within the termination period, it executes the procedure for terminating the lease agreement. Once the termination procedure is completed, the management center 500 notifies the user terminal of vehicle 10 that the lease agreement has been terminated. In this case, the battery 12 leased by the automobile manufacturer may be returned by the vehicle user to the dealer 100 or BSta200. On the other hand, if a reply to continue the contract is received within the termination period, or if no reply is received after the termination period has elapsed, the management center 500 executes the contract renewal procedure for continuing the lease agreement. Once the procedure is complete, the management center 500 notifies the user terminal of vehicle 10 that the lease agreement has been renewed.

[0045] As described above, the vehicle management method according to this embodiment includes the processes shown in Figure 3. These processes are executed by the management center 500. In this embodiment, the management center 500 corresponds to an example of a "server" according to this disclosure. Each process is executed by one or more processors executing programs stored in one or more storage devices. However, these processes may be executed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits) instead of software.

[0046] The vehicle management method according to this embodiment includes obtaining a first degree of degradation of the energy storage device (battery 12) equipped in the vehicle 10 by a first method (S14), obtaining a second degree of degradation of the energy storage device by a second method which has higher measurement accuracy than the first method (S12), determining the lease fee for the energy storage device for the lease period using the degree of degradation of the energy storage device evaluated in an evaluation period set before the lease period, and notifying the user of the vehicle 10 of the determined lease fee (S40). Determining the lease fee includes: determining a first fee corresponding to the first degree of degradation assessed during the evaluation period using the first method (S21); determining a second fee corresponding to the second degree of degradation if the second degree of degradation assessed during the evaluation period is obtained using the second method (S23); determining the second fee as the lease fee for the lease period if the second fee is lower than the first fee (S31); and determining the first fee as the lease fee for the lease period if the second degree of degradation assessed during the evaluation period and earlier is not obtained (S33). This method prevents users from being notified of a lease fee higher than the lease fee corresponding to the actual degree of degradation in a fee system that determines the lease fee using the degree of degradation of the energy storage device.

[0047] Furthermore, determining the lease rates as described above includes determining a third rate that is higher than the first rate but lower than the second rate as the lease rate for the lease term if the second rate is higher than the first rate (S25, S32), and determining the second rate as the lease rate for lease terms after the said lease term (S26, S34).

[0048] The second rate is closer to the actual degree of deterioration and can be considered a fairer rate than the first rate. Therefore, it is desirable to adopt the second rate as the lease rate. However, in the above embodiment, the measurement frequency of the second degree of deterioration is low, so the first rate is basically adopted. If the second rate is adopted immediately when the second degree of deterioration is measured, it may result in a sudden rate change (price increase). Therefore, in the above method, if the second rate is higher than the first rate, a third rate, which is higher than the first rate but lower than the second rate, is determined as the lease rate for the lease period and notified to the user. Then, the second rate is determined as the lease rate for lease periods after the lease period and notified to the user. In this way, by inserting a third rate between the first and second rates, even if there is a large difference in the measurement accuracy between the first method and the second method, the price increase becomes gradual, making it easier for the user to accept the second rate.

[0049] Furthermore, determining the lease fee as described above includes determining whether the lease fee for the lease period immediately preceding the lease period was the third fee if the second degree of degradation was not assessed during the evaluation period for the lease period in question (S26); determining the second fee corresponding to the second degree of degradation assessed during the evaluation period for the immediately preceding lease period as the lease fee for the lease period in question if the lease fee for the immediately preceding lease period was the third fee (S34); and determining the first fee as the lease fee for the lease period in question if the lease fee for the immediately preceding lease period was not the third fee (S33). This method makes it possible to appropriately use the first fee, the second fee, and the third fee.

[0050] The processing flow shown in Figure 3 can be modified as needed. For example, the order of processing may be changed, or unnecessary steps may be omitted depending on the purpose. Furthermore, the content of any of the processing steps may be changed.

[0051] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a first modified example of the process shown in Figure 3. The management center 500 may perform the process shown in Figure 4, which is described below, instead of the process shown in Figure 3. In the process shown in Figure 4, S22A, S24A, and S24B are added to the process shown in Figure 3.

[0052] Referring to Figure 4, in this modified example, if it is determined in S22 that the measurement result by the second method has been obtained, the management center 500 then, in the subsequent S22A, executes a learning process for the first method using the second degree of degradation (measurement result by the second method). Specifically, the management center 500 transmits the second degree of degradation to the vehicle 10 and requests the ECU 111 to update the information for the first method (e.g., conversion information M1). The ECU 111 may, for example, perform supervised machine learning of the conversion information M1 using the second degree of degradation as training data.

[0053] If the second charge is higher than the first charge (YES in S24), the management center 500 determines in the following S24A whether the difference between the first charge and the second charge is less than a predetermined value (hereinafter referred to as "Th"). If the difference is less than Th (YES in S24A), the management center 500 determines the second charge as the lease charge for the next lease period in the following S31. On the other hand, if the difference is greater than or equal to Th (NO in S24A), the management center 500 notifies the user terminal of the vehicle 10 (e.g., in-vehicle HMI or mobile terminal 30) in the following S24B of information indicating the first and second degradation levels (e.g., capacity retention rates evaluated by each of the first and second methods) and that the price will be increased based on the degradation level (capacity retention rate) evaluated by the second method. The process then proceeds to S25.

[0054] The vehicle management method relating to the above modified example (Figure 4) includes determining the second charge as the lease charge for the lease period when the second charge is higher than the first charge and the difference between the first and second charges is less than a predetermined value (Th) (S24, S24A, S31), and determining the second charge as the lease charge for a lease period later than the lease period when the second charge is higher than the first charge and the difference between the first and second charges is greater than a predetermined value (Th) (S24, S24A, S26, S34). In this method, if the second charge is higher than the first charge and the difference between the first and second charges is less than a predetermined value, a fairer second charge can be adopted as the lease charge for the lease period. On the other hand, if the second charge is higher than the first charge and the difference between the first and second charges is greater than a predetermined value, the second charge is not adopted immediately, but its adoption is postponed. This makes it easier for users to accept the second fare. Furthermore, the above method involves notifying vehicle users of an increase in lease rates when postponing the adoption of the second fare (S24B). Such notification also makes it easier for users to accept the second fare.

[0055] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a second modified version of the process shown in Figure 3. The management center 500 may perform the process shown in Figure 5, which will be described below, instead of the process shown in Figure 3. In the process shown in Figure 5, steps S24-S26 and S32, S34 are omitted from the process shown in Figure 3. Referring to Figure 5, in this modified version, if the degree of degradation of the battery 12 is not evaluated by the second method during the evaluation period (NO in S22), the management center 500 determines the first fee as the lease fee for the next lease period (S33). On the other hand, if the degree of degradation of the battery 12 is evaluated by the second method during the evaluation period (YES in S22), the management center 500 determines the second fee as the lease fee for the next lease period, regardless of the amount of the second fee (S31). With this method, in a fee system that determines the lease fee using the degree of degradation of the energy storage device, it becomes easier to notify the user of the lease fee corresponding to the degree of degradation measured with high accuracy (a degree of degradation close to the actual degree of degradation).

[0056] The management center 500 may be configured to measure the first degree of degradation of the energy storage device while it is mounted on the vehicle 10 by the first method. For example, conversion information M1 may be implemented in the management center 500, and battery data (historical data regarding the degradation of the energy storage device) for measuring the first degree of degradation may be transmitted from the vehicle 10 to the management center 500. The functions implemented in the management center 500 in the above embodiment may also be implemented in the server 110 (dealer terminal). In this embodiment, the management center 500, server 110, and server 210 are all on-premise servers. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the functions of each server may be implemented on the cloud by cloud computing.

[0057] The vehicle may be an HEV or FCEV. The vehicle is not limited to a four-wheeled passenger car, but may be a bus or truck, or an xEV with three or five or more wheels. The vehicle may be configured to be autonomous, or may have flight capabilities. The vehicle may be an unmanned vehicle (e.g., a robotaxi, an automated guided vehicle, or agricultural machinery).

[0058] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 10 vehicles, 11 car bodies, 12 batteries, 30 mobile devices, 100 dealers, 110 servers, 111 ECUs, 120 measuring instruments, 200 battery replacement stations, 210 servers, 220 measuring instruments, 500 management centers.

Claims

1. The server obtains a first degree of degradation of the energy storage device installed in the vehicle, measured by the first method, The server acquires the second degree of degradation of the energy storage device measured by the second method, The server determines the lease fee for the energy storage device for the lease period using the degree of degradation of the energy storage device evaluated during an evaluation period set prior to the lease period. The server notifies the user of the vehicle of the determined lease fee, A vehicle management method that includes, The first method is a method for measuring the first degree of degradation of the energy storage device at a first frequency based on data of the energy storage device measured by a first measuring instrument mounted on the vehicle, The second method is a method for measuring the second degree of degradation of the energy storage device at a second frequency lower than the first frequency, based on data of the energy storage device measured by a second measuring instrument outside the vehicle. Determining the aforementioned lease fee is The server determines a first fee corresponding to the first degree of deterioration evaluated during the evaluation period by the first method, When the second degree of degradation evaluated during the evaluation period is obtained by the second method described above, the server calculates a second fee corresponding to the second degree of degradation, If the second fee is lower than the first fee, the server determines the second fee as the lease fee for the lease period, If the second degree of degradation evaluated during the aforementioned evaluation period and prior to it is not obtained, the server determines the first fee as the lease fee for the lease period, Vehicle management methods, including those mentioned above.

2. Determining the aforementioned lease fee is If the second fee is higher than the first fee, the server determines a third fee that is higher than the first fee and lower than the second fee as the lease fee for the lease period, and determines the second fee as the lease fee for lease periods later than the lease period. The vehicle management method according to claim 1, including the method described in claim 1.

3. Determining the aforementioned lease fee is If the second fee is higher than the first fee, and the difference between the first fee and the second fee is less than a predetermined value, the server determines the second fee as the lease fee for the lease period. If the second fee is higher than the first fee, and the difference between the first fee and the second fee is greater than the predetermined value, the server determines the second fee as the lease fee for a lease period later than the lease period. The vehicle management method according to claim 1, including the method described in claim 1.

4. A server comprising a processor and a memory device, The aforementioned storage device is Regarding the energy storage device installed in the vehicle, the first degree of degradation of the energy storage device is obtained by the first method, Obtain the second degree of degradation of the energy storage device measured by the second method, The lease fee for the energy storage device for the lease period is determined using the degree of degradation of the energy storage device evaluated during an evaluation period set prior to the lease period. To notify the user of the vehicle of the determined lease fee, The system stores a program that causes the processor to execute the following: The first method is a method for measuring the first degree of degradation of the energy storage device at a first frequency based on data of the energy storage device measured by a first measuring instrument mounted on the vehicle, The second method is a method for measuring the second degree of degradation of the energy storage device at a second frequency lower than the first frequency, based on data of the energy storage device measured by a second measuring instrument outside the vehicle. Determining the aforementioned lease fee is To determine the first fee corresponding to the first degree of deterioration evaluated during the evaluation period by the first method described above, When the second degree of deterioration evaluated during the evaluation period is obtained by the second method described above, a second fee corresponding to the second degree of deterioration is calculated, If the second fee is lower than the first fee, the second fee is determined as the lease fee for the lease period. If the second degree of degradation evaluated during the aforementioned evaluation period and prior to it is not obtained, the first fee is determined as the lease fee for the lease period. A server, including

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