Modular OBD and charging port connection plug and corresponding transport monitoring and security system

Abstract

A charge port connection plug (1) comprising an OBD-connector (6) and charge port plug head (2.1) for PP and / or CP communication for being simultaneously communicatively connected to both a charge port and an OBD-port of a vehicle, wherein the plug comprises at least one processor (P1, P2), wherein the plug is programmed to obtain information from the vehicle via its charge port and / or OBD-port, and wherein the plug comprises at least one wireless communication unit (3.1, 3.2) for allowing the plug to transmit information, such as vehicle and / or battery status, obtained through its communicative connection with vehicle, when connected to the vehicle, and wherein the plug is also optionally programmed for wirelessly receiving instructions, such as for adjusting its energy usage, and wherein the plug is further optionally programmed to manipulate the software of the vehicle to execute the instructions, such as providing the vehicle with a software update, via its OBD-port when connected to the vehicle.

Description

[0001] Modular OBD and Charging port connection plug and corresponding

[0002] Transport Monitoring and Security System

[0003] Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention pertains to the field of cargo transportation and, more speci fically, addresses the escalating risks associated with electric vehicle (EV) transportation on cargo vessels and other transports . With the growing prevalence of electric vehicles being transported by sea, the potential for hazardous incidents arising from battery issues or other electrical mal functions has become a critical concern . This invention aims to mitigate the associated risks by preventing inadvertent engine engagement and providing a reliable early warning system for thermal runaway in electric vehicles during cargo ship transport .

[0005] Background

[0006] In the current state of cargo ship transportation, electric vehicles are routinely loaded onto ships as part of the global logistics chain . However, the industry faces signi ficant challenges when it comes to handling EVs , particularly in preventing and managing potential hazards resulting from battery-related mal functions . Upon arrival at the port , electric vehicles may experience issues that , i f left unaddressed, can lead to dangerous situations , substantial damage to the vehicles , and even catastrophic consequences for the cargo ship itsel f .

[0007] One notable concern is the inadvertent disengagement of parking mode and the subsequent engagement of the vehicle ' s engine . This unintended activation poses a serious risk, leading to potential accidents and damage to both the vehicle and other nearby vehicles within the cargo hold . Alternatively, the phenomenon of thermal runaway, wherein an electric vehicle ' s battery undergoes uncontrolled overheating, has been identi fied as a signi ficant threat . The resulting fire can not only lead to the loss of thousands of vehicles but also cause irreparable damage to the cargo ship, putting the crew, cargo , and the vessel itsel f at substantial risk .

[0008] Recent incidents , such as the cargo ship fire of f the Dutch coast on July 26 , 2023 , as reported by The Guardian, underscore the urgency of addressing these challenges . The mentioned incident involved a Dutch cargo ship departing from Germany, resulting in the loss o f 3000 vehicles and the tragic death of a crew member . This incident highlights the critical need for innovative solutions to enhance the safety and reliability of transporting electric vehicles on cargo ships .

[0009] As electric vehicles continue to gain prominence in global transportation, the risks associated with their transport on various platforms , including cargo vessels , trailers , and trains , are expected to increase . The present invention is directed towards overcoming these challenges by introducing a product and system designed to prevent inadvertent engine activation in electric vehicles and establish a dependable early warning system for battery problems , such as indicative of thermal runaway, thereby signi ficantly reducing the likelihood of hazardous incidents during transport .

[0010] Presently, charge port connection plugs already exist which can communicate information, such as battery over temperature , as well as prevent auto locomotion of an electric vehicle by simulating a charge station connection . These plugs are most notably patented under European patent number EP4228914 . However, presently information communicated over the charge port of a vehicle is highly limited . This means that many early indicators of battery issues are simply not available to a connected plug yet via the charge port itsel f . In the future this is anticipated to change . However, even i f these things might change in the future, it is doubtful that such changes will be universally implemented, and any such implementation will likely occur far too late.

[0011] When dealing with more than just a handful of vehicles, such as during cargo transport, there is a need for such vehicles to be monitored altogether, and in a manner that as much information as possible is available to the control room of a transport so that quick and timely measures can be taken in response to potentially imminent battery failures.

[0012] The Invention

[0013] Accordingly, there is provided a charge port connection plug comprising an OBD-connector and charge port plug head for PP and / or CP communication for being simultaneously communicatively connected to both a charge port and an OBD-port of a vehicle. The plug comprises at least one processor, and the plug is programmed to obtain information from the vehicle via its charge port and / or OBD-port.

[0014] Optionals pertaining to connection:

[0015] A plug head for PP and CP communication effectively prevents auto locomotion in hybrid EV's also.

[0016] The information from the vehicle is preferably obtained via both the charge-port and the OBD-port. A portion of the data, making up the information , that is available over both the charge port and the OBD-port is preferentially retrieved over the charge port. The plug may be programmed to this end.

[0017] The plug comprises at least one wireless communication unit for allowing the plug to transmit information, such as vehicle and / or battery status, obtained through its communicative connection with vehicle, when connected to the vehicle. Optional pertaining to transmission:

[0018] Preferably, the plug also transmits a unique identifier , associated with the car or the plug itself. In a system this identifier can be associated with a location within the cargo transport itself. In a system transport furnished with multiple receivers (also referred to as separate communication units) the location can be a relative location determined by the combination of identifier and closest receiver . Alternatively, it the identifier can be associated with a specific parking location in a server, such as may be inputted via a human interface at hand.

[0019] It is believed that a plug comprising the above features is capable of addressing the most immediate problems faced in transport .

[0020] The at least one wireless communication unit of the plug is further designed for wirelessly receiving digital instructions and wherein the plug is programmed to manipulate the software of the vehicle in response to these instructions, such as providing the vehicle with a software update via its OBD-port when connected to the vehicle.

[0021] The plug may alternatively, but preferably additionally, be programmed to manipulate the software of the vehicle in response to received instructions such as for triggering the electric vehicle to signal with its lights or sounds for easy identification. This is especially useful if the information is indicative of a battery problem.

[0022] The onboard computer of an electric vehicle (EV) typically monitors various parameters related to the battery to ensure its proper functioning and safety. The specific information available may vary among different EV models, but common data points include :

[0023] State of Charge ( SOC ) : This indicates the current level of charge in the battery as a percentage of its total capacity . It gives the driver an estimate of how much driving range is available .

[0024] State of Health ( SOH) : SOH provides an assessment of the overall health and remaining capacity of the battery . It gives an indication of the battery ' s degradation over time .

[0025] Battery Voltage : The voltage level of individual cells or the entire battery pack is monitored . Abnormal voltage levels could indicate a mal function or imbalance within the battery .

[0026] Battery Temperature : Monitoring the temperature of the battery is crucial for maintaining its ef ficiency and preventing overheating . Extremes in temperature can impact performance and li fespan .

[0027] Fault Codes and Diagnostics : The onboard computer can store and retrieve fault codes that indicate speci fic issues or mal functions within the battery or the overall electric powertrain .

[0028] Battery Management System (BMS ) Information : The BMS oversees and manages various aspects of the battery ' s performance . It communicates with the onboard computer to relay critical information for monitoring and control .

[0029] Thermal Management System Data : Information about the performance of the thermal management system, which helps regulate the temperature of the battery for optimal operation .

[0030] Access to this information allows the onboard computer to provide real-time information from which imminent battery problems can be detected early.

[0031] Vehicle status, as seen separate from battery status, can be very relevant when it comes to loading and unloading of vehicles from transport. Vehicle status information is usually accessible via the OBD-port of the EV. In particular Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) can be retrieved by the plug and incorporated in the information it transmits, should these codes be present.

[0032] DTS's can pertain to the following.

[0033] High Voltage System: EVs operate with high-voltage systems. DTCs related to high-voltage issues could indicate problems with safety features, isolation, or overall system integrity.

[0034] Drive Unit: The drive unit includes the electric motor, inverter, and gearbox (if applicable) . DTCs related to the drive unit may point to problems affecting overall powertrain performance .

[0035] Electric Motor Control Unit (MCU) : The MCU controls the electric motor's speed, torque, and overall performance. Faults in the MCU can lead to power delivery problems, reduced efficiency, or complete motor failure.

[0036] Tire pressure: An EV may find itself with one or more deflated tires, this also inhibits loading and unloading of a vehicle from a transport.

[0037] The loading and unloading of the vehicles as cargo is a costly affair. Time is money, especially in the shipping industry. The efficiency of loading and unloading operations directly impacts the turnaround time of a cargo ship in port. Delays can lead to additional costs, such as demurrage charges, which are fees imposed on the shipper or receiver for exceeding the agreed- upon time for loading or unloading. Therefore, if vehicles can be flagged as having a problem which can interfere with loading and unloading than measures can be taken prior to simply discovering these problems during loading or unloading .

[0038] Separate sub-units

[0039] The plug may preferably be designed as two separate sub-units arranged for being reversibly disassembled, and wherein a first of the two sub-units is designed for connecting with the charge port , and a second of the two sub-units is designed for being connected with the OBD-port , and wherein each sub-unit comprises a wireless communication unit , and wherein at least one subunit is programmed to communicate wirelessly with the other subunit .

[0040] The at least one wireles s communication unit can thus comprise the wireless communication units of each sub-unit . The person skilled in the art will understand that various wireless communication forms exist which communication units can be arranged for, each catering to specific needs and applications . Here are some common wireless communication forms the units may be designed for :

[0041] Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) : A widely used technology that allows electronic devices to exchange data wirelessly over short distances , typically within a local area network ( LAN) .

[0042] Bluetooth : A short-range wireless communication technology designed for exchanging data between devices , commonly used for connecting peripherals like headphones , keyboards , and speakers to smartphones and computers .

[0043] Cellular Networks : Mobile communication systems that enable voice and data trans fer between mobile devices via radio waves . Examples include 2G, 3G, 4G / LTE , and 5G networks . Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) : A technology that uses radio waves to identify and track objects, animals, or people. RFID is commonly employed in access control systems, logistics, and inventory management.

[0044] Zigbee: A low-power, short-range wireless communication standard designed for small-scale, low-cost, and low-data-rate applications, often used in home automation and sensor networks.

[0045] Z-Wave: Similar to Zigbee, Z-Wave is a wireless communication protocol used for home automation and smart devices, known for its low power consumption and reliability.

[0046] In one practical example the sub-units communicate with each other using Bluetooth, and the plug communicates externally using Wi-Fi or Cellular Networks.

[0047] Sub-units specifics

[0048] The sub-units may each have an electrically rechargeable power supply. As this is considered more convenient than providing a power cable for connecting the sub-units. This power supply could be a battery or a condenser. Preferably a Lithium-ion battery is furnished to each of the sub-units.

[0049] In practice, when handling many plugs, sub-units may become mixed up with other sub-units belonging to mutually different plugs with the same build. In order to optimize handling efficiency the sub-unit for OBD-port and the sub-unit for the charge port each comprise a Near Field Communication (NFC) unit for uniquely pairing with each other.

[0050] NFC (Near Field Communication) : A short-range communication technology that allows devices to exchange data when placed close together. NFC is often used to uniquely pair a smartphone with an audio appliance such that the devices communicate securely over Bluetooth. In the invention the communication units of each of the sub-units can be designed to communicate over Bluetooth, such as in addition to Wi-Fi .

[0051] In the context of the invention wireless technologies Near Field Communication (NFC ) pairing involves the exchange of authentication information and the creation of a trusted link between sub-units . This ensures that only those two paired subunits can communicate with each other, adding a layer of security to the connection .

[0052] Uniquely pairing merely means that any other sub-units are unpaired, such that any two opposite OBD and Charge port subunits can be matched and used together without any hassle .

[0053] Additional ease of use can be derived from sub-units comprising comprise electrical docking contacts for being assembled for j oint charging when one of the sub-units is connected to an external electrical power source . This feature is also independently beneficial .

[0054] However, the sub-units may alternatively or additionally be programmed to pair with each other when the sub-units are assembled to electrically communicate with each other .

[0055] Optionally, the sub-unit for charge port connection can be programmed for generating a PWM-signal . This allows a more universal and reliable use of the plug in preventing auto locomotion of electric vehicles destined for the Chinese market , which often do not respond to PP communication .

[0056] In one example the plug may comprise a GPS unit , or be programmed to request GPS-inf ormation from the vehicle , and is designed for communicating information pertaining to its location to the server independently, such as via cellular network, as a penultimate action prior to powering down or when no server connection can be established by the plug for a predefined period of time, such as longer than 72 hours.

[0057] Optionally, the plug comprises an induction charging coil for electrical induction charging.

[0058] The invention is hereinafter described using the following drawings :

[0059] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of the plug;

[0060] Fig. 2 shows a sub-unit connected to the charge port of an EV;

[0061] Fig. 3 shows a sub-unit connected to the OBD-port of an EV;

[0062] Fig. 4 shows a schematic overview of the situation during cargo transport by ship;

[0063] Fig. 5A shows a user accessing the human interface of the system

[0064] Fig. 5B shows the plug both in an assembled and disassembled state ;

[0065] Fig. 6 shows the charge wall.

[0066] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a charge port connection plug 1 for an electric vehicle 100 (shown in Figure 2) according to the invention. The plug comprises a base body 2 with a plug head 2.1 for PP and CP communication. In Figure 1 the plug head 2.1 can be seen comprising PP, CP and PE contacts only, in this manner the plug head can be designed for exclusively PP and CP communication with an electric charge port 101 of the electric vehicle 100 of Figure 2.

[0067] The base body 2 further comprises a first processor Pl and a first wireless communication unit 3.1. In this example the processor and communication unit aren't explicitly visualized, but instead in Figure 1 Pl, 3.1 refers to the circuit board that would comprise the first processor and communication unit 3.1.

[0068] The body 2 further comprises an OBD-port 4. In this example the

[0069] OBD-port is furnished on a separate face of the body opposite the head 2.1.

[0070] The plug 1 is divided into sub-units, here visualized as the base body 2 and a module 5.

[0071] The module 5 comprises an OBD-connector 6 for being reversibly removable from the OBD-port 4 of the body 2 so as to allow the plug 1 to be disassembled and simultaneously connected to both the charge port 101, in use, and an OBD-port 102 (shown in Figure

[0072] 3) of the electric vehicle 100.

[0073] The module 5 comprises a second processor P2 and a second wireless communication unit 3.2. These are not individually visualized but instead P2, 3.2 refers to the circuit board that would comprise the second processor and communication unit 3.2.

[0074] The plug is programmed for obtaining information from the vehicle via at least one of the charge port 101 and its OBD- port 102, and for establishing a wireless communicative connection 1 (shown in Figure 4) , such as by an exclusive wireless connection by pairing , preferably Bluetooth pairing , between the body 2 and module 5, by means of the first and second wireless communication units 3.1, 3.2, for relaying at least some of the information obtained from said vehicle from the module 5 to the body 2.

[0075] In this example the plug is designed for wirelessly transmitting at least some of the relayed information from the module 5 to the body 2, such as to an external receiver R (shown in Figure

[0076] 4) , using at least one of the first and second wireless communication units 3.1, 3.2 or an optional third communication unit 3.3, such as a Wi-Fi communication unit provided to the body 2.

[0077] An external receiver R, colloquially called a gateway, is also referred to as the at least one wireless communication unit of a system 1000 as shown in Figure 4. R is designed to receive information from a plurality of plugs , and collect the information on a server (not shown, but customary) , such as a local computer, which can be accessed via a human interface 1002 , which is also shown in Figure 5A.

[0078] Figure 5B shows that the plug 1 is programmed, such as by programming of Pl and P2 for pairing (pair ) the module 5 and body 2 upon assembly or disassembly after having first been assembled . The plug is thus preferably also designed to establish the wireless communicative connection 1 when the module 5 is either j oined with or removed from the body 2 .

[0079] Alternatively, though not shown in this example , an NFC could have been provided to both the body 2 and the module 5 , so that these could pair by merely being held in proximity .

[0080] Returning to Figure 1 it can be seen that the body and module each comprise an independent electric power source BAT1 , BAT2 , here both lithium-ion batteries .

[0081] The base body 2 and module 5 each compri se a cover C0V1 , C0V2 , which can optionally be designed so as to be reversibly removable so as to allow a user acces s the independent power sources for the replacement thereof . This is beneficial should the voyage of a ship take longer than expected . These batteries might then be charged separately from the plug .

[0082] As voyages may be long the plug may be programmed so as to ration its available electric energy over the course of between 350- 4500 hours , preferably between 760-3000 hours , such that external wireless communication - the communication that goes beyond j ust communication between plug and module - occurs at , preferably predetermined, intervals within said period .

[0083] It may be highly useful for the plug to break with the programmed rationing when it receives information from the vehicle indicative of a battery problem, such as indicative or predictive of thermal runaway, so as to communicate said information immediately rather than wait through the communication interval .

[0084] Though not shown the body 2 and module 5 may be designed to comprises additional electrical contacts and wherein the body and module are designed for being electrically connected via those additional electrical contacts when the body and module are assembled as shown in Figure 5B, left hand side .

[0085] While it may be superfluous to mention, the plug i s explicitly unsuitable for charging the electric vehicle thereby . This is apparent from the charge head exclusively comprising PP, CP and PE connectors .

[0086] The plug may further be programmed for updating the software of a vehicle via the OBD-port to which it is connectable in response to external information for said update received wireless ly by the plug, such as by relaying said informa tion between body and modul e . This information may be presented to the vehicle via the external receiver R ( Figure 4 ) and downloaded from the server by the vehicle via the plug . Alternatively, the plug may comprise a cellular transmitter-receiver for providing software updates to the vehicle when connected .

[0087] The plug may be programmed to relay the progress of the update to the server (not shown, but customary) so that this can be monitored by a user connected to said server .

[0088] A monitoring system is hereinafter recapitulated with reference to the figures .

[0089] A monitoring system 1000 is shown schematically in Figure 4 for electric vehicles on a transport 1001 , here speci fically a boat . The system comprises : a plurality of plugs each for being connected to an electric vehicle by both OBD and charge port ; at least one wireless communication unit R separately furnished to the transport 1001 for being wirelessly communicatively connected with the plurality of plugs ( 1 ) and a at least one server for the receiving externally transmitted information, such as a status of connected vehicles and preferably a traceable identity; a human interface 1002 for enabling a user to access the externally transmitted information collected by the at least one separately furnished communication unit , such as via the least one server .

[0090] The monitoring system may comprise said at least one server, such as a local server furnished to the transport and / or a distant server, for collecting externally transmitted information of the plurality of plugs , and a central wireles s communication unit with which the externally transmitted information is relayed to said at least one server for keeping the information in said server actual .

[0091] The servers are visuali zed, but these are customary .

[0092] Optionally, the human interface is communicatively connected to the at least one server, and wherein the human interface is designed to generate an alert when a plug connected vehicle shares information corresponding to a battery mal function of said vehicle .

[0093] In the case of a local and distant server, the local server, being the server associated with the transport , updates the distant server, which would be the global server used for monitoring multiple transports , such as across the world . Optionally, the at least one server is programmed to issue an instruction, such as on command of a user via the human interface , to cause the corresponding vehicle with a battery mal function to attract attention, such as by strobing its headlights , by activating a car alarm, and / or using the horn repeatedly .

[0094] The plug may further be programmed to independently transmit information about its global position to the server when the plug has been unable to connect to the said at least one wireless communication unit for a predetermined period of time and / or as a penultimately to powering of f .

[0095] Figure 6 shows a mobile carrier wall 2000 comprising a plurality of sockets 2001 , wherein each of the sockets is designed to receive , and optionally charge the plugs in their assembled state , such as via the charge port plug head or induction charging . The carrier wall may comprise wheels as shown .

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A charge port connection plug ( 1 ) comprising an OBD- connector ( 6 ) and charge port plug head ( 2 . 1 ) for PP and / or CP communication, such as LIN-CP and PLC communication, designed for being simultaneously communicatively connected to both a charge port and an OBD-port of a vehicle , wherein the plug comprises at least one proces sor ( Pl , P2 ) , wherein the plug is programmed to obtain information from the vehicle via both its charge port and OBD-port and wherein the plug comprises at least one wireless communication unit ( 3 . 1 , 3 . 2 ) for allowing the plug to transmit information, such as vehicle and / or battery status , obtained through its communicative connection with the vehicle when connected to the vehicle , and wherein the plug is also optionally programmed for wirelessly receiving instructions , such as for adj usting its energy usage , and wherein the plug is further optionally programmed to manipulate the software of the vehicle to execute the instructions , such as providing the vehicle with a software update , via its OBD-port when connected to the vehicle and / or activate its head lights .2 . The charge port connection plug according to claim1 , wherein the plug is designed as two separate sub-units arranged for being reversibly disassembled, and wherein a first of the two sub-units is designed for connecting with the charge port , and a second of the two sub-units is designed for being connected with the OBD-port , and wherein each sub-unit comprises a wireless communication unit , and wherein at least one subunit is programmed to communicate wirelessly with the other subunit .3 . The charge port connection plug according to claim2 , wherein the sub-units each have an electrically rechargeable power supply, such as a battery, and programmed to be wirelessly paired with each other upon assembly or disassembly, such as byeach comprising a Bluetooth communication unit, and wherein further optionally the sub-units comprise electrical docking contacts for being assembled for joint electrical charging and pairing .

4. A charge port connection plug (1) for an electric vehicle (100) comprising a base body (2) with a plug head (2.1) for PP and CP communication, such as exclusively PP and CP communication, with an electric charge port (101) of the electric vehicle (100) , and wherein the base body (2) comprises a first processor (Pl) and a first wireless communication unit (3.1) , wherein the body (2) comprises an OBD-port (4) , such as on a separate face of the body opposite the head (2.1) , and wherein the plug (1) comprises a module (5) which itself comprises an OBD-connector (6) for being reversibly removable from the OBD-port (4) of the body (2) so as to allow the plug (1) to be simultaneously connected to both the charge port (101) , in use, and an OBD-port (102) of the electric vehicle, wherein the module (5) comprises a second processor (P2) and a second wireless communication unit (3.2) , wherein the plug is programmed for obtaining information from the vehicle via at least one of the charge port (101) and its OBD-port (102) , and for establishing a wireless communicative connection (1) , such as by an exclusive wireless connection by pairing , preferably Bluetooth pairing , between the body and module, by means of the first and second wireless communication units (3.1, 3.2) , for relaying at least some of the information obtained from said vehicle between the body and module, and wherein the plug is i) designed for wirelessly transmitting at least some of the relayed information, such as to an external receiver , using at least one of the first and second wireless communication units (3.1, 3.2) ,or ii) designed for wirelessly transmitting at least some of the relayed information, such as to an external receiver , using a third wireless communication unit (3.3) , such as one of a Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, 5G or cellular communication unit, comprised in the plug, such as exclusively comprised in the base body.

5. The plug according to claim 4, wherein the plug is programmed to establish the wireless communicative connection (1) when the module is joined with or removed from the body.

6. The plug according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the body and module each comprise an independent electric power source, such as a battery.

1. The plug according to claim 6, wherein the plug is programmed so as to ration its available electric energy over the course of between 350-4500 hours, preferably between 760- 3000 hours, such that external wireless communication occurs at, preferably predetermined, intervals within said period, and wherein the plug is programmed such that information from the vehicle indicative of any problem, such as low tire tension, engine issues or a battery problem, such as indicative or predictive of thermal runaway, causes external wireless communication by said plug outside of said intervals.

8. The plug according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the body and module comprises electrical contacts and wherein the body and module are designed for being electrically connected when the body and module are joined by their OBD-connection .

9. The plug according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the plug is designed to be unsuitable for charging the electric vehicle therethrough.

10. The plug according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the plug is programmed for updating the software of a vehicle via the OBD-port, to which it is connectable, and in response to external information for said update received wirelessly by the plug, such as by relaying said informationbetween body and module.

11. The plug according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the body being programmed for generating a PWM-signal, PLC-signal and / or LIN-CP.

12. The plug according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the plug comprises a GPS unit, and is designed for communicating information pertaining to its location.

13. The plug according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the plug comprises an induction charging coil for induction charging.

14. A monitoring system (1000) for electric vehicles on a transport (1001) , such as a train, semi-trailer, trailer or boat, comprising: a plurality of plugs according to any one of claims 1-13 each for being connected to an electric vehicle by both OBD and charge port simultaneously; at least one wireless communication unit (R) separately furnished to the transport (1001) for being wirelessly communicatively connected with the plurality of plugs (1) and a at least one server for the receiving externally transmitted information, such as a status of connected vehicles and preferably a traceable identity; a human interface (1002) for enabling a user to access the externally transmitted information collected by the at least one separately furnished communication unit, such as via the least one server.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the monitoring system comprises said at least one server, such as a local server furnished to the transport and / or a distant server, for collecting externally transmitted information of the plurality of plugs, and a central wireless communication unit with which the externally transmitted information is relayed to said at least one server for keeping the information in said server actual.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the humaninterface is communicatively connected to the at least one server, and wherein the human interface is designed to generate an alert when a plug connected vehicle shares information corresponding to a malfunction of said vehicle, such as a battery malfunction .

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the at least one server is programmed to issue an instruction, such as on command of a user via the human interface, to cause the corresponding vehicle with a malfunction to attract attention, such as by strobing its headlights, by activating a car alarm, and / or using the horn repeatedly.

18. The system according to any one of claims 13-16, wherein the plug comprises the features according to claims 1 and 12 or claims 4 and 12, and wherein the plug is programmed to independently transmit information about its global position to the server when the plug has been unable to connect to said at least one wireless communication unit for a predetermined period of time and / or as a penultimately to powering off.

19. A mobile carrier wall (2000) comprising a plurality of sockets (2001) , wherein each of the sockets is designed to receive, and optionally charge the plugs via the charge port plug head (2.1) , an assembled plug according to any one of claims 1-13.

20. The wall according to claim 19, wherein each of the sockets are provided with an induction charger for charging a plug according to claim 13.