Blockchain EV Charging Authentication Without PKI Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicle (EV) charging authentication systems rely on complex and expensive public key infrastructure (PKI) systems, which are inefficient and vulnerable to security threats, particularly in decentralized charging environments, and do not support vehicle sharing or ownership transfer scenarios effectively.
Innovation Solution
A blockchain-based method for authenticating EV charging users, where a vehicle-to-grid operator generates smart contracts on a blockchain, enabling real-time certificate and account status management, eliminating the need for centralized trust entities and reducing the complexity of certificate issuance and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional PKI-based authentication is used, then authentication security is maintained, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional PKI-based mechanical authentication system with a blockchain-based distributed ledger system. Instead of relying on centralized certificate authorities and complex key management infrastructure, the invention uses cryptographic hashes stored on the blockchain to verify vehicle ownership and authorization, thereby maintaining security while dramatically reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a blockchain-based intermediary layer that mediates between the vehicle and charging infrastructure. Rather than direct PKI authentication between multiple parties, the blockchain serves as a trusted intermediary that stores and verifies ownership credentials, simplifying the authentication process while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If centralized trust entities are used for certificate management, then authentication authority is established, but security vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized trust function into distributed nodes across the blockchain network. Instead of a single point of failure (centralized trust entity), the authentication authority is distributed across multiple independent nodes that collectively verify and store ownership credentials, eliminating the security vulnerability of centralized systems while maintaining authentication authority
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain system provides self-service authentication verification through cryptographic proof mechanisms. The system automatically verifies vehicle ownership and authorization credentials stored on the blockchain without requiring manual intervention from centralized trust entities, reducing security vulnerabilities associated with human-operated centralized systems
3Extent of automation
If contract certificates are installed in EV for PnC authentication, then automatic authentication is enabled, but certificate provisioning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cryptographic copies (hashes) of vehicle identification data stored on the blockchain instead of installing complex contract certificates in the vehicle. The authentication process verifies these cryptographic copies through blockchain consensus, enabling automatic authentication while eliminating the complexity of certificate issuance, installation, and management
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PKI systems (MO PKI, CPO PKI, OEM PKI) are implemented, then comprehensive authentication coverage is achieved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal blockchain-based authentication system that serves multiple functions: vehicle ownership verification, charging authorization, and cross-infrastructure compatibility. This single multi-functional system replaces the need for separate MO PKI, CPO PKI, and OEM PKI systems, achieving comprehensive authentication coverage while reducing operational complexity through standardization
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are configured to automatically authenticate an electric vehicle (EV) charging user based on blockchain. A vehicle-to-grid (V2G) operator generates a smart contract for a specific EV or an EV user on a blockchain, and a mobility operator (MO) or a charge point operator acquire an access control authority to the blockchain. The EV user provides an authentication identifier to the MO. The MO generates an account identifier based on the authentication identifier, generates a contract on the blockchain based on the authentication identifier, the account identifier, an expiration date of the account identifier, and the activity status of the account identifier, and transmits contract information including the account identifier corresponding to the authentication identifier, the expiration date of the account identifier, and the activity status of the account identifier to the EV user.