EV Charger Digital Token Authentication Without Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is challenged by the lack of network connectivity in certain environments, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to unreliable networks, which can result in lost charging session data and reduced EV driver satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for secure EV charging using a low power short range point-to-point communication system, such as NFC, enabling authentication and data exchange between an EV charger and a mobile device without a network connection, allowing for local storage and transmission of charging session data when connectivity is restored.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network connectivity is required for EV charging authentication, then data integrity can be maintained through centralized verification, but charging sessions cannot be conducted in network-unavailable environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication actions by storing authentication credentials and digital tokens locally in the EV charger's memory before network connectivity is needed. This allows the charger to verify user credentials and initiate charging sessions offline, then synchronize data with the central server once connectivity is restored.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a local memory storage system as an intermediary between the authentication system and the network. This intermediary stores authentication data locally, enabling verification operations to occur without direct network connection, while still maintaining data integrity through cryptographic verification of stored credentials.
2Reliability
If centralized server verification is used for authentication, then security can be maintained, but latency increases and installation costs increase due to network infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system is segmented into two independent parts: a centralized server for credential issuance and a local EV charger for verification. The charger stores authentication credentials locally in its memory, allowing it to perform verification operations independently without real-time server connection, thus reducing latency while maintaining security through cryptographic verification.
3Extent of automation
If network infrastructure is deployed for EV charging, then authentication can be centralized, but installation costs increase and reliability decreases in areas with poor network coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication verification function from the network infrastructure and embeds it directly in the EV charger's local memory system. This allows centralized authentication credentials to be issued by a server, but the actual verification process to occur locally without requiring continuous network connectivity, thereby reducing installation costs and improving reliability in areas with poor network coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A secure electric vehicle (EV) charger and system incorporating thereof is provided. One embodiment includes an EV charger. The EV charger includes a processor, a low power short range point-to-point communication system, and a memory containing an authentication software application. The processor is configured by the authentication software application to receive an authentication request from a mobile device via the low power short range point-to-point communication system, send encrypted EV charger access credentials to the mobile device, receive a digital token from the mobile device, verify the digital token, and initiate a charging session based upon a command contained within the digital token. The digital token may be encrypted using a public key and may be self-authenticating without use of an internet connection thus enabling secure charging without the presence of an internet connection.