EV Charging Power Selection for Tiered EVSE Pricing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles are charged at different prices based on their maximum charging power, leading to higher costs for vehicles with higher maximum charging power, even if the actual charge transferred is the same, which can result in unnecessary cost premiums.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that includes a controller capable of detecting electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) with multiple price tiers and allows users to adjust their maximum charge power below the default, enabling charging at a lower power level to qualify for a lower price tier, thereby reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the vehicle charges at the default maximum charge power, then the charging speed is maximized, but the charging cost increases due to higher price tiers
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the maximum charge power based on user preferences and real-time conditions. The controller receives user input indicating a desired maximum charge power and communicates this adjusted power level to the EVSE, allowing the charging parameters to be flexible rather than fixed, thus resolving the contradiction between charging speed and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the charge power parameter from the default maximum value to an adjusted value based on user selection. By modifying this key parameter, the vehicle can qualify for lower price tiers at the EVSE, reducing charging cost while still meeting user needs. The HMI presents options to the user, and upon selection, the controller transmits the new power parameter to the charging equipment.
2Power
If the vehicle uses higher maximum charging power, then the charging capability is improved, but the price per unit charge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the maximum charging power dynamic by allowing real-time adjustment based on user input. Instead of being locked into the vehicle's default maximum power capability, the controller adapts the power level to match user preferences and cost considerations, enabling the vehicle to operate at lower power levels when cost is a priority.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power parameter from the vehicle's maximum capability to a user-selected adjusted power level. This parameter change allows the vehicle to qualify for different price tiers at the EVSE, directly addressing the contradiction between having high charging power capability and paying higher prices associated with those power tiers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle allows user adjustment of maximum charge power, then the cost flexibility is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it manages the charging process, communicates with the EVSE, presents information to the user via HMI, receives user input, and adjusts charging parameters. By making the controller multi-functional, the system adds cost flexibility without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thus minimizing the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The HMI acts as an intermediary between the user and the controller, simplifying the user interface while the controller handles the complex communication and control logic. This intermediary approach allows the system to be flexible and adaptable without exposing the full complexity to the user, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a traction battery, a human-machine interface (HMI), and a controller. The controller responsive to detecting electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) utilizing multiple price tiers corresponding to multiple maximum charge powers, outputs a message indicating a charge price corresponding to the maximum charge power for each of the price tiers via the HMI. The controller also, responsive to receiving user input indicating an adjusted maximum charge power less that a default maximum charge power of the vehicle, sends the adjusted maximum charge power to the EVSE and permits charging from the EVSE at or below the adjusted maximum charge power.