Shared Electric Vehicle Availability Without Fixed Charging Docks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenges of sharing electric vehicles include the need for battery charging, potential damage, and the inconvenience of fixed docking stations, which restrict location availability and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A system enabling on-demand electric vehicle sharing through a fleet of vehicles connected via the internet, using a mobile app for user interface and control, with a crowdsourced network of independent contractors for charging and maintenance, ensuring vehicles are available and maintained dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed docking stations with charging capabilities are used, then electric vehicles can be charged when not in use, but the number of locations users can pick up vehicles from is drastically restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to charge electric vehicles themselves at any location with power access by connecting the vehicle to power sources through the mobile device interface, eliminating the need for dedicated charging infrastructure at fixed docking stations
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle-sharing system allows vehicles to be picked up and dropped off at any location rather than requiring specific docking stations, making the system adaptable to multiple locations while maintaining charging capability through universal power source compatibility
2Reliability
If fixed docking stations are implemented, then vehicle charging is ensured, but special equipment such as chargers, connectors, and power sources is required which could provide a disincentive to use
Solution Approach 1:
Users independently charge vehicles at any location using existing power sources, eliminating the need for specialized charging equipment at docking stations and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The charging function is extracted from fixed docking station infrastructure and transferred to the vehicle itself, allowing users to charge anywhere with power access without requiring dedicated charging equipment at each location
3Ease of operation
If docking or undocking procedures are made more convenient, then user experience improves, but the system requires more complex docking station equipment
Solution Approach 1:
Users perform all docking and undocking operations independently using their mobile devices to locate, select, and retrieve vehicles from any location, eliminating the need for automated docking station equipment while maximizing convenience
Data Source
AI summary
An indication that a ride associated with an electric vehicle has ended is received. An availability state of the electric vehicle is determined based at least on a current battery charge level of the electric vehicle and a dynamic charge threshold. Information reflecting the availability state of the electric vehicle in a set of geographic location and availability state information of vehicles comprising a fleet of electric vehicles available to be displayed is included via a user interface based at least in part on the respective availability state of the respective electric vehicles comprising the fleet of electric vehicles.