ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION WITH A FIELD UPGRADEABLE COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY

摘要

An electric vehicle charging station with a field upgradeable communications facility is provided. The invention includes a sealable housing including a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment including an access to an upgrade port; a partition within the housing that is adapted to insulate the first compartment from the second compartment, the partition including an opening providing access the upgrade port; and an EVSE charging station control circuit configured to recognize a communication module when coupled to the upgrade port and to use the communication module for communications if the communication module is connected. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

主权项

1. An electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) system, comprising:
an EVSE charging station including a sealable housing including a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment including an access to an upgrade port, a partition within the sealable housing that is adapted to insulate the first compartment from the second compartment, the partition including an opening providing access the upgrade port, and an EVSE charging station control circuit configured to recognize a communication module when coupled to the upgrade port and to use the communication module for communications if the communication module is connected; a smart meter device including a wireless communication capability adapted to communicate with the EVSE charging station via a home area network (HAN); and a power supplier adapted to provide electricity to the EVSE charging station and to remotely control the EVSE charging station via commands issued through the HAN.