AU2011201104B2

AU2011201104B2 - Distributed Vehicle Service System and Method

Info

Publication number: AU2011201104B2
Application number: AU2011201104A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Branislav Mitkovic; Sam Soury
Original assignee: Mitkovic Branislav; Soury Sam
Current assignee: Mitkovic Branislav; Soury Sam
Priority date: 2010-03-15
Filing date: 2011-03-11
Publication date: 2011-12-15
Anticipated expiration: 2031-03-11
Also published as: AU2011201104A1

Abstract

-32 A distributed vehicle charging system; said system including one or more of charging units installed at 5 points accessible to road vehicles, said charging units providing electrical power through a mobile communication device enabled transaction; and wherein the transaction for use of the charging unit is initiated by NFC technology incorporated in both a user's mobile 10 communication device and in the charging unit whereby the user's communication device transmits the required transaction initiating data and user's device identification, which is combined with the unit's unique identity code for transmission to the unit service 15 provider thereby to enable the transaction.

Description

P/00/009 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention Title. DISTRIBUTED VEHICLE SERVICE SYSTEM & METHOD The invention is described in the following statement, together with the best way of performing the invention known to us: Our Ref: 112003 DISTRIBUTED VEHICLE SERVICE SYSTEM & METHOD The present invention relates to road vehicles and, more particularly, to charging and related infrastructure 5 for providing services to electrically driven and conventional vehicles. BACKGROUND Recent years have seen the introduction of hybrid 10 petrol or diesel electric vehicles. Generally these vehicles rely on the internal combustion engine component of the power train together with regenerative braking, to maintain a charge in the vehicle's battery. However many manufacturers have fully electrically 15 powered vehicles in preproduction planning or close to introduction into the market. While these vehicles will also incorporate regenerative braking, the bulk of the power will derive from electrical power supplied to the vehicle battery from an' external power source, typically 20 the electric mains. A major problem impeding the wide acceptance of such vehicles will be the lack of charging facilities. While for many people it will be a relatively simple matter to charge the vehicle battery from a home supply, for many others 25 living in accommodation where the vehicle must be parked remotely, this is not an option, In any case there is a - 3 clear need for vehicle re-charging facilities to be widely available, and in greater quantities of outlets than required for refuelling with liquid fuel since charging times are significantly longer. 5 It is likely that at least some parking spaces, either at road sides or in parking areas and parking stations, will be provided with power outlets to permit recharging of electric vehicles. A disadvantage of such an arrangement will be that the space may then be unavailable for parking 10 by non-electrically powered vehicles or vehicles which do not require charging. It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate some of the above disadvantages. 15 Notes 1. The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive 20 sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of" 2. The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or 25 part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country.

-4 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 5 Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided a distributed vehicle charging system; said system including one or more of charging unite installed at points accessible to road vehicles; said charging units providing electrical 10 power through a mobile communication device enabled transaction; and wherein the transaction for use of the charging unit is initiated by NFC technology incorporated in both a user's mobile communication device and in the charging unit whereby the user's 15 communication device transmits the required transaction initiating data and user's device identification, which is combined with the unit's unique identity code for transmission to the unit service provider thereby to enable the transaction. 20 Preferably, said charging unit is a dual function unit providing electrical power for charging an electrically powered vehicle and providing authorized parking adjacent a said charging unit. 25 -5 Preferably, said charging units are installed at any one of, curb-sides along vehicle thoroughfares, parking bays of vehicle parking areas, parking stations and vehicle service stations. 5 Preferably, said mobile communication device enabled transaction includes a first text message from a user to a charging unit service provider; said first text message at least comprising an identifier of a 10 selected one of said plurality of charging units. Preferably, receipt of said first text message, received by said charging unit service provider from a said user, initiates a series of steps by said 15 charging unit service provider; said steps including: (a) checking if said user has a mobile communication device account with said charging unit service provider, an account with a cooperating mobile communication 20 device service provider, or an account set up for charging payments, (b) checking said account for a minimum balance, (c) sending an enabling code as a text message 25 to said charging unit identified in said text message received from said user.

-6 Preferably, said charging unit is provided with selection facility for nominating a desired level of a vehicle battery charge or period of parking; wherein 5 said charging unit is in communication with an on-board computer of a vehicle to be charged via a local area network or data transmitted along a charging lead of an electrically powered vehicle when plugged into said dual function unit; said on-board computer providing charge 10 level data of the battery of said vehicle. Preferably, a supply of power from an identified charging unit is enabled by said charging unit service provider, by said enabling code sent to a SIM card 15 incorporated in said charging unit. Preferably, said charging unit includes at least one power outlet; said outlet adapted to receive a charging plug of a battery powered vehicle's charging 20 lead. Preferably, power supplied from said charging unit is monitored by power consumption metering equipment incorporated in said charging unit; metered power 25 consumed during a charging operation charged to a user's -7 mobile communication device account, or an account set up for charging payments. Preferably, clusters of said charging units are 5 provided from reticulated 3-phase power grid; said charging units in communication one with another for automatic power phase selection for equal loading of utility power spread. 10 In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a distributed vehicle charging system; said system including a plurality of dual function charging units installed at points accessible to road vehicles; said charging units able to provide electrical power 15 through a wireless data transmission enabled transaction; said charging units further enabled to function as a parking meters; and wherein said wireless data transmission enabled transaction for use of the charging unit is initiated by NPC technology 20 incorporated in both a user's mobile communication device and in the charging unit whereby the user's mobile communication device transmits the required transaction initiating data and user's device identification, which is combined with the unit's unique 25 identity code for transmission to the unit service provider thereby to enable the transaction.

-8 Preferably, payment of vehicle charging or payment of a sa-i4 parking fee is enabled by a mobile communication device text message transaction. 5 Preferably, payment of vehicle charging or payment of a said parking fee is enabled by data transmission over a smart grid. Preferably, said charging unit/parking meter is 10 provided with a vehicle sensing system; said sensing system transmitting data to an on-line mapping facility; said mapping facility transmitting locality information to a subscribing user indicating currently vacant charging unit/parking meters on a hand-held 15 communication device of said user, Preferably, if, after completion of a charging action or a vehicle is detected when a predetermined period has expired or not been paid for, said charging 20 unit/parking meter sends a text message to a nearest parking ranger. Preferably, location and occupancy status of charging unit/parking meters within a map area are made 25 available over a mobile phone network of a mobile phone service provider.

-9 In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a dual function unit comprising a combination electric vehicle charging unit and vehicle parking 5 meter; charging of a said electric vehicle or parking of a vehicle at said dual function unit enabled by a wireless data transmission transaction; said transaction initiated by a wireless data transmission from a user's mobile communication device or a user's vehicle; and 10 wherein said wireless data transmission enabled transaction for use of the charging unit is initiated by NFC technology incorporated in both a user's mobile communication device and in the charging unit whereby the user's communication device transmits the required 15 transaction initiating data and user's device identification, which is combined with the unit's unique identity code for transmission to the unit service provider thereby to enable the transaction. 20 Preferably, said data transmission comprises credit card data extracted through a credit card reader provided in said dual function unit; said credit card reader including Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, 25 - 1u Preferably, data is transmitted from said dual purpose unit to a service provider managing said unit, by alternating current modulation over a power grid connection between said unit and said service provider. 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 10 Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a charging and/or parking unit of the 15 distributed vehicle service system according to the invention, Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the unit of Figure 1 showing charging outlets, Figures 3A to 3K illustrate various phases of a 20 user's interaction with the charging unit of Figures 1 and 2, - 11 Figures 4A to 4D illustrate display screens of various phases of a user's initial interaction with the unit of Figures 1 and 2 for a parking request, Figure 5 is a display screen of a user's mobile 5 communication device indicating a text message received from a service provider of the unit of Figures 1 and 2, Figures 6 to 6L illustrate a further series of display screens for further interactions between a user and the unit of Figures 1 and 2, 10 Figures 7 to 10 are further display screens of the mobile communication device of user of the unit of Figures 1 and 2, Figures 11A to 11C comprise a flow chart illustrating the interaction between a user and the unit of Figures 1 15 and 2, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIbENTS The present invention provides for a distributed 20 vehicle charging, and/or parking system in which one or more of charging and parking units are installed at selected locations accessible to vehicles. Such locations may include curb-sides, parking areas, parking stations as well as dedicated vehicle service stations, 25 A feature of the invention is the arrangement of the transactions required between users at such disparately - 12 located charging units, and the charging unit service provider. The invention provides for transactions between a user of a charging unit and the charging unit service provider by means of wireless data transmission. Such data 5 transmission may include, but is not limited to, mobile phone Short Message Service (SMS) communication, automatic vehicle recognition by a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), the incorporation of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology or data transmission over a "smart grid" system. 10 Although in the remainder of this document, particular examples of communication technologies are described, it should by understood that other suitable communication technologies are envisaged by the invention. The charging unit 10 according to the invention 15 comprises a rugged, substantially tamper proof cabinet. It may be provided in several models, for mounting to a suitable wall, supporting post, existing light pole or other street furniture for example, as well as a free standing unit in the manner of a parking meter unit for 20 example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. in a preferred arrangement, the unit is equipped with a display panel 12 and two operating buttons 16 and 18, mounted to a front panel 14 as well as at least one power outlet, located behind the lockable panel or door 20. 25 First Preferred Embodiment 13 With reference to Figure 1, a user (not shown) requiring a re-charging of a vehicle's battery, locates and parks adjacent a vacant charging unit 10. The display panel 12 on the front 14 of the unit shows a stand-by welcome 5 message and invites a user to initiate a charging transaction by pressing either of the buttons 16 or 18 adjacent the display 12, as shown in Figure 3A. When a button is pressed, display 10 instructs the user to contact the service provider for the unit 10 and displays a phone 10 or mobile phone number for this purpose as shown in Figure 3B. This may be a mobile phone number 30 as shown in Figure 3B, for example 0408 324 274, which may be common for all charging units managed by a given charging unit 15 service provider. In the former case, the display will instruct the user to text a simple key word or alphanumeric code to the mobile number displayed. In the latter case as shown in Figure 32, the charging unit will display its identification number 32, for example #56, on the display 20 panel 12. This number is then the text message the user must send to the common mobile phone number, to initiate a request for charging a vehicle from that particular charging unit. Alternatively, the transaction for use of the charging 25 unit, may be initiated by NFC technology incorporated in both a user's mobile communication device and in the - 14 charging unit. In this arrangement, the user's communication device transmits the required transaction initiating data and user's device identification, which is combined with the unit's unique identity code for 5 transmission to the unit service provider. It will be noted from Figures 1 and 2 that in a preferred arrangement, the two buttons 16 and 18 are located immediately under the display panel 12, adjacent the left and right hand corners of the display. Thus the 10 function of the buttons 16 and 18 at any stage of the operation can be indicated in the display 12 as for example the options "More" and "Skip" in Figure 3C. In at least one preferred arrangement, a user may specify the value 34 of the charge to be dispensed by the 15 charging unit as indicated in Figure 3C. In a preferred arrangement the value of the charge desired may be increased from a minimum value, for example 50cents, by 50cent increments, by pressing the indicated button 16. If the "Skip" button 18 is pressed, the vehicle will be 20 charged to the maximum battery capacity. Alternatively, if the charge value remains un-incremented after a predetermined elapsed time, the system defaults to a maximum charge delivery. In each case, this first text message is received by 25 the charging unit service provider, including the value of the desired charge or whether a maximum charge is to be - 15 provided. The user's mobile phone number received with the text message enables the charging unit service provider to ascertain if the message is from a registered user of the system and check the mobile phone account of the user. If 5 the message received originated from a registered user and the account has at least a current minimum credit balance, or sufficient for the requested value if any, the transaction is approved. If a text message is received from a mobile phone not recognized as that of a registered user, 10 or of a user whose account balance is insufficient, the display panel is caused to show a "Transaction Cancelled You have insufficient funds" message. This may include a phone number (not shown) for assistance, By means of a phone call the would-be user is then able to establish an 15 account, and/or transfer funds to his or her account. Alternatively, the charging unit service provider managing the charging unit 10 in question, may communicate with other cooperating mobile phone service providers, to ascertain the intended user's service providers and check 20 for funds availability and transfer. The system may provide the user with some further options, such as a text message notification when a 30, 50 or 90% level of the required charge has been reached, as shown in Figure 3D. 25 Usually, each charging unit is provided with its own SIM mobile phone card for communication with the mobile - 16 phone service provider. Alternatively in a cluster of charging units, for example if a number of units are located within a lOOmeter radius, one charging unit may be a SIM card equipped master unit, acting as a communication 5 hub for the other units in the cluster over a secure local wireless network. If the transaction is approved, the charging unit 10 is contacted by the service provider with a text message comprising a code number, thereby enabling the unit for a 10 charging sequence, This code number could be key encrypted, through an algorithm. The call received by the charging unit 10 may also include the user's current account balance for display on the panel 12. As shown in Figure 3F, the display on panel 12 15 indicates that the transaction is approved and directs the user to open the discharge socket access door 20 shown in Figures 1 and 2, which has been unlocked as part of the enablingi sequence, and plug in the vehicle's charging lead. Failure to connect the vehicle within a maximum allowed 20 time will cause cancellation of the transaction, as indicated on the display shown in Figure 3G. Figure 2 shows the charging unit 10 with the access door 20 opened, allowing access to either of the two discharging sockets 22 and 24. When the insertion of a 25 user's charging lead plug (not shown) is detected by the charging unit 10, the display panel 12 will indicate that - 17 the access door must be closed (which is then locked by the unit, with the charging lead emerging thorough gap 21) and that the unit is ready. Charging may then be initiated by pressing a designated one of the buttons 16 or 18. If for 5 any reason the charging operation is to be aborted, the user presses button 16 to pause the charging operation. A second push on button 18 may then terminate the charging session, and unlock the door for extraction of the user's charging lead. 10 The charging unit 10 may include circuitry which is able to receive data of the state of charge of the vehicle battery once the unit has been brought into an active state. In this arrangement, if enabled in a vehicle, the charging unit 10 communicates over a local area network 15 with the vehicle's on-board computer, for example over a Bluetooth*O connection. The display panel 12 may then indicate the expected charge time to fully charge or deliver the requested value of charge. During the charging operation, the display 12 may 20 indicate the time elapsed, power so far delivered and accumulating cost, as shown in Figure 3H. Button 16, then functionally a "Pause" button allows the user to interrupt, and button 18 "Cancel" provides for aborting the charging operation. If paused, the power to the charging outlets 24 25 or 26 is disconnected internally, although the unit 10 remains in a stand-by, still enabled mode, with button 16 - 18 assuming the function of "Resume" and button 18 "Cancel". Should the vehicle be unplugged before the intended charge is delivered, the unit 10 will assume a "Cancel" situation and return the unit and display to the initial default 5 status shown in Figure 3A. As mentioned above, the charging unit can be adapted to transmit a text message via the appropriate mobile phone service provider to the mobile phone of the user to indicate that the charging is nearing or has reached 10 completion and that removal of the vehicle may be required, perhaps by a certain time, After the charging operation has been completed (or interrupted or aborted), the display changes to that shown in Figure 3J, requesting disconnection of the vehicle and 15 closure of the socket access door 20, which is re-locked after a short delay. The display may then show the Watt Hour (WH) supplied, the total cost incurred and new current balance, The power consumed and cost data is in any case transmitted by the charging unit 10 to the charging unit 20 service provider via the appropriate mobile phone network. After a short delay the display reverts to the initial stand-by welcome message shown in Figure 3K. As explained above, the door is unlocked when the charging unit has been enabled by the signal from the 25 mobile phone service provider and re-locked shortly after a user disconnects a vehicle's power lead from the charging -19 unit. In a preferred arrangement the door is controlled by a suitable actuator and programmed to open and shut automatically as required by the charging sequence. In one preferred arrangement, two power outlets 24 and 5 26 are provided; one for a high power/fast charge, for example 30ampere and one for a low power/slow charge at for example 15ampere, alternating current supply, with the outlets configured so as to restrict access to vehicle lead plugs of the appropriate amperage rating. Each outlet is 10 provided with sensing equipment to detect the presence of an inserted plug. It is expected that plugs of plug-in electric vehicles will conform to standard 15 and 30ampere plugs as for mains power point outlets in the area of mains supply. In any 15 case, the charging units of the invention, will be provided with the power outlets and power amperages adapted to suit all plug-in electrically powered vehicles. It is envisaged that charging units 10 according to the invention may be provided in relatively concentrated 20 clusters, such as would be the case where all, or a significant proportion of parking bays in a parking station, parking area or on-street parking are equipped with charging units. For this reason, in a preferred arrangement, charging units in such a situation would draw 25 their power from a 3-phase mains supply. The unit of the clusters would be in communication with one another so that - 20 automatic power phase selection can provide for equal loading of utility power spread across units in the cluster. 5 Second Preferred Embodiment In second preferred embodiment of the invention, the charging unit 10 comprises a dual function unit, incorporating a parking meter facility. The first preferred embodiment above, deals with parking at the charging unit 10 during the time required for the charging of the vehicle battery. In this second embodiment, the unit 10 may act as a normal parking meter in addition to the charging function described above, In this instance, the first screen will invite a user 15 to nominate either a vehicle charging or a parking requirement as shown in Figure 4A. In this second embodiment also however, payment of a parking fee is arranged by means of a text message sent by a user to the charging/parking unit service provider 20 nominating the identifier number of the charging/parking unit in the same manner as described above for a charging operation. Or, as described above, the transaction for use of the charging unit, may be initiated by NFC technology incorporated in both a user's mobile communication device 25 and in the charging unit.

- 21 In this second embodiment, it will not be a charge value which is incrementally entered and transmitted to the service provider, but a desired time period, The initial text message with the unit 10 identifier number 32, the 5 vehicle registration number and the desired parking time is processed in the same way as for the first embodiment above, so that if the user is registered and his or her account has sufficient credit, the parking is permitted, A text message to this effect is transmitted to the user and 10 the time period authorized displayed on the charging unit display panel 12 as shown in Figure 4D. In the case where a unit acts as a hub for the parking of several vehicles, the display may scroll through the authorised vehicles automatically. For example, if the display can only show 15 parking details of four vehicles at a time, the first four vehicles will be displayed for a short time, say five seconds, sequentially followed by the second group of four, and so on. Preferably, the unit 10 is provided with a sensing 20 system which can detect the presence or absence of a vehicle adjacent the unit. If a vehicle has occupied a unit 10 equipped parking bay without authorisation, either for a charging operation or for period parking or, if a charging or parking period has expired, the charging unit is enabled 25 to locate and transmit a text message or a graphic indication of its position and condition, to a suitably - 22 equipped mobile phone or other hand-held communication device of the nearest parking ranger. This same sensing system which determines the presence or absence of a vehicle may be integrated with an on-line 5 mapping system such as Whereis@ or Google@ which can then indicate which charging units within a given map area are currently vacant. A subscriber user of the system can then receive map and vacancy situation data on his or her mobile phone or other hand-held communication device, directing 10 them to a nearest available charging/parking bay. Third Preferred Embodiment In both the above embodiments above, communication and payment for the charging or parking of a vehicle at a unit 15 10 of the invention, was facilitated by a mobile phone network. In this third preferred embodiment, other methods of initiating and making payment for a service provided by a dual function unit 10 are described. The unit 10 may be provided with a vehicle sensing 20 system as previously described, or the parking bay with which it is associated may incorporate a vehicle sensing system. In one arrangement, the unit 10 incorporates a sensor, for example an infra-red beam, to sense the arrival and becoming stationary of a vehicle parking beside it, In 25 another arrangement, the parking bay may be provided with an embedded electrical circuit linked to the unit 10, the - 23 magnetic field of which when disturbed by a parked vehicle, alerts the unit. Various means for vehicle-to-unit communication for suitably equipped vehicles may be employed by the system. 5 For example, the unit, once the presence of a vehicle is detected, may interrogate an RFID device or other data communication device of the vehicle. Alternatively, a communication "handshake" between the vehicle and the unit in the case of a charging operation, 10 could be established, between the vehicle's computer and the unit 10, over the power lead of the vehicle, once this is plugged into the unit. In a preferred system, the data elicited from the vehicle would - include the type of vehicle (electrically 15 powered or conventional), and its registration and ownership details. Preferably it will also include details of the account to which cost of charging or parking is to be debited. For parking or charging purposes, this identifying data may then be used to both authorize a 20 charging sequence or parking period, with the cost billed to an account nominated in a prior arrangement by the vehicle owner's. This could for example be a mobile phone account, an electricity account or a dedicated account set up with the service provider. 25 When communication between the vehicle and the unit 10 is established, the user will need to indicate, by pressing - 24 the appropriate button 16 or 18, which service is to be provided, charging and parking or parking only. In either the case of combined charging and parking, or that of parking only, the sequences described in the First and 5 Second Preferred Embodiments above, will then follow insofar as the user's interaction with the unit 10 is concerned, As a further alternative for the making of a payment to the service provider of the unit, the unit may optionally be equipped with a contactless credit card 10 reader using NFC technology. The cost of the transaction is then charged by the user's credit card account. In an alternative arrangement to that described for the first two embodiments above, the unit 10 may communicate with the service provider over a so-called 15 "smart grid", that is, by modulation of the alternating current of the electricity reticulation grid to which the unit is connected. This same arrangement may also be used for intercommunication between a unit acting as the hub for other nearby units. 20 The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A distributed vehicle charging system; said system including one or more of charging units installed at points accessible to road vehicles; said charging units 5 providing electrical power through a mobile communication device enabled transaction; and wherein the transaction for use of the charging unit is initiated by NFC technology incorporated in both a user's mobile communication device and in the charging 10 unit whereby the user's communication device transmits the required transaction initiating data and user's device identification, which is combined with the unit's unique identity code for transmission to the unit service provider thereby to enable the 15 transaction.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said charging unit is a dual function unit providing electrical power for charging an electrically powered vehicle and providing authorized parking adjacent a said charging unit. 20

3. The system of claim 1 or 2 wherein said charging units are installed at any one of, curb-sides along vehicle thoroughfares, parking bays of vehicle parking areas, parking stations and vehicle service stations. -26

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said mobile communication device enabled transaction includes a first text message from a user to a charging unit service provider; said first text message at least 5 comprising an identifier of a selected one of said plurality of charging units.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein receipt of said first text message, received by said charging unit service provider from a said user, initiates a series of steps 10 by said charging unit service provider; said steps including: (a) checking if said user has a mobile communication device account with said charging unit service provider, an account with a 15 cooperating mobile communication device service provider, or an account set up for charging payments, (b) checking said account for a minimum balance, (c) sending an enabling code as a text message to 20 said charging unit identified in said text message received from said user.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said charging unit is provided with selection facility for nominating a desired level of a vehicle battery -27 charge or period of parking; wherein said charging unit is in communication with an on-board computer of a vehicle to be charged via a local area network or data transmitted along a charging lead of an 5 electrically powered vehicle when plugged into said dual function unit; said on-board computer providing charge level data of the battery of said vehicle.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein a supply of power from an identified charging unit is 10 enabled by said charging unit service provider, by said enabling code sent to a SIM card incorporated in said charging unit.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said charging unit includes at least one power outlet; 15 said outlet adapted to receive a charging plug of a battery powered vehicle's charging lead.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein power supplied from said charging unit is monitored by power consumption metering equipment incorporated 20 in said charging unit; metered power consumed during a charging operation charged to a user's mobile communication device account, or an account set up for charging payments. - 28

10, The system of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein clusters of said charging units are provided from reticulated 3-phase power grid; said charging units in communication one with another for automatic 5 power phase selection for equal loading of utility power spread.

11. A distributed vehicle charging system; said system including a plurality of dual function charging units installed at points accessible to road 10 vehicles; said charging units able to provide electrical power through a wireless data transmission enabled transaction; said charging units further enabled to function as parking meters; and wherein said wireless data transmission enabled [5 transaction for use of the charging unit is initiated by NFC technology incorporated in both a user's mobile communication device and in the charging unit whereby the user's mobile communication device transmits the required 20 transaction initiating data and user's device identification, which is combined with the unit's unique identity code for transmission to the unit service provider thereby to enable the transaction. -29

12. The system of claim 10 or 11 wherein payment of vehicle charging or payment of a parking fee is enabled by a mobile communication device text message transaction. 5

13. The system of claim 10 or 11 wherein payment of vehicle charging or payment of a said parking fee is enabled by data transmission over a smart grid.

14. The system of any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein said charging unit/parking meter is provided with a 10 vehicle sensing system; said sensing system transmitting data to an on-line mapping facility; said mapping facility transmitting locality information to a subscribing user indicating currently vacant charging unit/parking meters on a 15 hand-held communication device of said user.

15. The system of any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein if, after completion of a charging action or a vehicle is detected when a predetermined period has expired or not been paid for, said charging 20 unit/parking meter sends a text message to a nearest parking ranger.

16. The system of any one of claims 10 to 15 wherein location and occupancy status of charging unit/parking meters within a map area are made -30 available over a mobile phone network of a mobile phone service provider,

17. A dual function unit comprising a combination electric vehicle charging unit and vehicle parking 5 meter; charging of a said electric vehicle or parking of a vehicle at said dual function unit enabled by a wireless data transmission transaction; said transaction initiated by a wireless data transmission from a user's mobile communication 10 device or a user's vehicle; and wherein said wireless data transmission enabled transaction for use of the charging unit is initiated by NFC technology incorporated in both a user's mobile communication device and in the charging unit 15 whereby the user's communication device transmits the required transaction initiating data and user's device identification, which is combined with the unit's unique identity code for transmission to the unit service provider thereby to enable the 20 transaction.

18. The dual function unit of claim 17 wherein said data transmission comprises credit card data extracted through a credit card reader provided in -31 said dual function unit; said credit card reader including Near Field Communication (NEC) technology.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein data is transmitted from said dual purpose unit to a service provider 5 managing said unit, by alternating current modulation over a power grid connection between said unit and said service provider.

20. A distributed vehicle charging system as herein described and with reference to the drawings. 10