Lear Corporation
CHARGE PORT AUTHORIZATION FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Abstract:

A system and method for wirelessly authorizing access to a charge port for an electric vehicle is provided. The system may first establish a wireless communication link with a charging cord and then receive, from the charging cord, a wireless signal including a charging cord identifier. Upon verifying that the charging cord is authorized for use with the electric vehicle based on the charging cord identifier, a charge port door may be opened providing access to the charge port. A wireless communication link with a charging cord may be established using a challenge-response protocol like some passive entry systems. Alternatively, a wireless communication link may be established using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology embedded in the charge port and the charging cord handle.