GB2548100A

GB2548100A - Charging method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2548100A
Application number: GB1603894.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Spooner John
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2016-03-07
Filing date: 2016-03-07
Publication date: 2017-09-13
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-07
Also published as: GB2548100B; GB201603894D0

Abstract

A charging station 3 for inductively charging an energy storage device 5 (e.g. one or more batteries) of an electric vehicle 1 (e.g. EV, HEV, PHEV) is controlled when, upon detection of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 14 near the charging area, an inhibiting control signal S1 is generated by a control means 2. The inhibiting control signal may be configured to control a power supply 18 connected to a base induction coil 8 of the charging station to reduce the electromagnetic field or to inhibit activation of the base induction coil. The aim is to inhibit charging when an object that incorporates an RFID tag (e.g. pet animal collars, mobile phones, etc.), which is not intended to be in proximity to the charging area, is detected near the area. A sensing loop (antenna) 15 may be used to detect the RFID tag. Alternatively, the vehicle induction coil 7 may be configured to function as a sensing loop to detect the RFID tag. The detecting means and the control means may be disposed in the vehicle to communicate with the charging station or it may be disposed in the charging station itself.

Description

CHARGING METHOD AND APPARATUS TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a charging method and apparatus. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle having a vehicle induction coil for charging an energy storage device; to a charging station having a base induction coil; to a controller for controlling operation of a charging station; and to a method of controlling operation of a charging station to charge an energy storage device.

BACKGROUND

Motor vehicles having one or more electric drive motors are becoming increasingly common. By way of example, these vehicles can be Electric Vehicles (EV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) etc. A chemical battery comprising a plurality of cells is commonly provided as an energy source for the electric drive motor(s). The battery may be charged by connection to a mains electrical supply. An inductive charger may be used to provide wireless charging of the battery. A wireless connection is established between a charging station and the vehicle. In particular, a base induction coil establishes a varying electromagnetic field which couples to a vehicle induction coil disposed in the vehicle. The electromagnetic field induces a current within the vehicle induction coil which is used to charge the vehicle battery.

The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags is becoming increasingly common. Many pets have RFID tags implanted to identify the pet in the event of loss, or to open a locked cat flap avoiding the entry of neighbour's pets. The RFID tags are read inductively by a reader or a coil attached to a cat flap. The inventor(s) have recognised that there may be possible harm to a pet when the vehicle is being charged inductively. The power lost in inductive coupling makes the charger warm and this may attract pets. While the inductive charger is unlikely to harm the animal, any metallic items such as collars or medical implants could be unintentionally inductively heated. Equally, RFID tags may be incorporated into devices, such as cellular telephones, and unintentional inductive heating could potentially cause problems.

At least in certain embodiments the present invention sets out to overcome or ameliorate at least some of the shortcomings of prior art systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention relate to a vehicle having a vehicle induction coil for charging an energy storage device; to a charging station having a base induction coil; to a controller for controlling operation of a charging station; and to a method of controlling operation of a charging station to charge an energy storage device of a vehicle.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising: an energy storage device; a vehicle induction coil for coupling with a base induction coil provided in a charging station to charge said energy storage device; detecting means for detecting a radio frequency identification tag proximal to the motor vehicle; and control means for generating an inhibiting control signal to control operation of the charging station in dependence on detection of said radio frequency identification tag. The detecting means may be configured, either by means of the vehicle induction coil or a separate antenna, periodically to check for the presence of an RFID tag in a charging area. When an RFID tag is detected, the control means may terminate or reduce the current supplied to the base induction coil to control charging of the battery. The control means may control the charging station to resume charging when the RFID tag is no longer detected. If the RFID tag remains in the charging area, the motor vehicle or the charging station may be configured to notify a user, for example by generating an electronic communication.

The inhibiting control signal may be configured to control a power supply connected to the base induction coil to modify an electromagnetic field generated by the base induction coil. Upon detection of said radio frequency identification tag, the inhibiting control signal may be configured to control the power supply to reduce the electromagnetic field or to inhibit activation of the base induction coil.

The control means may be configured to generate an activation control signal to control operation of the charging station when said radio frequency identification tag is no longer detected. The activation control signal may prompt the charging station to resume a charging cycle.

The detecting means may comprise a sensing loop (antenna) for detecting said radio frequency identification tag. Alternatively, the detecting means may be incorporated into said induction coil. The vehicle induction coil may be configured to function as a sensing loop for detecting said radio frequency identification tag.

The motor vehicle may comprise signal receiving means for receiving a signal from the radio frequency identification tag. The signal receiving means may be configured to receive a unique identifier from said radio frequency identification tag. The signal receiving means may be configured to read the unique identifier from the radio frequency identification tag. The motor vehicle may comprise identification means for identifying said radio frequency identification tag in dependence on said unique identifier. The identification means may comprise a database containing a plurality or records. Alternatively, the identification means may be configured to access a remote database, for example over a communication network, to access a database comprising one or more record. The control means may be configured to generate said inhibiting control signal in dependence on the identification of the radio frequency identification tag.

An electric machine may be coupled to the energy storage device. The electric machine may be an electric traction machine for propelling the vehicle.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a charging station for charging an energy storage device of a vehicle, the charging station comprising: a base induction coil for charging an energy storage device; detecting means for detecting a radio frequency identification tag proximal to the charging station; and control means for generating an inhibiting control signal to control operation of the charging station in dependence on detection of said radio frequency identification tag. A power supply may be connected to the base induction coil. The power supply may be configured to supply a time-varying electrical current to the base induction coil to generate an electromagnetic field. The inhibiting control signal may be configured to control the power supply connected to the base induction coil to modify an electromagnetic field generated by the base induction coil. Upon detection of said radio frequency identification tag, the inhibiting control signal may be configured to control the power supply to reduce the electromagnetic field or to inhibit activation of the charging station.

The control means may be configured to generate an activation control signal to control operation of the charging station when said radio frequency identification tag is no longer detected. The charging station may resume a charging cycle in dependence on said activation control signal.

The detecting means may comprise a sensing loop for detecting said radio frequency identification tag. Alternatively, the detecting means may be incorporated into said base induction coil. The base induction coil may be configured to function as a sensing loop for detecting said radio frequency identification tag.

The charging station may comprise a signal receiving means for receiving a signal from the radio frequency identification tag. The signal receiving means may be configured to receive a unique identifier from said radio frequency identification tag. The charging station may comprise identification means for identifying said radio frequency identification tag in dependence on said unique identifier. The identification means may comprise a database comprising one or more record. Alternatively, the charging station may be configured to access a remote database, for example over a communication network, to access a database comprising one or more record. The control means may be configured to generate said inhibiting control signal in dependence on the identification of the radio frequency identification tag.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a controller for controlling operation of a charging station to charge an energy storage device of a vehicle, the controller comprising at least one processor configured to: detect a radio frequency identification tag; and generate an inhibiting control signal for controlling operation of the charging station in dependence on detection of said proximal radio frequency identification tag.

The charging station may comprise a base induction coil connected to a power supply, the at least one processor being configured to control the power supply to modify an electromagnetic field generated by the base induction coil.

Upon detection of said radio frequency identification tag, the at least one processor may be configured to generate the inhibiting control signal to control the power supply to reduce the electromagnetic field or to inhibit activation of the electromagnetic field.

The controller may be coupled to a sensing loop to detect said radio frequency identification tag. Alternatively, the controller may be configured to use the base induction coil as a sensing loop to detect said radio frequency identification tag.

The at least one processor may be configured to receive a signal from the radio frequency identification tag.

The at least one processor may be configured to receive a unique identifier from said radio frequency identification tag. The at least one processor may be configured to identify said radio frequency identification tag in dependence on said unique identifier. The at least one processor may be configured to control said charging station in dependence on the identification of the radio frequency identification tag.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling operation of a charging station to charge an energy storage device of a vehicle, the method comprising: detecting a radio frequency identification tag proximal to the vehicle; controlling operation of the charging station in dependence on detection of said radio frequency identification tag.

The charging station may comprise a base induction coil. A power supply may be connected to the base induction coil. The power supply may be configured to supply a time-varying electrical current to the base induction coil to generate an electromagnetic field. The method may comprise controlling the power supply connected to the base induction coil to modify the electromagnetic field generated by the base induction coil. Upon detection of said radio frequency identification tag, the inhibiting control signal may be configured to control the power supply to reduce the electromagnetic field or to inhibit activation of the electromagnetic field.

The method may comprise wirelessly coupling the charging station to the energy storage device.

The method may comprise resuming a charging cycle when said radio frequency identification tag is no longer detected.

The method may comprise using a sensing loop to detect said radio frequency identification tag. The method may comprise using the base induction coil as a sensing loop to detect said radio frequency identification tag.

The method may comprise receiving a signal from the radio frequency identification tag. The method may comprise receiving a unique identifier from said radio frequency identification tag. The method may comprise identifying said radio frequency identification tag in dependence on said unique identifier.

The method may comprise controlling said charging station in dependence on the identification of the radio frequency identification tag.

As used herein the term “processor” will be understood to include both a single processor and a plurality of processors collectively operating to provide any stated control functionality. To configure a processor, a suitable set of instructions may be provided which, when executed, cause said processor to implement the control techniques specified herein. The set of instructions may suitably be embedded in said one or more processors. Alternatively, the set of instructions may be provided as software saved on one or more memory associated with said processor to be executed on said processor. The instructions may be provided on a non-transitory computer readable media.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a vehicle incorporating a control means for controlling operation of a charging station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 2 shows a charging station in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A vehicle 1 having control means 2 for controlling operation of a charging station 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In the present embodiment the control means 2 is in the form of a remote charging controller 2 disposed in the motor vehicle 1. The remote charging controller 2 is configured to generate an inhibiting control signal S1 for controlling operation of the charging station 3.

As shown in Figure 1, the motor vehicle 1 has a drivetrain including one or more electric traction motor 4 and an energy storage device 5 for supplying electrical current to the electric traction motor 4. The energy storage device 5 is a battery 5. The energy storage device battery 5 could be another type of energy storage device, such as a supercapacitor. The motor vehicle 1 in the present embodiment is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) also having an internal combustion engine (not shown), but the invention could equally be embodied in an electric vehicle (EV). The battery 5 is a chemical battery (i.e. a battery which converts chemical energy into electrical energy) comprising a plurality of cells, for example lithium ion (Li+) cells, arranged in series and parallel. The State of Charge (SOC) of the battery may be estimated based on the temperature and voltage of the cells.

The motor vehicle 1 comprises a vehicle induction coil 7 for wirelessly coupling with a base induction coil 8 provided in the charging station 3. The vehicle induction coil 7 is disposed under a body structure of the vehicle 1 for locating proximal to the base induction coil 8 during a charging cycle. A time-varying current is supplied to the base induction coil 8 to establish a time-varying electromagnetic field which induces a charging current within the vehicle induction coil 7 to charge the battery 5. The time-varying current supplied to the base induction coil 8 may, for example, be a variable current, an alternating current or a pulsating current. In use, the vehicle is parked at least substantially to align the vehicle and base induction coils 7, 8 to enable inductive (wireless) charging. The vehicle 1 optionally also has a physical connector, such as a plug/socket, to enable wired charging.

The remote charging controller 2 comprises a first processor 11 coupled to first system memory 12. The first processor 11 is configured to implement a set of computational instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The remote charging controller 2 also comprises detecting means 13 for detecting a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 14. The RFID tag 14 is a conventional device including a processor and an antenna. The detecting means 13 in the present embodiment is in the form of a detector 13 comprising a sensing loop (antenna) 15 for detecting the RFID tag 14. The sensing loop 15 is operable to communicate with the RFID tag 14 to read a unique identifier stored on the RFID tag 14. In the context of the present invention the unique identifier may be used to identify an object, such as a cellular telephone; or an animal, such as a family pet, associated with a particular RFID tag 14. Rather than provide a separate sensing loop 15, the detector 13 may utilise the vehicle induction coil 7 as a sensing loop for detecting the RFID tag 14.

The first processor 11 is configured to generate an inhibiting control signal S1 for inhibiting operation of the charging station 3 in dependence on detection of the RFID tag 14. The remote charging controller 2 is also configured to generate an activating control signal S2 for activating the charging station 3. The remote charging controller 2 may generate the activating control signal S2 when the RFID tag 14 is no longer detected. The remote charging controller 2 is coupled to a transmitter 16 for transmitting the inhibiting control signal SI and the activating control signal S2 to the charging station 3.

The charging station 3 comprises charging station control means 17 and a power supply 18 which is connected to the base induction coil 8. The charging station control means 17 is suitable for controlling operation of the power supply 18 to modify the electromagnetic field generated by the base induction coil 8. The charging station control means 17 in the present embodiment is in the form of a charging station controller 17 comprising a second processor 19, a second system memory 20 and a wireless receiver 21. The second processor 19 controls the power supply 18 to modify the time-varying electrical current supplied to the base induction coil 8, thereby modifying the electromagnetic field. The wireless receiver 21 is configured to receive the inhibiting control signal SI and the activating control signal S2 transmitted wirelessly by the remote charging controller 2. In dependence on the inhibiting control signal SI, the second processor 19 controls the power supply 18 to reduce or inhibit the electromagnetic field generated by the base induction coil 8. The charging station controller 17 may resume charging after a pre-determined time or upon receipt of the activating control signal S2 from the remote charging controller 2.

The operation of the remote charging controller 2 and the charging station 3 will now be described with reference to Figure 1. If the detector 13 detects an RFID tag 14 while the battery 5 is charging, the remote charging controller 2 transmits the inhibiting control signal SI to the charging station 3. In dependence on the inhibiting control signal SI, the second processor 19 controls the power supply 18 to interrupt the charging cycle by halting or reducing the supply of time-varying electrical current to the base induction coil 8. The electromagnetic field created by the base induction coil 8 is thereby inhibited. When the RFID tag 14 is no longer detected by the detector 13, the remote charging controller 2 transmits the activating control signal S2 to the charging station 3. In dependence on the activating control signal S2, the second processor 19 controls the power supply 18 to resume the charging cycle or to increase the supply of time-varying current to the base induction coil 8.

In a modified arrangement, the first system memory 12 comprises a database containing one or more record. Each record may comprise an entry for a particular RFID tag 14, for example to define an object or a family pet associated with that RFID tag 14. The records may each be pre-defined or may be user-defined. When the RFID tag 14 is detected, the first processor 11 reads the unique identifier for that RFID tag 14 and then accesses the stored database to determine if there is a corresponding record in the database. The first processor 11 may configure the inhibiting control signal SI in dependence on the corresponding record in the database. The records may each define a control strategy to be implemented when the corresponding RFID tag 14 is detected. By way of example, if the first processor 11 determines that the detected RFID tag 14 is associated with a user’s cellular telephone, the inhibiting control signal SI may control the base induction coil 8 to weaken the electromagnetic field. Other applications for RFID tags 14 include a tyre-identification tag and/or a tyre pressure monitor. Aftermarket options fitted to the vehicle 1 may comprise one or more RFID tag 14. The first processor 11 may be configured automatically to identify an RFID tag 14 which is associated with the vehicle 1 (or the charging station 3 or a nearby apparatus), for example by determining when the same RFID tag 14 is identified repeatedly or by contacting a remote database. Alternatively, the database stored on the first system memory 12 may be manually updated. The first processor 11 may be configured to continue normal operation of the base induction coil 8 when any such RFID tag 14 is identified. Thus, the first processor 11 may ignore certain recognised RFID tags 14 such that operation of the base induction coil 8 is not affected by their presence.

The first processor 11 may be configured to notify a user or third party when a particular RFID tag 14 is identified. A dropped car key or a bank card could usefully be identified and reported to the user. Items of shopping (also bank cards, cellular telephones and keys) disposed in the vehicle 1 may have an associated RFID tag 14 and the first processor 11 should be configured to exclude actions when these RFID tags 14 are identified, either by a database check or by shielding from the detector 13.

The first processor 11 may be configured to operate in conjunction with other systems of the vehicle 1. It is advantageous to lower the vehicle coil 7 to improve inductive efficiency when charging. This can be achieved by controlling the vehicle suspension, for example an air suspension, to lower the body of the vehicle 1. The operation of the vehicle suspension may be controlled in dependence on the inhibiting control signal SI generated by the first processor 11. For example, operation of the vehicle suspension may be inhibited in dependence on the inhibiting control signal SI. Alternatively, or in addition, the base station 3 may be configured to raise the base induction coil 7 to improve inductive efficiency. The base station 3 may be configured to inhibit raising the base induction coil 7 in dependence on the inhibiting control signal S1

The remote charging controller 2 may optionally also be configured to output a notification to a user when the RFID tag 14 is detected during a charging cycle. For example, the remote charging controller 2 may output a signal over a communication network, such as a cellular network or a wireless network. The remote charging controller 2 may, for example, output a Short Messaging Service (SMS) to a registered telephone number. A user may be notified when a particular RFID tag 14 is detected proximal to the vehicle 1 during a charging cycle.

The remote charging controller 2 may optionally be configured to control the vehicle 1 to generate an alert, for example an audio alert and/or a visual alert, to deter an animal fitted with the RFID tag 14. Alternatively, or in addition, the charging station 3 may optionally be configured to generate an alert, for example an audio alert and/or a visual alert. The audio alert may be output at a frequency which is audible to pets, such as a cat or dog, but inaudible to humans. A further embodiment of the vehicle 1 and the charging station 3 is illustrated in Figure 2. The description herein describes the differences over the previous embodiment. Like reference numerals are used for like components.

In this embodiment the detecting means 13 is disposed in the charging station 3. The detecting means 13 is configured to detect an RFID tag 14 proximal to the charging station 3. The detecting means 13 is connected to the charging station control means 17. The charging station controller 17 is configured to control the supply of time-varying electrical current to the base induction coil 8 in dependence on detection of the RFID tag 14. In particular, the second processor 19 is configured to output the inhibiting control signal SI and the activating control signal S2 to the power supply 18. The operation of the charging station 3 is otherwise unchanged from the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, the detecting means 13 may be omitted from the vehicle 1.

In certain embodiments the detector 13 may be configured to determine a relative position of the RFID tag 14, for example by triangulating the signal received from the RFID tag 4. Alternatively, or in addition, the detector 13 may be configured to determine a range to the RFID tag 14, for example based on time-of-flight signal measurements. The inhibiting control signal SI may be generated in dependence on the determined range to the RFID tag 14.

The inhibiting control signal S1 may control the base induction coil 8 to reduce the electromagnetic field in proportion to the determined range to the RFID tag 14.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiment of the present invention described herein without departing from the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A vehicle comprising: an energy storage device; a vehicle induction coil for coupling with a base induction coil provided in a charging station to charge said energy storage device; detecting means for detecting a radio frequency identification tag proximal to the motor vehicle; and control means for generating an inhibiting control signal to control operation of the charging station in dependence on detection of said radio frequency identification tag.

2. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inhibiting control signal is configured to control a power supply connected to the base induction coil to modify an electromagnetic field generated by the base induction coil.

3. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein, upon detection of said radio frequency identification tag, the inhibiting control signal is configured to control the power supply to reduce the electromagnetic field or to inhibit activation of the base induction coil.

4. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein said detecting means comprises a sensing loop for detecting said radio frequency identification tag.

5. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1,2 or 3, wherein said detecting means is incorporated into said induction coil, the vehicle induction coil being configured to function as a sensing loop for detecting said radio frequency identification tag.

6. A vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising signal receiving means for receiving a signal from the radio frequency identification tag.

7. A vehicle as claimed in claim 6, wherein said signal receiving means is configured to receive a unique identifier from said radio frequency identification tag.

8. A vehicle as claimed in claim 7 comprising identification means for identifying said radio frequency identification tag in dependence on said unique identifier.

9. A vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein said control means is configured to generate said inhibiting control signal in dependence on the identification of the radio frequency identification tag.

10. A charging station for charging an energy storage device of a vehicle, the charging station comprising: a base induction coil for charging an energy storage device; detecting means for detecting a radio frequency identification tag proximal to the charging station; and control means for generating an inhibiting control signal to control operation of the charging station in dependence on detection of said radio frequency identification tag.

11. A charging station as claimed in claim 10, wherein the inhibiting control signal is configured to control a power supply connected to the base induction coil to modify an electromagnetic field generated by the base induction coil.

12. A charging station as claimed in claim 11, wherein, upon detection of said radio frequency identification tag, the inhibiting control signal is configured to control the power supply to reduce the electromagnetic field or to inhibit activation of the charging station.

13. A charging station as claimed in any one of claims 10, 11 or 12, wherein said detecting means comprises a sensing loop for detecting said radio frequency identification tag.

14. A charging station as claimed in any one of claims 10, 11 or 12, wherein said detecting means is incorporated into said base induction coil, the base induction coil being configured to function as a sensing loop for detecting said radio frequency identification tag.

15. A charging station as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14 comprising signal receiving means for receiving a signal from the radio frequency identification tag.

16. A charging station as claimed in claim 15, wherein said signal receiving means is configured to receive a unique identifier from said radio frequency identification tag.

17. A charging station as claimed in claim 16 comprising identification means for identifying said radio frequency identification tag in dependence on said unique identifier.

18. A charging station as claimed in claim 17, wherein said control means is configured to generate said inhibiting control signal in dependence on the identification of the radio frequency identification tag.

19. A controller for controlling operation of a charging station to charge an energy storage device of a vehicle, the controller comprising at least one processor configured to: detect a radio frequency identification tag; and generate an inhibiting control signal for controlling operation of the charging station in dependence on detection of said proximal radio frequency identification tag.

20. A controller as claimed in claim 19, wherein the charging station comprises a base induction coil connected to a power supply, the at least one processor being configured to control the power supply to modify an electromagnetic field generated by the base induction coil.

21. A controller as claimed in claim 20, wherein, upon detection of said radio frequency identification tag, the at least one processor is configured to generate the inhibiting control signal to control the power supply to reduce the electromagnetic field or to inhibit activation of the electromagnetic field.

22. A controller as claimed in any one of claims 19, 20 or 21, wherein the controller is coupled to a sensing loop to detect said radio frequency identification tag.

23. A controller as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21 wherein the controller is configured to use the base induction coil as a sensing loop to detect said radio frequency identification tag.

24. A controller as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive a signal from the radio frequency identification tag.

25. A controller as claimed in claim 24, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive a unique identifier from said radio frequency identification tag.

26. A controller as claimed in claim 25, wherein the at least one processor is configured to identify said radio frequency identification tag in dependence on said unique identifier.

27. A controller as claimed in claim 26, wherein the at least one processor is configured to control said charging station in dependence on the identification of the radio frequency identification tag.

28. A method of controlling operation of a charging station to charge an energy storage device of a vehicle, the method comprising: detecting a radio frequency identification tag proximal to the vehicle; controlling operation of the charging station in dependence on detection of said radio frequency identification tag.

29. A vehicle or control apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures.

30. A charging station substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures.

31. A method of controlling charging of the vehicle energy storage device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures.