Abstract: A charging station for charging the battery of a vehicle, comprising: a base portion configured for mounting in a substructure; a charging portion having a charging outlet for connection to a vehicle; and a retraction mechanism for moving the charging portion between an extended position in which it extends out of the base portion and a retracted position; and a controller for controlling the retraction mechanism; the controller being configured to: determine whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the most recent charging from the charging outlet ceased; and cause the retraction mechanism to move the charging portion to the retracted position if the predetermined period of time is determined to have elapsed since the most recent electrical supply from the outlet.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging station (10) comprises a pillar (12) and a casing (14) for installing underground. The casing (14) has a base (26), a side wall (24) and a top (22) defining an inner space, an opening (28) being provided in the top (22) for receiving the pillar (12). The electric vehicle charging station (10) includes a power socket (30) for connection to a power supply and for receiving a power connector of an electric vehicle. The power socket (30) is joined to the pillar (12) and situated near a top end of the pillar (12), the bottom end of the pillar (12) is received in the opening (28) of the casing and the pillar (12) is movable between a retracted position for storing the pillar (12) within the inner space of the casing (14) below ground, and an extended position for supporting the power socket (30) outside the casing (14) above ground.

Abstract: A charging station for charging the battery of a vehicle, comprising: a base portion configured for mounting in a substructure; a charging portion having a charging outlet for connection to a vehicle; and a retraction mechanism for moving the charging portion between an extended position in which it extends out of the base portion and a retracted position; and a controller for controlling the retraction mechanism; the controller being configured to: determine whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the most recent charging from the charging outlet ceased; and cause the retraction mechanism to move the charging portion to the retracted position if the predetermined period of time is determined to have elapsed since the most recent electrical supply from the outlet.