Abstract: An add-on adapter 110 enables a single charging port 102 of an electric vehicle charging station 100 to simultaneously charge two electric vehicles. An adapter controller 120 determines the available charging rate offered by the charging station. Electric vehicle charging handles 150A, 150B are determined to be connected to the electric vehicles. A charge sharing control circuit 300 in the adapter controller, determines modified available charging rates to be offered for simultaneously charging the electric vehicles. The modified available charging rates are based on the connection states of the electric vehicles and the available charging rate offered by the charging station. The adapter controller controls two contactors 130A, 130B to switchably connect a charging station power socket to the electric vehicle charging handles, to provide shared power at the determined modified available charging rate to the electric vehicles, for simultaneous charging.

Abstract: A cable reel assembly in an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) having a reel around which a cable is coiled. A shaft supporting the reel bears discs that rotate with the reel, and calipers coupled to the discs stop them and the reel from rotating. The power L1 and L2 conductors in the cable are electrically connected to the discs, and the calipers are electrically connected to the power source for the EVSE so that the calipers provide mechanical and electrical connection when actuated. Optionally, slip rings coupled to the shaft are connected to the control pilot and proximity signal conductors in the cable. Thus, during cable re traction, the control pilot and proximity signals are still provided to the EVSE, but the power conductors are decoupled from the power source. Only when the calipers are actuated to brake the discs is current flow permitted.

Abstract: A method detects a shorted charging cable of an electric vehicle charging station. A charging cable of the electric vehicle charging station is determined to not be connected to an electric vehicle. An impedance test may then be performed between conductors of the charging cable while not connected to an electric vehicle. A contactor between a source of electrical power and the conductors is prevented from closing, in response to detecting a short between the conductors, and a warning signal is output. The impedance test is disabled in response to receiving a signal indicating that the charging cable has become connected to an electric vehicle, so as to not interfere with normal charging. In this manner, by detecting a short circuit in the charging cable before the contactors are closed, the contactor's contacts are prevented from becoming welded closed by a short circuit in the charging cable.

Abstract: An Electric Vehicle is equipped to communicate its state of charge and other vehicular information to AC-charging Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment which can present and manage charging options based on the state of charge information and user selected options. An array of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment may be managed utilizing the state of charge information from a plurality of Electric Vehicles connected to the array.