JP7635675B2 - POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM, SERVER, VEHICLE, POWER SUPPLY EQUIPMENT, POWER SUPPLY FEE SETTING DEVICE, AND POWER SUPPLY FEE SETTING METHOD - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a power supply system, a server, a vehicle, a power supply equipment, a power supply fee setting device, and a power supply fee setting method.

As a technology for forming a convoy of multiple vehicles, known as platooning, JP 2020-64572 A (Patent Document 1) describes a vehicle control device and a driving assistance device for appropriately platooning while reducing the communication load between vehicles.

In Patent Document 1, when a vehicle travels autonomously in a power supply lane in which a power supply device is installed, vehicle information is transmitted from the vehicle to a driving assistance device via the power supply device. Furthermore, platoon information created by the driving assistance device using the vehicle information is received by the vehicle control device, allowing the vehicles to travel in an appropriate platoon in accordance with the platoon information.

JP 2020-64572 A

When vehicles are traveling in a convoy, the lead vehicle in the convoy is subjected to the same wind pressure as when the vehicle is traveling alone, while the following vehicles are subjected to lower wind pressure than when the vehicle is traveling alone. Therefore, by actively promoting convoy driving, it is possible to reduce the energy consumed by vehicles throughout society.

On the other hand, driving as the lead vehicle in a platoon is expected to place psychological pressure on the driver. For this reason, if each vehicle tries to avoid being the lead vehicle, platooning will become difficult.

Therefore, the objective of the present disclosure is to provide a power supply system that can contribute to expanding the application of platooning by providing an incentive for vehicles to drive as the lead vehicle in a platoon, and a server, vehicle, and power supply equipment that constitute the power supply system, as well as a power supply fee setting device and a power supply fee setting method.

The power supply system according to the present disclosure is a power supply system including a power supply facility that supplies power to the vehicle from outside the vehicle, and a server that manages power supply to the vehicle by the power supply facility, and includes a platoon history information creation unit, a power supply record creation unit, a power supply unit price setting unit, and a power supply fee calculation unit. The platoon history information creation unit accumulates platoon information related to the platooning of the vehicles to be powered by the power supply facility, and creates platoon history information of the vehicles to be powered. The power supply record creation unit creates the power supply record from the power supply facility to the vehicles to be powered. The power supply unit price setting unit sets the unit price of the amount of power supply using the platoon history information of the vehicles to be powered. The power supply fee calculation unit sets the power supply fee based on the unit price set by the power supply unit price setting unit and the power supply record. The platoon information includes at least information indicating whether the vehicle to be powered is traveling in platoon as the lead vehicle. The platoon history information includes at least information for classifying the power supply target vehicle into either a first vehicle that frequently runs as a lead vehicle or a second vehicle that frequently runs as a lead vehicle. The power supply unit price setting unit sets the first unit price of the power supply amount applied to the first vehicle to be lower than the second unit price applied to the second vehicle.

The power supply system described above can provide an incentive for vehicles that frequently operate as lead vehicles to operate as lead vehicles in a platoon by setting the power supply cost per vehicle lower than that for vehicles that operate as lead vehicles less frequently.

In the power supply system, the power supply unit price setting unit can set the third unit price applied to the third vehicle to be higher than the fourth unit price applied to the fourth vehicle. The platoon information includes information indicating whether the vehicle to be powered is platooning or not, and information identifying whether the vehicle is the leading vehicle when platooning or not, and the platoon history information further includes information for classifying the second vehicle into either a third vehicle that frequently travels as a trailing vehicle of the leading vehicle, or a fourth vehicle that frequently does not platoon.

In this way, the power supply cost for vehicles that frequently travel as trailing vehicles can be set according to the benefits they receive from platooning, ensuring fairness and providing an incentive for vehicles to travel as the lead vehicle in the platoon.

In the power supply system, the power supply unit price setting unit can set the reduction amount of the first unit price with respect to the second unit price to be larger the higher the frequency of running as a lead vehicle, according to the first parameter value. The platoon history information includes a first parameter value that quantitatively indicates the frequency of the power supply target vehicle running as a lead vehicle. Alternatively, the power supply unit price setting unit can set the reduction amount of the first unit price with respect to the fourth unit price to be larger the higher the frequency of running as a lead vehicle, according to the first parameter value. The platoon history information includes a first parameter value that quantitatively indicates the frequency of the power supply target vehicle running as a lead vehicle.

In this way, the more frequently a vehicle operates as the lead vehicle, the lower the unit price for supplying power to the vehicle is set, thereby increasing the incentive to operate as the lead vehicle in the platoon.

In the power supply system, the power supply unit price setting unit can set the increase in the third unit price relative to the fourth unit price to be larger the higher the frequency of the vehicle traveling as a following vehicle, depending on the second parameter value. The platoon history information includes the second parameter value that quantitatively indicates the frequency of the vehicle to be powered traveling as a following vehicle.

In this way, the more frequently a vehicle travels in a platoon as a following vehicle, the lower the unit price of the vehicle's power supply will be set, ensuring fairness and securing the funds to cover the reduction in the unit price of the power supply for the leading vehicle in the platoon.

In the power supply system, the power supply record creation unit can compare the actual values related to power supply at the power supply equipment with the actual values related to power reception at the target vehicle, and then create the power supply record for the target vehicle.

In this way, the power supply fee can be set accurately, reflecting the actual power supply efficiency between the power supply equipment and the vehicle to be powered.

The server according to the present disclosure is a server used in any of the above power supply systems, and includes a communication device, a storage device, and a processing device. The communication device communicates with each of the vehicles and the power supply equipment. The storage device stores the platoon information transmitted from the vehicles. The processing device operates as a platoon history information creation unit by creating platoon history information of the vehicles to be powered using the platoon information stored in the storage device.

By using the above server, a power supply system can be configured to increase the incentive for vehicles to travel as the lead vehicle in a platoon, by having the server realize the function of the platoon history information creation unit through the exchange of information using communication between the vehicles and the power supply equipment.

In the server, the processing device further operates as a power supply unit price setting unit by setting the unit price of the amount of power supplied to the power supply target vehicle using the platoon history information of the power supply target vehicle when the processing device receives vehicle identification information of the power supply target vehicle from the power supply equipment. Alternatively, the processing device further operates as a power supply fee calculation unit that calculates the power supply fee for the power supply target vehicle using the power supply record of the power supply target vehicle received from the power supply equipment and the set unit price.

In this way, a power supply system can be configured that increases the incentive to drive as the lead vehicle in a platoon, while implementing the functions of the power supply price setting unit and the power supply fee calculation unit using the server.

The vehicle according to the present disclosure is a vehicle that is charged by any one of the power supply systems described above, and includes a communication module, a detector, and a control device. The communication module communicates with other vehicles, power supply equipment, and a server. The detector detects a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle. The control device periodically creates platoon information using the detection result of the preceding vehicle by the detector and information received from a vehicle following the vehicle. The communication module transmits the created platoon information to the server.

The above vehicle realizes the function of the platoon information creation unit through the exchange of information between vehicles, thereby reducing the processing load on the server and power supply equipment and configuring a power supply system that increases the incentive for vehicles to travel as the lead vehicle in the platoon.

The power supply equipment according to the present disclosure is a power supply equipment used in any of the power supply systems described above, and includes a power supply mechanism for supplying power to a vehicle in an electrically non-contact state, a communication device, and a processing device. The communication device executes communication with the target vehicle to be supplied with power, and with the server. The processing device operates as a power supply history creation unit by creating a power supply history based on a detection value of the power supply when power is supplied to the target vehicle. The communication device transmits vehicle identification information and the power supply history of the target vehicle to the server when power is supplied.

The non-contact power supply equipment described above can realize the function of the power supply record creation unit through communication with the target vehicle and communication with a server, and can configure a power supply system that increases the incentive for the vehicle to travel as the lead vehicle in the platoon.

The power supply equipment according to the present disclosure is a power supply equipment used in any one of the power supply systems described above, and includes a power supply mechanism for supplying power to a vehicle in an electrically connected state, a communication device, and a processing device. The communication device executes communication with the target vehicle to be powered and with the server. The processing device operates as a power supply record creation unit by creating a power supply record based on a detection value of the power supply power when power is supplied to the target vehicle. The communication device transmits vehicle identification information of the target vehicle to the server when power is supplied. The processing device further operates as a power supply unit price setting unit by receiving preferential information related to the unit price setting of the target vehicle to be powered, which is set based on the platoon history information of the target vehicle, from the server in response to the transmission of the vehicle identification information, and setting the unit price of the amount of power supply based on the preferential information. The processing device further operates as a power supply fee calculation unit by calculating the power supply fee for the target vehicle to be powered using the set unit price and the power supply record.

The contact-type power supply equipment described above can realize the functions of the power supply record creation unit, power supply price setting unit, and power supply fee calculation unit through communication with the target vehicle and communication with a server to send and receive information, thereby configuring a power supply system that increases the incentive to drive as the lead vehicle in a platoon.

The power supply equipment according to the present disclosure is a power supply equipment used in any of the power supply systems described above, and includes a power supply mechanism for supplying power to a vehicle in an electrically connected state, a communication device, and a processing device. The communication device executes communication with the target vehicle to be supplied with power, and with the server. The processing device operates as a power supply history creation unit by creating a power supply history based on a detection value of the power supply when power is supplied to the target vehicle. The communication device transmits vehicle identification information and the power supply history of the target vehicle to the server when power is supplied.

The contact-type power supply equipment described above can realize the functions of the power supply record creation unit through communication with the target vehicle and communication with a server, and can configure a power supply system that increases the incentive for the vehicle to travel as the lead vehicle in the platoon.

The power supply fee setting device according to the present disclosure is a power supply fee setting device in a power supply system including a power supply facility that supplies power to the vehicle from outside the vehicle and a server that manages power supply to the vehicle by the power supply facility, and includes a platoon history information creation unit, a power supply unit price setting unit, and a power supply fee calculation unit. The platoon history information creation unit accumulates platoon information related to the platooning of the vehicles to be powered by the power supply facility, and creates platoon history information of the vehicles to be powered. The power supply unit price setting unit sets a unit price for the amount of power supply using the platoon history information of the vehicles to be powered. The power supply fee calculation unit calculates the power supply fee from the power supply facility to the vehicles to be powered based on the unit price set by the power supply unit price setting unit and the power supply record for the vehicles to be powered. The platoon information includes at least information indicating whether the vehicles to be powered are traveling in platoon as the lead vehicle. The platoon history information includes at least information for classifying the power supply target vehicle into either a first vehicle that frequently runs as a lead vehicle or a second vehicle that frequently runs as a lead vehicle. The power supply unit price setting unit sets the first unit price of the power supply amount applied to the first vehicle to be lower than the second unit price applied to the second vehicle.

The power supply fee method according to the present disclosure is a power supply fee setting method in a power supply system including a power supply facility that supplies power to the vehicle from outside the vehicle and a server that manages power supply to the vehicle by the power supply facility, and includes a step of accumulating platoon information related to the platooning of the target vehicles to be powered from the power supply facility, a step of creating platoon history information of the target vehicles to be powered using the accumulated platoon information, a step of setting a unit price of the amount of power to be supplied using the platoon history information of the target vehicles to be powered, and a step of calculating a power supply fee from the power supply facility to the target vehicles to be powered based on the set unit price and the power supply performance to the target vehicles to be powered. The platoon information includes at least information indicating whether the target vehicles to be powered are platooning as a leading vehicle. The platoon history information includes at least information for classifying the target vehicles to be powered into either a first vehicle that frequently runs as a leading vehicle or a second vehicle that frequently runs as a leading vehicle. The setting step sets the first unit price of the amount of power to be supplied to the first vehicle lower than the second unit price to be applied to the second vehicle.

According to the power supply fee setting device and power supply fee setting method disclosed herein, the power supply fee applied to a vehicle that frequently runs as a lead vehicle can be set lower than that applied to a vehicle that runs as a lead vehicle less frequently, thereby providing an incentive to run as a lead vehicle in a platoon.

According to the present disclosure, by providing benefits in terms of power supply fees to the lead vehicle in a platoon, it is possible to provide an incentive to drive as the lead vehicle in the platoon, thereby contributing to expanding the application of platoon driving.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the vehicle and the contact-type power supply equipment illustrated in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a vehicle and a server in more detail. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating vehicle platooning. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of creating procession information. 6 is a table showing formation information indicated by the leading flag, the following flag, and the count value shown in FIG. 5 . 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating power supply condition setting control in the power supply system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for creating convoy history information. 11 is a table illustrating an example of convoy history information. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process performed when a vehicle is externally charged by a contact-type power supply facility in the power supply system according to the present embodiment. 11 is a table showing a first setting example of preferential codes and power supply prices. 13 is a table showing a second setting example of preferential codes and power supply prices. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a modified example of the process performed when a vehicle is externally charged by a contact-type power supply facility in the power supply system according to the embodiment. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of contactless power supply during travel by a power supply facility. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process performed when a vehicle is externally charged by a non-contact power supply facility in the power supply system according to the present embodiment.

The following describes in detail the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or equivalent parts in the drawings are given the same reference numerals, and in principle, descriptions will not be repeated.

(Configuration of power supply system)
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a vehicle power supply system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 1, the power supply system 1 includes a vehicle 100, a server 200, and a power supply facility 300. The vehicle 100 and the power supply facility 300 are configured to be able to communicate with the server 200 via a communication network 10 such as the Internet.

Vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle equipped with a rechargeable power storage device (not shown) for driving, such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Furthermore, in this embodiment, vehicle 100 is configured to enable charging of the power storage device with electric power from outside the vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as "external charging"). Specifically, vehicle 100 is equipped with a configuration (described below) for externally charging the on-board power storage device with electric power from power supply equipment 300.

The server 200 has information about the vehicle 100 (described later), map information (the latest road information, etc.), and information about the power supply equipment (group) 300 (power supply method, installation location, etc.). The detailed configurations of the vehicle 100 and the server 200 will be described later.

Typically, the power supply equipment 300 includes a plurality of contact-type power supply equipment 310 and a plurality of non-contact type power supply equipment 320 provided in various locations. The power supply equipment 310 is a power supply equipment that supplies power to the vehicle through a power supply cable by connecting a connector 314 provided at the end of a cable 312 to an inlet of the vehicle 100. The power supply equipment 320 is a power supply equipment that supplies power to the vehicle 100 in a non-contact manner through an electromagnetic field using a power transmission coil 322 and a power receiving coil (not shown) mounted on the vehicle 100. In this embodiment, the vehicle 100 is configured to be able to receive power from both the non-contact type power supply equipment 320 and the contact type power supply equipment 310.

The vehicle 100 and the non-contact power supply equipment 320 are formed to be able to communicate with each other via a communication path 14 using short-range wireless communication. Furthermore, between the vehicles 100, a vehicle-to-vehicle communication path 12 using short-range wireless communication is formed. The short-range wireless communication refers to communication with a shorter communication distance than the wide-area wireless communication described below, and specifically refers to communication with a communication distance of less than 10 m, for example. As the short-range wireless communication, various short-distance wireless communication with a short communication distance can be used, and for example, communication conforming to any communication standard (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark)) established by IEEE, ISO, IEC, etc. is used. In addition, for example, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), DSRC (dedicated short range communication), etc. are used as a technology for performing short-range wireless communication.

In contrast, the vehicle 100 and the contact-type power supply equipment 310 are configured to be able to communicate in both directions via a communication path 15 established by connecting the cable 312.

Furthermore, the vehicle 100 and the power supply equipment 310, 320 communicate with the server 200 by wide-area wireless communication. Wide-area wireless communication has a longer communication distance than narrow-area wireless communication, and specifically, for example, a communication distance of about 10 m to 10 km. As the wide-area wireless communication, various wireless communication with a long communication distance can be used, for example, communication conforming to any communication standard such as 4G, LTE, 5G, WiMAX (registered trademark) formulated by 3GPP and IEEE can be used. Note that the server 200 and the power supply equipment 310, 320 may be connected to each other via a communication line.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the vehicle 100 shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, the vehicle 100 includes a power storage device 110, a system main relay (SMR), a PCU (Power Control Unit) 120, a motor generator 130, a power transmission gear 135, and drive wheels 140.

The power storage device 110 is a power storage element configured to be rechargeable. The power storage device 110 is configured to include, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery, and a storage element such as an electric double layer capacitor. The power storage device 110 stores electric power for generating driving force by the motor generator 130, and supplies the stored electric power to the PCU 120 when the system main relay SMR is in the on state. The power storage device 110 also outputs the detection values of the voltage, current, and temperature of the power storage device 110 detected by sensors (not shown) to the ECU 170.

The system main relay SMR is provided on the pair of power lines PL, NL between the power storage device 110 and the PCU 120. The system main relay SMR switches between an on state and an off state in accordance with a control signal from the ECU 170.

The PCU 120 includes power conversion devices such as a converter and an inverter (neither of which are shown). The PCU 120 is controlled by the ECU 170, and converts DC power received from the power storage device 110 into AC power for driving the motor generator 130. The PCU 120 also converts AC power generated by the motor generator 130 when braking the vehicle 100 into charging power for the power storage device 110 and outputs it to the power storage device 110.

The motor generator 130 is an AC rotating electric machine, for example a permanent magnet type synchronous motor with a rotor in which a permanent magnet is embedded. The motor generator 130 is driven by AC power from the PCU 120 to generate driving force, which is transmitted to the drive wheels 140 through the power transmission gear 135. In addition, when braking the vehicle 100, the motor generator 130 can generate electricity using the rotational force of the drive wheels 140.

The vehicle 100 further includes an inlet 150, a charger 155, and a charging relay RY1 for receiving power from a contact-type power supply device 310. The vehicle 100 further includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 170, a navigation device 180, and a communication module 190.

The inlet 150 is configured to be connectable to a connector 314 provided on a cable 312 of a contact-type power supply equipment 310. When the inlet 150 and the connector 314 are connected, the power supplied from the power supply equipment 310 is transmitted to the vehicle 100.

The power supply equipment 310 includes a power converter 315, a communication device 316, and a processing device 317. The power converter 315 receives power from a power source (not shown) and outputs the power to be transmitted to the vehicle 100 to the cable 312. The cable 312 and the power converter 315 constitute one embodiment of a "power supply mechanism" for supplying power to the vehicle 100 in an electrically connected state.

For example, the power converter 315 converts AC power from the commercial grid into DC power capable of charging the power storage device 110. Alternatively, the power converter 315 may be configured to convert power generated by natural energy such as a solar cell into the above-mentioned DC power. Alternatively, in a configuration in which AC power from the commercial grid is output to the cable 312, a transformer or circuit breaker may be provided, while the power converter 315 may be omitted.

The processing device 317 includes a processor 318 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory 319. The memory 319 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), not shown. The CPU 318 loads a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it. The program stored in the ROM describes various processes to be executed by the processing device 317.

The communication device 316 has a function for communicating with the server 200 via the communication network 10 (e.g., wide area wireless communication) and a function for communicating with the vehicle 100 to which the cable 312 is connected.

In the vehicle 100, the charger 155 is controlled by the ECU 170, and when external charging (contact charging) is performed to charge the power storage device 110 using the power supply equipment 310 connected to the inlet 150, the charger 155 converts the power input from the inlet 150 into power capable of charging the power storage device 110. The charging relay RY1 is provided in the electric path between the charger 155 and the power storage device 110, and is controlled to the on state by the ECU 170 when contact charging is performed using the contact-type power supply equipment.

For example, when AC power is supplied from the power supply equipment 310, the charger 155 is configured with an AC/DC converter. As described above, when DC power is supplied from the power supply equipment 310 so that the storage device 110 can be charged (DC contact charging), the vehicle 100 can omit the placement of the charger 155.

The vehicle 100 further includes a receiving coil 160, a charging circuit 165, and a charging relay RY2 for receiving power from the non-contact power supply equipment 320.

The receiving coil 160 is configured to be able to receive power contactlessly through an electromagnetic field from a power transmission coil (not shown) of the power supply equipment 320, and receives power supplied from the power supply equipment 300 when external charging (contactless charging) is performed in which the power supply equipment 320 charges the power storage device 110. The charging circuit 165 converts the AC power received by the receiving coil 160 into charging power for the power storage device 110. For example, the charging circuit 165 can be configured by a combination of a rectifier circuit (not shown) that rectifies the AC voltage generated in the receiving coil 160, and a DC/DC converter (not shown) that converts the output voltage of the rectifier circuit to a DC voltage level suitable for charging the power storage device 110.

The charging relay RY2 is provided in the electrical path between the charging circuit 165 and the power storage device 110, and is controlled to the on state by the ECU 170 when non-contact charging is performed by the non-contact power supply equipment 300.

The ECU 170 receives signals from various sensors and outputs control signals to the various devices, and controls the vehicle 100 and the various devices. The ECU 170 executes various controls related to the running of the vehicle 100 (drive control, braking control, steering control, etc.). When external charging is performed by the power supply equipment 310, the ECU 170 turns on the charging relay RY1 and executes contact charging to charge the power storage device 110 using the charger 155. Alternatively, when external charging is performed by the power supply equipment 320, the ECU 170 turns on the charging relay RY2 and executes non-contact charging to charge the power storage device 110 using the power receiving coil 160 and the charging circuit 165.

The navigation device 180 displays the driving route from the current location of the vehicle 100 to the set destination on a display. The navigation device 180 displays the current location of the vehicle 100, the location of the set destination, and the driving route from the current location to the destination. In addition to the information related to the driving route described above, the display (not shown) of the navigation device 180 can also display various information obtained through communication with the server 200.

The communication module 190 is an in-vehicle Data Communication Module (DCM) and is configured to have the above-mentioned wide-area wireless communication and short-range wireless communication functions, as well as communication functions via the cable 312. In other words, the vehicle 100 can use the communication module 190 to communicate data (information) bidirectionally with each of the other vehicles 100, the power supply equipment 310, the power supply equipment 320, and the server 200.

Figure 3 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the vehicle 100 and the server 200 in more detail. Note that, for the vehicle 100, only the ECU 170, the communication module 190, and the sensor group 185 (described later) will be explained.

Referring to FIG. 3, the vehicle 100 further includes a sensor group 185. The ECU 170, the communication module 190, and the sensor group 185 are configured to be able to communicate with each other through an in-vehicle network 195 such as a CAN (Controller Area Network).

The ECU 170 includes a processor 171 such as a CPU, a memory 172, and an input/output buffer 173. The memory 172 includes a ROM and a RAM, not shown. The processor 171 loads a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it. The program stored in the ROM describes various processes to be executed by the ECU 170.

The ECU 170 controls the devices so that the vehicle 100 is in a desired state in response to signals from each sensor in the sensor group 185. For example, the ECU 170 controls the PCU 120 (FIG. 2) to execute various controls to enable the vehicle 100 to run. The ECU 170 also receives detection values of the voltage and current of the power storage device 110, and calculates the SOC (State Of Charge) of the power storage device 110 based on these detection values.

Alternatively, when the connector of the power supply equipment 310 is connected to the inlet 150, or when the power receiving coil 160 can receive power from the power supply equipment 320, the ECU 170 controls the charging relays RY1 and RY2, the charger 155, and the charging circuit 165 to perform the above-mentioned contact charging or non-contact charging. At this time, the ECU 170 can calculate the actual value of the received power [W] from the power supply equipment 310 or 320 and the received power amount [J] obtained by integrating the received power from the detected voltage and current of the power storage device 110.

The ECU 170 can also execute various controls to realize automatic driving of the vehicle 100 by controlling the PCU 120 and the steering device (not shown). Note that automatic driving basically means driving in which the driving operations of the vehicle 100, such as acceleration, deceleration, and steering, are performed without the driver's input.

For this reason, the vehicle 100 may be equipped with a sensor group 185 that detects the external and internal conditions of the vehicle 100. The sensor group 185 includes an external sensor 186 and an internal sensor 187. The external sensor 186 is a sensor configured to detect the external conditions of the vehicle 100. The internal sensor 187 is a sensor configured to detect information corresponding to the driving state of the vehicle 100, as well as steering operations, accelerator operations, and brake operations.

The external sensor 186 includes, for example, a camera, a radar, a LIDAR (Laser Imaging Detection And Ranging), etc. (none of which are shown). The camera captures an image of the external situation of the vehicle 100 and outputs image information related to the external situation of the vehicle 100 to the ECU 170. The radar transmits radio waves (e.g., millimeter waves) to the periphery of the vehicle 100 and receives the radio waves reflected by the obstacle to detect the obstacle. The radar then outputs the distance to the obstacle and the direction of the obstacle to the ECU 170 as obstacle information related to the obstacle. The LIDAR transmits light (typically ultraviolet light, visible light, or near infrared light) to the periphery of the vehicle 100 and receives the light reflected by the obstacle to measure the distance to the reflection point and detect the obstacle. The LIDAR outputs, for example, the distance to the obstacle and the direction of the obstacle to the ECU 170 as obstacle information.

The internal sensor 187 includes, for example, a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a yaw rate sensor, etc. (none of which are shown). The vehicle speed sensor is provided on the wheels of the vehicle 100 or on a drive shaft that rotates integrally with the wheels, detects the rotation speed of the wheels, and outputs vehicle speed information including the speed of the vehicle 100 to the ECU 170. The acceleration sensor includes, for example, a longitudinal acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 100 and a lateral acceleration sensor that detects the lateral acceleration of the vehicle 100, and outputs acceleration information including both accelerations to the ECU 170. The yaw rate sensor detects the yaw rate (rotational angular velocity) around the vertical axis of the center of gravity of the vehicle 100. The yaw rate sensor is, for example, a gyro sensor, and outputs yaw rate information including the yaw rate of the vehicle 100 to the ECU 170.

In this embodiment, the vehicle 100 does not necessarily have to be limited to a configuration equipped with an automatic driving function, and the power supply fee setting based on the platoon information described below can be applied regardless of whether the vehicle is in a completely automatic driving state, a manual driving state by the driver, or a driving state in which only a part of the driving control is automated (for example, auto cruise control on a highway, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1, the communication module 190 of the vehicle 100 can form a two-way vehicle-to-vehicle communication path 12 with the communication module 190 of another vehicle 100# by short-range wireless communication. In addition, the communication module 190 of the vehicle 100 can form a two-way communication path with the server 200 via the communication network 10 by wide-area wireless communication.

Furthermore, the communication module 190 can also form a bidirectional communication path 14 by short-range wireless communication with the communication device 326 of the power supply equipment 320 (non-contact) located nearby. On the other hand, the communication module 190 can form a bidirectional communication path 15 with the power supply equipment 310 (contact type) connected by the cable 312, using a signal line or power line built into the cable 312.

The server 200 includes a communication device 210, a storage device 220, and a processing device 230. The communication device 210 is configured to be capable of bidirectional data communication with the communication module 190 of the vehicle 100, the communication device 316 of the power supply equipment 310, and the communication device 326 of the power supply equipment 320 via the communication network 10 by wide-area wireless communication.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, in the power supply system 1 according to this embodiment, information can be exchanged bidirectionally between the vehicles 100, between the vehicles 100 and the power supply equipment 310, 320, between the vehicles 100 and the server 200, and between the server 200 and the power supply equipment 310, 320.

The storage device 220 includes a map information database (DB) 221, a vehicle information database (DB) 222, and a power supply equipment database (DB) 223. The map information DB 221 stores data related to the latest road map. The vehicle information DB 222 stores various information about the vehicle 100.

Specifically, the vehicle information DB 222 stores vehicle information transmitted from the vehicle 100 in association with vehicle identification information (hereinafter also simply referred to as vehicle ID) acquired from the vehicle 100. The vehicle information includes location information (current location/destination) of the vehicle 100, vehicle model, information related to a request for external charging (whether a request has been made, requested power amount, etc.), platoon information (described later) transmitted from the vehicle 100, and information related to the power supply performance from the power supply equipment 310, 320 described later to the vehicle 100. The vehicle information DB 222 stores vehicle IDs and vehicle information linked to the vehicle IDs for multiple vehicles 100.

The power supply equipment DB 223 stores information about the power supply equipment 320 (FIG. 1) that is installed in multiple locations. For example, the power supply equipment DB 223 stores the location information, power supply specifications, etc. of each power supply equipment 320 in association with an ID assigned to each power supply equipment.

The map information DB 221 and the power supply equipment DB 223 are periodically updated with the latest information. When a destination is set in the vehicle 100 and vehicle information is acquired from the vehicle 100, the vehicle information DB 222 is updated based on the acquired vehicle information.

The processing device 230 includes a processor 231 such as a CPU, a memory 232, and an input/output buffer 233. The memory 232 includes a ROM and a RAM, not shown. The CPU 231 loads a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it. The program stored in the ROM describes various processes to be executed by the processing device 230.

As part of the various processes, the processing device 230 executes the following processes in response to an external charging request from the vehicle 100.

When the vehicle 100 is to be externally charged by the contact-type power supply equipment 310, a request for external charging using the power supply equipment 310 is input by the user (driver) to the server 200 together with the identification information (vehicle ID) of the vehicle 100. The processing device 230 stores the input vehicle ID and external charging request in the vehicle information DB 222. When the vehicle 100 is connected to the cable 312 of the power supply equipment 310, the server 200 authenticates the vehicle ID transmitted from the vehicle 100 to the power supply equipment 310, thereby enabling contact charging of the vehicle 100 by the power supply equipment 310.

When the vehicle 100 is externally charged using the non-contact power supply equipment 320, a request for external charging while traveling using the non-contact power supply equipment 310 and the required power Prq [W] or the required amount of power Wrq [J] are transmitted in advance from the vehicle 100 to the server 200 in response to an instruction from the user (driver) along with identification information of the vehicle 100 (e.g., vehicle ID).

When the processing device 230 receives an external charging request from the vehicle 100 while the vehicle is traveling, it extracts the power supply equipment (group) 320 located on the planned travel route of the vehicle 100 from the current location of the vehicle 100, or from the current location and destination. In this disclosure, "traveling" means a state in which the vehicle 100 is located on the road for travel, and includes not only a state in which the vehicle 100 is actually traveling, but also a state in which the vehicle is stopped on the road while waiting for a traffic light or the like. Alternatively, the non-contact power supply by the power supply equipment 320 is not limited to when the vehicle 100 is traveling, but also includes power supply to the vehicle 100 while parked by the power supply equipment 320 installed in a power supply station or the like.

Then, the processing device 230 uses the communication device 210 to transmit to each of the extracted power supply facilities 320 (communication device 326) a vehicle ID for identifying the vehicle 100 to be supplied with power and the amount of power required for that vehicle 100. In each power supply facility 320, the transmitted vehicle ID and the amount of power required are registered in a power supply target list.

When the power supply equipment 320 has completed registration in the power supply target list, it transmits a notification of the registration to the server 200. In response, the server 200 transmits information (such as location information) of the power supply equipment (group) 320 that is scheduled to supply power to the vehicle 100. In the vehicle 100, the navigation device 180 can provide driving guidance using the transmitted power supply schedule.

Alternatively, in the case of a vehicle 100 to which autonomous driving is applied, the autonomous driving can be controlled so that the vehicle travels along a power supply lane in which a large number of non-contact power supply devices 320 are arranged. A road having such a power supply lane may be operated, for example, as a dedicated road for entering and exiting by passing through a specified gate.

(Explanation about platooning)
FIG. 4 shows a conceptual diagram illustrating platooning.

As shown in FIG. 4, a convoy 400 is formed by multiple vehicles 100A-100C traveling continuously with a vehicle-to-vehicle distance shorter than a predetermined distance.

The convoy 400 includes a vehicle 100A located at the front (hereinafter also referred to as the "leading vehicle") and vehicles 100B and 100C following vehicle 100A (hereinafter also referred to as the "following vehicles"). Of the following vehicles, vehicle 100C located at the rearmost position is also referred to as the rearmost vehicle.

The wind pressure 101A that the leading vehicle 100A experiences while traveling is the same as when each vehicle 100 is traveling alone. On the other hand, the wind pressures 101B and 101C that the following vehicles 100B and 100C experience while traveling are smaller than the wind pressure when traveling alone.

Therefore, the sum of the energy consumed by the vehicles 100A-100C when traveling in convoy 400 (convoy driving) is smaller than when each of the vehicles 100A-100C travels independently. This reduction in energy consumption corresponds to the reduction in the running resistance of the following vehicles 100B, 100C. As a result, it is expected that society as a whole will reduce energy consumption when vehicles are traveling by actively promoting convoy driving.

On the other hand, it is expected that driving as the lead vehicle in the platoon 400 will cause the driver to feel psychological pressure. For this reason, if each vehicle 100 drives in a way that avoids being the lead vehicle, it will become difficult to drive in the platoon.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a technology that contributes to expanding the application of platoon driving by providing an incentive for driving as the lead vehicle of the platoon 400 will be described. First, in order to provide such an incentive, it is required to create information that shows the track record related to platoon driving (hereinafter also referred to as "platoon information").

Figure 5 is a flowchart that explains an example of the process of creating platoon information. In the example of Figure 5, each vehicle 100 creates the platoon information using the vehicle-to-vehicle communication described in Figure 1. That is, the control process of step S100, which includes steps S110 to S180 shown in Figure 5, can be executed at regular intervals that are determined in advance by the ECU 170 of each vehicle 100. That is, the ECU 170 corresponds to one embodiment of the "control device" of the vehicle 100.

Referring to FIG. 5, in step S110, the ECU 170 determines whether a vehicle (a preceding vehicle) is detected within a certain distance ahead of the vehicle. The determination in step S110 can be made based on the detection results of a camera, radar, LIDAR, or the like included in the external sensor 186.

First, we will explain the process when there is a preceding vehicle, i.e., when the vehicle in question is in the platoon and is not the lead vehicle.

If a leading vehicle is detected (YES in S110), the ECU 170 sets the leading flag Fld = 0 in step S120, and determines in step S130 whether a vehicle (following vehicle) is detected within a certain distance behind the vehicle.

If no following vehicle is detected (NO in S130), the ECU 170 sets the following flag Fbk=0, which indicates whether or not there is a vehicle following the vehicle, in step S140, and sets the count value Nbk of the number of following vehicles in the platoon to 1 in step S142. Next, in step S150, the ECU 170 transmits vehicle information including at least the vehicle ID and count value Nbk from the communication module 190 to the leading vehicle by short-range wireless communication. The vehicle information transmitted in step S150 is received by the leading vehicle detected in step S110 by vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

In response to this, when a following vehicle is detected (YES in S130), the ECU 170 sets the following flag Fbk=1 in step S144. Furthermore, in step S146, the ECU 170 extracts the count value Nbk from the vehicle information transmitted from the following vehicle in the above-mentioned step S150, and in step S148, increments the extracted count value Nbk by 1. Next, the ECU 170 proceeds to step S150 and transmits vehicle information including at least the incremented count value Nbk and the vehicle ID (the vehicle itself and the following vehicle) to the preceding vehicle of the vehicle detected in step S110 by short-range wireless communication.

The determination in step S130 can be made based on the detection results of the camera or radar if the external sensor 186 includes a camera or radar facing the rear of the vehicle. Alternatively, the determination in step S130 can be made depending on whether or not the vehicle information transmitted from the following vehicle in step S150 described above has been received.

Next, the process when no leading vehicle is present will be described. If no leading vehicle is detected in step S110 (NO in S110), the ECU 170 sets the leading flag Fld = 1 in step S160, and determines whether a following vehicle is detected in step S170, which is the same as step S130.

When a following vehicle is detected (YES in S170), the ECU 170 sets the following flag Fbk=1 in step S172, and extracts the count value Nbk from the vehicle information received from the following vehicle in step S174. On the other hand, when a following vehicle is not detected (NO in S170), the ECU 170 sets the following flag Fbk=0 in step S180.

Figure 6 is a chart showing the formation information indicated by the leading flag Fld, trailing flag Fbk, and count value Nbk shown in Figure 5.

As shown in FIG. 6, if the vehicle is the lead vehicle (Fld = 1) and there is no following vehicle (Fbk = 0), it indicates that the vehicle is not platooning but is traveling alone.

In contrast, if the vehicle is the lead vehicle (Fld = 1) and there is a following vehicle (Fbk = 1), it is indicated that the vehicle is the lead vehicle in the platoon.

In addition, if the vehicle is not the leading vehicle (Fld = 0), it indicates that the vehicle is traveling as part of a platoon, but is not the leading vehicle (i.e., the following vehicle). In particular, when both the leading flag Fld and the following flag Fbk are "0", it indicates that the vehicle is located at the very end of the platoon and traveling in a platoon.

As can be seen from the flowchart in FIG. 5, the count value Nbk is initially set to Nbk=1 in the rearmost vehicle in the platoon (Fld=Fbk=0) (step S142), and is incremented by one in the following vehicles in the platoon (Fld=0, Fbk=1), and is then transmitted to the preceding vehicle in sequence. Therefore, it can be seen that the count value Nbk received by the leading vehicle in the platoon (Fld=1, Fbk=1) from the vehicle following the leading vehicle indicates the number of following vehicles in the platoon. In other words, (Nbk+1) indicates the number of vehicles in the platoon.

(Setting power supply charges based on vehicle convoy history information)
FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating power supply fee setting control in the power supply system according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the power supply system 1 includes a convoy history information creation unit 510, a power supply performance creation unit 520, a power supply unit price setting unit 530, and a power supply fee calculation unit 540.

Figure 8 shows a flowchart that explains an example of a process for creating convoy history information.

Referring to FIG. 8, vehicle 100 creates platoon information by processing step S100. The platoon information includes, for each vehicle 100, information indicating whether platooning is being performed, and position information during platooning (at least information on whether the vehicle is the lead vehicle), and preferably includes the number of vehicles forming the platoon. That is, the platoon information can at least determine whether a vehicle is platooning as the lead vehicle, and preferably identifies whether a vehicle is platooning or not, and whether a vehicle is the lead vehicle when platooning is being performed. For example, the platoon information is created by setting the lead flag Fld, the trailing flag Fbk, and the count value Nbk in step S100, which includes steps S110 to S180 shown in FIG. 5.

In step S190, the vehicle 100 transmits the platoon information created in step S100 together with the vehicle identification information (vehicle ID) to the server 200 using wide-area wireless communication of the communication module 190. The processing of steps S100 and S150 is repeatedly executed, for example, every time a predetermined time elapses or every traveled distance.

When the server 200 receives the vehicle ID and the convoy information from the vehicle 100, it judges step S510 as YES and proceeds to steps S520 and S530. In step S520, the server 200 stores the convoy information in association with the vehicle ID (identification information) of the vehicle to be powered. For example, the convoy information for each vehicle 100 is stored in the vehicle information DB 222.

In step S530, server 200 creates platoon history information using the vehicle information stored in vehicle information DB 222. The platoon history information may be created in a manner that is updated each time new platoon information is stored in step S520, or may be created by referring to the vehicle information stored in vehicle information DB 222 each time creation of platoon history information is requested.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the convoy history information.
9, the convoy history information includes a total number of times Tsmp that convoy information has been collected, and a number of times Xsmp that the vehicle has traveled as the lead vehicle in the convoy, which are obtained for each vehicle ID. The convoy history information may further include a number of times Ysmp that the vehicle has traveled as the trailing vehicle in the convoy, and a number of times Zsmp that the vehicle has traveled alone.

From the platoon history information, a parameter value Xp can be calculated for each vehicle 100, which quantitatively indicates the frequency of travel as the lead vehicle in the platoon. For example, the number of travels Xsmp in a certain period (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) or the travel rate (Xsmp/Tsmp) can be the parameter value Xp.

Similarly, for the parameter value Yp that quantitatively indicates the frequency of travel as a following vehicle in the platoon and the parameter value Zp that indicates the frequency of solo travel, the number of travels Ysmp, Zsmp in the above-mentioned fixed period, or the travel rate (Ysmp/Tsmp, Zsmp/Tsmp) can be used.

Alternatively, each parameter value can be calculated based on the distance traveled or the travel time, rather than the number of trips. In this way, the function of the convoy history information creation unit 510 can be realized by the process shown in FIG. 8.

The platoon information can also be created from information acquired by cameras (not shown) arranged on the lanes, or information on the current position of each vehicle 100, which is collected by the server 200 or the power supply equipment 300. In this case, the server 200 will execute the process of step S520 in response to a trigger different from the reception from the vehicle 100 (S510).

In response to this, it is understood that the processing load on the server 200 and the power supply equipment 300 can be reduced by having each vehicle 100 create platoon information through the control process (S100) of FIG. 5 using vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the power supply record creation unit 520 creates a power supply record for the target vehicle when the power supply equipment 300 supplies power to the vehicle 100. As described above, the power supply record includes the power supply date and time, the power supply power Psd [W], the power supply time Tsd [s], and the power supply amount Wsd [J], and is created in association with the vehicle ID. That is, the function of the power supply record creation unit 520 can basically be realized by the power supply equipment 310, 320.

The power supply record may be created based on the power reception record on the vehicle 100 side. The power reception record includes the power reception date and time, the power received from the power supply equipment 310, 320 [W], and the actual value of the amount of power received [J] obtained by integrating the received power. In this case, the function of the power supply record creation unit 520 can be realized by the ECU 170 of the vehicle 100.

Alternatively, the power supply history creation unit 520 may create the power supply history by comparing the power supply history of the power supply equipment 310, 320 with the power reception history of the vehicle 100 and making necessary corrections based on the comparison results. In this case, it is also possible to realize the function of the power supply history creation unit 520 by further using the server 200.

When the vehicle ID of the vehicle 100 (power supply target vehicle) supplied with power by the power supply equipment 310, 320 is input, the power supply unit price setting unit 530 acquires the platoon history information corresponding to the vehicle ID from the platoon history information creation unit 510. Furthermore, based on the platoon history information, the power supply unit price setting unit 530 sets the unit price of the amount of power [J] supplied from the power supply equipment 310, 320 to the vehicle 100 (power supply target vehicle) in a manner that gives preferential treatment to a vehicle that frequently travels as the lead vehicle in the platoon.

The power supply fee calculation unit 540 calculates the fee for power supply from the power supply equipment 310, 320 to the vehicle 100 (the vehicle to be supplied with power) based on the unit price [￥/J] set by the power supply unit price setting unit 530 and the power supply performance (including the amount of power supply [J]).

(Example of power supply fee setting process during contact power supply)
FIG. 10 shows an example of a processing sequence when vehicle 100 is externally charged by contact-type power supply equipment 310 in the power supply system according to this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, it is assumed that the vehicle 100 has previously transmitted a request for external charging by the power supply equipment 310 and the requested amount of power supply to the server 200.

When the driver of the vehicle 100 connects the connector 314 of the cable 312 of the power supply equipment 310 to the inlet 150, step S210 in the vehicle 100 is judged as YES, and step S310 in the power supply equipment 310 is judged as YES.

When the connector 314 of the cable 312 is connected to the inlet 150 (YES in S310), the power supply equipment 310 requests the vehicle 100 to send the vehicle ID in step S320.

When the vehicle 100 receives a request to transmit the vehicle ID from the power supply equipment 310, the vehicle 100 judges step S220 as YES and transmits the vehicle ID in step S230. Furthermore, in step S240, the vehicle 100 turns on the charging relay RY1 and activates the charger 155, thereby being set to the power receiving active state.

When the power supply equipment 310 receives the vehicle ID (S230) transmitted from the vehicle 100 in step S330, it transmits the vehicle ID to the server 200 in step S335 to request authentication.

When the server 200 receives the vehicle ID from the power supply equipment 310, the server 200 judges step S610 as YES and proceeds to step S620 and subsequent steps. In step S620, the server 200 executes an authentication process by comparing the received vehicle ID with the vehicle information DB 222, and returns the authentication result to the power supply equipment 310. If the authentication result is normal, the requested power supply amount of the vehicle 100 (vehicle to be supplied with power) is also transmitted to the power supply equipment 310.

When the power supply equipment 310 receives the authentication result (normal) from the server 200 in step S340, the power supply equipment 310 sets the power converter 315 to an active power transmission state in step S345. This starts the output of power to the cable 312. In response to this, in the vehicle 100 in the active power receiving state, the power storage device 110 is charged by power from the power supply equipment 310.

In step S630, the server 200 creates platoon history information for the received vehicle ID (vehicle to be powered), and in step S640, based on the platoon history information, determines whether the vehicle to be powered is a vehicle that frequently runs as a lead vehicle, and assigns a preferential code Cpt indicating the result of the determination to the vehicle to be powered. In step S650, the server 200 transmits the preferential code Cpt assigned to the vehicle to be powered to the power supply equipment 310.

In parallel with transmitting power to the vehicle 100 (S345), the power supply equipment 310 receives the preferential code Cpt of the vehicle to be supplied with power from the server 200 in step S660, and then sets the power supply price [￥/J] of the vehicle to be supplied with power in accordance with the preferential code (S640) in step S700.

11A and 11B show examples of setting preferential codes and power supply unit prices.
11A, the preferential code Cpt is set to either "1" indicating that the power supply target vehicle frequently runs as a lead vehicle, or "0" indicating that the power supply target vehicle frequently runs as a lead vehicle. For example, by comparing the above-mentioned parameter value Xp with a predetermined reference value Xr, it is possible to set Cpt=1 when Xp≧Xr, and set Cpt=0 when Xp<Xr.

The power supply unit price of the target vehicle is set according to the preferential code Cpt (0, 1). Specifically, when Cpt = 0, the power supply unit price P0 is set, while when Cpt = 1, the power supply unit price P1, which is lower than the power supply unit price P0, is set. The power supply unit price P0 corresponds to a basic charge determined by the attributes of the target vehicle excluding the conditions related to platooning, and the power supply unit price P1 is a discount applied to the basic charge. In this case, it is preferable that the reduction amount α (α = P0 - P1) is set to a larger amount the larger the parameter value Xp is, that is, the more times the vehicle has traveled as the lead vehicle, or the longer the travel time or distance.

In the example of FIG. 11A, a power supply target vehicle set to Cpt=1 corresponds to an example of a "first vehicle", and a power supply target vehicle set to Cpt=0 corresponds to an example of a "second vehicle". In addition, the power supply unit price P1 corresponds to an example of a "first unit price", and the power supply unit price P0 corresponds to an example of a "second unit price". Furthermore, the parameter value Xp corresponds to an example of a "first parameter value".

In the example of FIG. 11B, the preferential code Cpt is set by subdividing the "0" in FIG. 11A into "00" and "01". For example, as in FIG. 11A, when Xp≧Xr, Cpt=1 is set, while when Xp<Xr, Cpt=00 or Cpt=01 is set using the parameter values Yp and Zp.

Cpt=01 is assigned to a target vehicle that frequently travels as a following vehicle in a platoon. For example, Cpt=01 is set based on a comparison between the parameter value Yp and a predetermined reference value Yr (Yp≧Yr), or a comparison between the parameter values Yp and Zp (yp>Zp). The preferential code Cpt is set to "00" when it is not set to either Cpt=1 or Cpt=01. In other words, Cpt=00 is assigned to a target vehicle that frequently travels alone.

In the example of FIG. 11B, the power supply unit price for the vehicle to be supplied with power is set according to the preferential code Cpt (1, 01, 00). Specifically, when Cpt=00, the power supply unit price P0 equivalent to the basic fee described above is set, while when Cpt=1, the power supply unit price P1 lower than the power supply unit price P0 is set (P1=P0-α).

Furthermore, when Cpt=01, a power supply unit price P2 is set that is equal to or higher than the power supply unit price P0. The power supply unit price P2 may be equal to the power supply unit price P0 (basic unit price) (P2=P0), but may also be set higher than the power supply unit price P0 (P2=P0+β) as compensation for the benefit of driving in the following vehicle.

In the example of FIG. 11B, it is preferable that the reduction amount α (α=P0-P1) of the power supply price P1 applied to the lead vehicle is set to a larger amount the larger the parameter value Xp is, i.e., the more times the lead vehicle has been driven, or the longer the driving time or distance is.

In addition, it is preferable that the increase β (β = P2 - P0) in the power supply cost P2 applied to the following vehicle is set to a larger amount the larger the parameter value Yp is, i.e., the more times the following vehicle has been driven or the longer the driving time or distance is.

In the example of FIG. 11B, a target vehicle for power supply set to Cpt=1 corresponds to an example of a "first vehicle", and the power supply unit price P1 corresponds to an example of a "first unit price". Furthermore, a target vehicle for power supply set to Cpt=01 corresponds to an example of a "third vehicle", and a target vehicle for power supply set to Cpt=00 corresponds to an example of a "fourth vehicle". Furthermore, the power supply unit price P0 corresponds to an example of a "fourth unit price", and the power supply unit price P2 when set to the power supply unit price P0+β corresponds to an example of a "third unit price". Furthermore, the parameter value Yp corresponds to an example of a "second parameter value".

According to the example shown in FIG. 11A or FIG. 11B, the unit price of power supply from the power supply equipment 310 to the vehicle 100 (power supply target vehicle) can be set in a manner that gives preferential treatment to a vehicle that frequently travels as the lead vehicle in a platoon, using the platoon history information of the power supply target vehicle.

Referring again to FIG. 10, step S700 can also be executed on the server 200 side. In this case, step S700 is executed in the server 200 following step S640, and in step S650, the preferential code and the power supply unit price can be transmitted to the power supply equipment 310.

When the amount of power supply in the power transmission active state (S345) reaches the requested amount of power supply, the power supply equipment 310 judges step S350 as YES and ends the power supply. As a result, the power supply equipment 310 cancels the power transmission active state in step S360, and notifies the vehicle 100 of the end of power supply in step S370.

In the vehicle 100, in response to the notification of the end of power supply from the power supply equipment 310, a YES determination is made in step S250, and the active power receiving state is released in step S260. Specifically, the charger 155 is stopped, and the charging relay RY1 is controlled to the off state. Furthermore, in step S270, the vehicle 100 creates a power receiving record based on the power supply from the power supply equipment 310. The created power receiving record may be transmitted to the power supply equipment 310.

After the power supply is completed, the power supply equipment 310 creates a power supply record for the vehicle 100 in step S380. In step S380, a power reception record from the vehicle 100 (the vehicle to be supplied with power) may also be received. In this case, it is possible to compare the power reception record of the vehicle 100 with the power supply record of the power supply equipment 310 and correct the power supply record based on the comparison result. Also, steps S660 and S700, i.e., setting or receiving (from the server 200) the power supply price, may be executed after the power supply is completed.

Furthermore, in step S710, the power supply equipment 310 calculates the power supply fee for the target vehicle based on the power supply price [￥/J] set using the platoon history information and the power supply amount [J] included in the power supply record created in S380. Furthermore, the result of the power supply fee setting in step S710 (including the setting of the power supply price) can be transmitted to the vehicle 100 in step S720.

When the vehicle 100 receives the power supply fee setting in step S280, the driver can be notified in step S290 using the display of the navigation device 180, etc., when the preferential unit price for the leading vehicle in the platoon is applied.

According to the processing example shown in FIG. 10, when power is supplied from the contact-type power supply equipment 310 to the vehicle 100, the power supply fee for the frequently traveling leading vehicle in the platoon can be set at a higher rate than the power supply fees for other vehicles. This contributes to expanding the application of platooning by providing an incentive for the leading vehicle in the platoon. The processing example in FIG. 10 is suitable for an application in which the power supply fee is settled for each power supply by the power supply equipment 310.

Figure 12 shows a modified example of the processing sequence when a vehicle is externally charged by a contact-type power supply device 310 in the power supply system according to this embodiment.

Comparing FIG. 12 with FIG. 10, the modified example in FIG. 12 differs from the example in FIG. 10 in that the calculation of the power supply fee is performed on the server 200 side, not on the power supply equipment 310 side.

Specifically, when the power supply equipment 310 receives an authentication result (normal) from the server 200 (S340) and starts supplying power to the vehicle 100, steps S660 and S700 in FIG. 10 are not executed by the power supply equipment 310. Furthermore, after power supply is completed (YES determination in S350), the power supply equipment 310 executes the process of step S385 in addition to steps S360 to S380 similar to FIG. 10. In step S385, the power supply record created in step S380 is sent to the server 200. On the other hand, steps S710 and S720 in FIG. 10 are not executed by the power supply equipment 310.

In response to this, the server 200 sets the preferential code Cpt for the vehicle to be supplied with power through steps S610 to S640 similar to those in FIG. 10, and then sets the power supply unit price on the server 200 side through step S700 executed by the power supply equipment 310 in FIG. 10. Furthermore, when the server 200 receives the power supply record from the power supply equipment 310, it determines YES in step S705 and proceeds to step S710 executed by the power supply equipment 310 in FIG. 10 to calculate the power supply fee.

In the modified example of FIG. 12, the power reception record (S270) created by the vehicle 100 is sent to the server 200, not to the power supply equipment 310. The server 200 can also correct the power supply record from the power supply equipment 310 based on the result of comparing the power reception record from the vehicle 100 (the vehicle to be supplied with power) with the power supply record of the power supply equipment 310.

In step S720, the server 200 can transmit the result of the power supply fee setting in step S710 (including the setting of the power supply unit price) to the vehicle 100. In step S720, the set power supply fee is associated with the vehicle ID and stored in the vehicle information DB of the server 200.

The processing of steps S210 to S290 by the vehicle 100 is the same as that shown in FIG. 10, except that the transmission and reception destination in the processing of steps S280 and S290 is changed from the power supply equipment 310 to the server 200.

As with the example of FIG. 10, when power is supplied from the contact-type power supply equipment 310 to the vehicle 100, the processing of the modified example of FIG. 12 can set the power supply fee for the vehicle at the front of the platoon, which is a vehicle that travels frequently, more preferentially than the power supply fees for the other vehicles. Note that the processing example of FIG. 12 is suitable for an application in which the power supply fee by the power supply equipment 310 is settled in a lump sum for each of multiple power supplies or for each power supply within a certain period of time.

10 and 12, when the preferential unit price for the leading vehicle in the platoon is applied in step S290, the driver can be notified using the display of the navigation device 180, etc. This is expected to increase motivation to drive as the leading vehicle. Note that in step S280 on the vehicle 100 side, even in a mode in which only the preferential code is received each time power is fed, it is possible to notify the user that the preferential unit price is applied to the leading vehicle in the platoon.

(Example of power supply fee setting process for non-contact power supply)
Next, a process performed when the vehicle 100 is externally charged by the non-contact power supply equipment 320 while the vehicle 100 is traveling will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG.

Figure 13 shows a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of contactless power supply during driving by the power supply equipment 320.

Referring to FIG. 13, the power supply facility 320 includes a plurality of power transmission coils 322 installed in the power supply lane, power converters (inverters) 325 arranged corresponding to the plurality of power transmission coils 322, a communication device 326 also shown in FIG. 3, and a processing device 327. Note that the number of power transmission coils 322 included in the power supply facility 320 is arbitrary.

The power converter 325 receives power from a power source (not shown) and outputs an alternating current to the power transmission coil 322 to form an electromagnetic field around the power transmission coil 322. The power transmission coil 322 and the power receiving coil 160 of the vehicle 100 are coupled through the electromagnetic field, so that power can be transmitted from the power supply equipment 320 to the vehicle 100 in a non-contact manner. The power transmission coil 322 and the power converter 325 constitute one embodiment of a "power supply mechanism" for supplying power to the vehicle 100 in an electrically non-contact state.

The processing device 327 includes a processor 328 such as a CPU, and a memory 329. The memory 329 includes a ROM and a RAM, not shown. The CPU 328 expands a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it. The program stored in the ROM describes various processes to be executed by the processing device 327. Furthermore, the memory 329 stores the above-mentioned power supply target list, which is created based on information transmitted from the server 200.

In the power supply equipment 320, the communication device 326 receives the vehicle ID transmitted by short-range wireless communication from the vehicle 100 (communication module 190). The processing device 327 can determine whether the vehicle 100 with the vehicle ID is a target for power supply by comparing the received vehicle ID with the power supply target list stored in the memory 329.

Then, the processing device 327 controls the power converter 325 to a power transmission active state in which AC current is supplied to the power transmission coil 322 during the period in which the communication device 326 is receiving the vehicle ID of the vehicle 100 to be supplied with power via short-range wireless communication. During other periods, the power converter 325 releases the power transmission active state and stops supplying AC current to the power transmission coil 322. When the power receiving coil 160 is positioned above the power transmission coil 322 during the power transmission active state, power is supplied from the power supply equipment 320 to the vehicle 100.

In addition, by controlling the amplitude of the AC current of the power transmission coil 322 in the power transmission active state, it is also possible to control the power supply Psd [W] and the power supply amount Wsd [J] from the power transmission coil 322 according to the required power Prq [W] or the required amount of power Wrq [J] from the vehicle 100 to be powered.

When the communication device 326 is no longer able to receive the vehicle ID of the vehicle 100 to be powered via short-range wireless communication, the processing device 327 recognizes the end of power supply to the vehicle 100 and generates a power supply record for the vehicle 100. As described above, the power supply record includes the actual values of the power supply power Psd [W], the power supply time Tsd [s], and the power supply amount Wsd [J]. The power supply record is associated with the vehicle ID and transmitted from the communication device 326 via wide-area wireless communication. As a result, the server 200 can receive the power supply record for each vehicle 100 identified by the vehicle ID each time power is supplied by each power supply facility 320.

Figure 14 shows an example of the processing performed when the vehicle 100 is externally charged by the power supply equipment 320 in the power supply system according to this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, it is assumed that the vehicle 100 has previously transmitted a request for power supply while traveling from the contactless power supply equipment 320 to the server 200. In response to this, in step S500, the server 200 transmits the vehicle ID of the vehicle to be supplied with power and the requested amount of power to the power supply equipment 320 via the communication network 10. As a result, the vehicle ID of the vehicle 100 is registered in the power supply target list of the power supply equipment 320.

In step S200, the vehicle 100 transmits vehicle information including the vehicle ID from the communication module 190 via short-range wireless communication. The process of step S200 is repeated at regular intervals.

When the vehicle 100 and the power supply equipment 320 approach each other, data communication by short-range wireless communication becomes possible between the communication module 190 of the vehicle 100 and the communication device 326 of the power supply equipment 320. When the power supply equipment 320 receives the vehicle information transmitted from the vehicle 100 in step S200, the power supply equipment 320 determines in step S410 whether or not it has received vehicle information of the vehicle to be supplied with power. For example, the determination in step S410 is made by comparing the received vehicle ID with the power supply target list held in the power supply equipment 320.

When the power supply equipment 320 receives vehicle information of the vehicle to be supplied with power through short-range wireless communication (YES in S410), the power supply equipment 320 controls the power converter 325 to the above-mentioned power transmission active state in step S420. As a result, the power transmission coil 322 is supplied with an alternating current and forms an electromagnetic field.

When short-range wireless communication becomes possible between the vehicle 100 and the communication device 326, the vehicle 100 recognizes its proximity to the power supply equipment 320 and a YES determination is made in step S205. When a YES determination is made in step S205, the vehicle 100 is set to an active power receiving state in step S235. Specifically, in the configuration of FIG. 2, the charging circuit 165 is set to an active state, and the charging relay RY2 is controlled to an on state.

In the power supply equipment 320, when the vehicle 100 enters the power receiving zone, i.e., the area where power transmission is possible between the power receiving coil 160 and the power transmitting coil 322 in the power transmission active state (S420) (YES in S430), actual power supply from the power transmitting coil 322 begins (step S440).

In step S245, the vehicle 100 performs a power receiving operation. Specifically, the power transmitted from the power transmitting coil 322 is received by the power receiving coil 160, and the charging circuit 165 uses the AC power received by the power receiving coil 160 to charge the power storage device 110.

The power supply equipment 320 continues to be in an active power transmission state until the short-range wireless communication with the vehicle 100 is interrupted. That is, when the vehicle 100 moves away from the power supply equipment 320 to a distance where the short-range wireless communication is interrupted, the power supply equipment 320 judges YES in step S450 and terminates the power supply to the vehicle 100 by canceling the active power transmission state in step S460. When the power supply equipment 320 terminates the power supply, it creates a power supply record to the vehicle 100 in step S470. The created power supply record is transmitted to the server 200 from the communication device 326 via the communication network 10 using wide-area wireless communication together with the vehicle information (including the vehicle ID) of the vehicle to be supplied with power received in S310.

When the short-range wireless communication with the power supply equipment 320 is interrupted, the vehicle 100 determines in step S255 that power reception has ended. When power reception ends (YES in S255), the vehicle 100 cancels the active power reception state in S265. Specifically, the charging circuit 165 is stopped, and the charging relay RY2 is controlled to the off state. Furthermore, the vehicle 100 creates a power reception record from power supply from the power supply equipment 320 in step S270.

When the server 200 receives the vehicle ID from the power supply equipment 320, it judges step S610 as YES and executes steps S630, S640, and S700 similar to those in FIG. 10 and FIG. 12. As a result, the unit price of power supply from the non-contact power supply equipment 320 to the vehicle 100 (power supply target vehicle) can be set in a manner that gives preferential treatment to a vehicle that has a high frequency of running as the lead vehicle in the platoon, using the platoon history information of the power supply target vehicle.

Furthermore, when the server 200 receives the power supply record from the power supply equipment 320, it judges step S615 as YES, and in step S710 similar to FIG. 12, it sets the power supply fee from the power supply equipment 320 to the target vehicle based on the power supply price set in step S700 and the received power supply record.

In FIG. 14, the power reception record (S270) created by the vehicle 100 may be transmitted to the server 200. The server 200 may also modify the power supply record from the power supply equipment 310 based on the result of comparing the power reception record from the vehicle 100 (the vehicle to be supplied with power) with the power supply record of the power supply equipment 310.

The server 200 can transmit the result of the power supply fee setting (including the setting of the power supply unit price) in step S710 to the vehicle 100 by step S720 similar to that in FIG. 12. In step S720, the set power supply fee is associated with the vehicle ID and stored in the vehicle information DB of the server 200.

The vehicle 100 can notify the driver using the display of the navigation device 180, etc., when the preferential unit price for the leading vehicle in the platoon is applied, by steps S280 and S290 similar to those in FIG. 12.

The processing example shown in FIG. 14 allows the power supply fee for the vehicle 100, which is the leading vehicle in the platoon and has a high driving frequency, to be set at a higher rate than the power supply fees for the other vehicles when power is supplied from the non-contact power supply equipment 320 to the vehicle 100.

In the processing example of FIG. 14, the power supply fee can be charged at regular intervals (e.g., once a week or once a month). In this case, the preferential code Cpd can be sent to the vehicle 100 each time the power supply equipment 320 supplies power, thereby informing the user that the preferential unit price is applied to the leading vehicle in the platoon.

In the processing example of FIG. 14, at least a part of the processing related to setting the power supply fee (S700 to S720) can also be executed by a device other than the server 200. For example, by increasing the functionality of the processing device 327 of the power supply equipment 320, it is possible to provide the power supply equipment 320 with the functions of the power supply unit price setting unit 530 and the power supply fee calculation unit 540 (FIG. 7).

As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide preferential power supply fees for vehicles that have completed platooning when power is supplied from the contact-type power supply equipment 310 and the non-negotiable power supply equipment 320. As a result, by providing an incentive to drive as the lead vehicle in the platoon, it is possible to contribute to expanding the application of platooning.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The technical scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

1 Power supply system, 10 Communication network, 12 Inter-vehicle communication path, 14, 15 Communication path, 100 Vehicle, 100A Leading vehicle, 100B, 100C Following vehicle, 101A, 101B, 101C Wind pressure, 110 Power storage device, 130 Motor generator, 135 Power transmission gear, 140 Drive wheel, 150 Inlet, 155 Charger, 160 Power receiving coil, 165 Charging circuit, 171, 231, 318, 328 Processor, 172, 232, 319, 329, 342 Memory, 173, 233 Input/output buffer, 180 Navigation device, 185 Sensor group, 186 External sensor, 187 Internal sensor, 190 Communication module, 195 In-vehicle network, 200 Server, 210, 316, 326 Communication device, 220 storage device, 230, 317, 327 processing device, 300 power supply equipment, 310 power supply equipment (contact type), 312 cable, 314 connector, 315, 325 power converter, 320 power supply equipment (non-contact type), 322 power transmission coil, 400 platoon, 510 platoon history information creation unit, 520 power supply performance creation unit, 530 power supply unit price setting unit, 540 power supply fee calculation unit, Cpd preferential code, Fbk trailing flag, Fld leading flag, NL, PL power line pair, Nbk count value, P0, P1, P2 power supply unit price, RY1, RY2 charging relay, SMR system main relay, Tsmp total number of collections, Xsmp, Ysmp, Zsmp number of trips.

Claims (14)

A power supply system including a power supply facility that supplies power to a vehicle from outside the vehicle, and a server that manages power supply to the vehicle by the power supply facility,
a platoon history information creation unit that accumulates platoon information related to platooning of the target vehicles to be powered by the power supply facility and creates platoon history information of the target vehicles to be powered;
a power supply record creation unit that creates a power supply record from the power supply facility to the power supply target vehicle;
a power supply unit price setting unit that sets a unit price of the amount of power supply using the platoon history information of the power supply target vehicles;
a power supply fee calculation unit that sets a power supply fee based on the unit price set by the power supply unit price setting unit and the power supply record,
The platoon information includes at least information indicating whether the power supply target vehicle is traveling in the platoon as a leading vehicle,
the platoon history information includes at least information for classifying the power supply target vehicle into either a first vehicle that frequently runs as the lead vehicle or a second vehicle that frequently runs as the lead vehicle;
the power supply unit price setting unit sets a first unit price of the amount of power supply applied to the first vehicle to be lower than a second unit price applied to the second vehicle ;
The platoon information includes information indicating whether the power supply target vehicle is performing the platoon traveling, and information identifying whether the power supply target vehicle is the leading vehicle when performing the platoon traveling,
the platoon history information further includes information for classifying the second vehicle into either a third vehicle that frequently travels as a following vehicle of the leading vehicle, or a fourth vehicle that frequently does not travel in the platoon,
The power supply system, wherein the power supply unit price setting unit sets a third unit price applied to the third vehicle to be higher than a fourth unit price applied to the fourth vehicle . the platoon history information includes a first parameter value that quantitatively indicates a frequency at which the power supply target vehicle travels as the lead vehicle,
The power supply system according to claim 1 , wherein the power supply unit price setting unit sets a reduction amount of the first unit price with respect to the second unit price in accordance with the first parameter value so that the reduction amount is larger as the frequency of running as the lead vehicle increases. the platoon history information includes a first parameter value that quantitatively indicates a frequency at which the power supply target vehicle travels as the lead vehicle,
The power supply system according to claim 1 , wherein the power supply unit price setting unit sets a reduction amount of the first unit price with respect to the fourth unit price to be larger as the frequency of running as the lead vehicle increases according to the first parameter value. the platoon history information includes a second parameter value that quantitatively indicates a frequency at which the power supply target vehicle travels as the following vehicle,
4. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the power supply unit price setting unit sets an increment of the third unit price relative to the fourth unit price to be larger as the frequency of traveling as the following vehicle increases, according to the second parameter value. The power supply record creation unit creates the power supply record of the power supply target vehicle by comparing a performance value related to power supply at the power supply equipment with a performance value related to power reception at the power supply target vehicle. The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . A server used in the power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
A communication device for communicating between the vehicle and each of the power supply facilities;
A storage device that stores the platoon information transmitted from the vehicles;
a processing device that operates as the platoon history information creation unit by creating the platoon history information of the power supply target vehicles using the platoon information stored in the storage device. The server according to claim 6, wherein the processing device further operates as the power supply unit price setting unit by setting a unit price of the amount of power supply to the power supply target vehicle using the platoon history information of the power supply target vehicle when it receives vehicle identification information of the power supply target vehicle from the power supply equipment. The server according to claim 7, wherein the processing device further operates as the power supply fee calculation unit that calculates the power supply fee for the power supply target vehicle using the power supply record of the power supply target vehicle received from the power supply equipment and the set unit price. A vehicle that is charged by the power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
a communication module for performing communication between other vehicles, the power supply equipment, and the server;
A detector for detecting a preceding vehicle traveling ahead of the vehicle;
a control device that periodically creates the platoon information using a detection result of the preceding vehicle by the detector and information received from a vehicle following the preceding vehicle,
The communication module transmits the generated convoy information to the server. A power supply facility used in the power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
a power supply mechanism for supplying power to the vehicle in an electrically non-contact state;
A communication device for performing communication with the power supply target vehicle and with the server;
a processing device that operates as the power supply record creation unit by creating the power supply record based on a detection value of the power supply power during power supply to the power supply target vehicle,
The communication device transmits vehicle identification information of the vehicle to be supplied with power and the power supply record to the server when supplying power. A power supply facility used in the power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
a power supply mechanism for supplying power to the vehicle in an electrically connected state;
A communication device for performing communication with the power supply target vehicle and with the server;
a processing device that operates as the power supply record creation unit by creating the power supply record based on a detection value of the power supply power during power supply to the power supply target vehicle,
The communication device transmits vehicle identification information of the power supply target vehicle to the server when power is supplied,
The processing device further operates as the power supply unit price setting unit by receiving, from the server, preferential treatment information related to a unit price setting for the power supply target vehicle, the unit price being set based on the platoon history information of the power supply target vehicle, in response to the transmission of the vehicle identification information, and setting a unit price for the amount of power supply based on the preferential treatment information;
The processing device further operates as the power supply fee calculation unit by calculating the power supply fee for the power supply target vehicle using the set unit price and the power supply record. A power supply facility used in the power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
a power supply mechanism for supplying power to the vehicle in an electrically connected state;
A communication device for performing communication with the power supply target vehicle and with the server;
a processing device that operates as the power supply record creation unit by creating the power supply record based on a detection value of the power supply power during power supply to the power supply target vehicle,
The communication device transmits vehicle identification information of the vehicle to be supplied with power and the power supply record to the server when supplying power. A power supply fee setting device in a power supply system including a power supply facility that supplies power to a vehicle from outside the vehicle and a server that manages power supply to the vehicle by the power supply facility,
a platoon history information creation unit that accumulates platoon information related to platooning of the target vehicles to be powered by the power supply facility and creates platoon history information of the target vehicles to be powered;
a power supply unit price setting unit that sets a unit price of the amount of power supply using the platoon history information of the power supply target vehicles;
a power supply fee calculation unit that calculates a power supply fee from the power supply equipment to the power supply target vehicle based on the unit price set by the power supply unit price setting unit and a power supply record for the power supply target vehicle,
The platoon information includes at least information indicating whether the power supply target vehicle is traveling in the platoon as a leading vehicle,
the platoon history information includes at least information for classifying the power supply target vehicle into either a first vehicle that frequently runs as the lead vehicle or a second vehicle that frequently runs as the lead vehicle;
the power supply unit price setting unit sets a first unit price of the amount of power supply applied to the first vehicle to be lower than a second unit price applied to the second vehicle ;
The platoon information includes information indicating whether the power supply target vehicle is performing the platoon traveling, and information identifying whether the power supply target vehicle is the leading vehicle when performing the platoon traveling,
the platoon history information further includes information for classifying the second vehicle into either a third vehicle that frequently travels as a following vehicle of the leading vehicle, or a fourth vehicle that frequently does not travel in the platoon,
The power supply rate setting device, wherein the power supply rate setting unit sets a third unit rate applied to the third vehicle to be higher than a fourth unit rate applied to the fourth vehicle . A method for setting a power supply fee in a power supply system including a power supply facility that supplies power to a vehicle from outside the vehicle and a server that manages power supply to the vehicle by the power supply facility,
accumulating platoon information related to platooning of vehicles to be supplied with power from the power supply facility;
Creating platoon history information of the power supply target vehicles using the accumulated platoon information;
setting a unit price for the amount of power supply using the platoon history information of the power supply target vehicles;
A step of calculating a charge for power supply from the power supply equipment to the power supply target vehicle based on the set unit price and a power supply record for the power supply target vehicle,
The platoon information includes at least information indicating whether the power supply target vehicle is traveling in the platoon as a leading vehicle,
the platoon history information includes at least information for classifying the power supply target vehicle into either a first vehicle that frequently runs as the lead vehicle or a second vehicle that frequently runs as the lead vehicle,
the setting step includes setting a first unit price of the amount of power supply applied to the first vehicle to be lower than a second unit price applied to the second vehicle ;
The platoon information includes information indicating whether the power supply target vehicle is performing the platoon traveling, and information identifying whether the power supply target vehicle is the leading vehicle when performing the platoon traveling,
the platoon history information further includes information for classifying the second vehicle into either a third vehicle that frequently travels as a following vehicle of the leading vehicle, or a fourth vehicle that frequently does not travel in the platoon,
The power supply fee setting method , wherein the setting step sets a third unit price applied to the third vehicle higher than a fourth unit price applied to the fourth vehicle .

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