System and method of pre-charge testing to prevent misuse of electric vehicle charging station

A method of pre-charge testing for authorizing use of an electric vehicle charging station, the method performed by a charging device of the electric vehicle charging station and comprising:

• providing a control pilot signal to a load upon detecting connection thereof to the electric vehicle charging station;
• determining a state of a load charging cycle based on the control pilot signal, the load charging cycle comprising at least a State A, a State B, and a State C each defined by a different control pilot signal voltage level;
• performing a pilot sequencing test if the charging cycle goes from State A to State B upon connection of the load to the electric vehicle charging station, otherwise performing a pilot diode test if the charging cycle goes from State A to State C, bypassing state B, upon connection of the load to the electric vehicle charging station;
• and
• enabling charging of the load from the electric vehicle charging station upon completion of and compliance with the one of the pilot sequencing test or the pilot diode test that was performed.

A charging station for charging an electrically powered vehicle, the charging station comprising:

• a state drive circuit configured to generate and provide a control pilot signal to a vehicle control circuit of the electrically powered vehicle upon detecting connection thereof to the charging station;
• a detection circuit configured to measure a voltage level of the control pilot signal responsive to the providing thereof to the vehicle control circuit;
• and
• a processor that, upon connection of the electrically powered vehicle to the charging station, is programmed to:
• determine a charging state associated with the electrically powered vehicle based on the measured voltage level of the control pilot signal;
• perform a first pre-charge testing routine if the voltage level of the control pilot signal is at a first voltage level, or alternately perform a second pre-charge testing routine if the voltage level of the control pilot signal is at a second voltage level;
• and
• enable charging of the electrically powered vehicle from the charging station upon completion of and compliance with the one of the first pre-charge testing routine or the second pre-charge testing routine that was performed.