Vehicle charging system compatible with multiple charging protocols and method

A method for providing interoperable charging via a single electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), the method comprising:

• detecting that an EVSE connector is in a connected state in response to the EVSE connector connecting to an electric vehicle (EV);
• determining an operative protocol of the EV for an EVSE charge session based at least on initiation of a charging protocol inquiry function and communication of a capability of the EVSE to the EV by:
• activating a pulse width modulated square wave (PWM) signal through a control pilot pin in response to detecting the connected state to communicate capability of the EVSE to the EV,
• initiating the charging protocol inquiry function wherein digital information is received through the control pilot pin, and
• terminating the charging protocol inquiry function in response to determining expiration of an expiration timer, wherein a length of the expiration timer is between 20 to 60 seconds, inclusive;
• sending digital communications through the EVSE connector;
• determining at least one charging parameter;
• beginning a charging state corresponding to the operative protocol;
• and
• terminating the EVSE charge session based on the at least one charging parameter.

An electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) system for providing a charging session interoperable with multiple electric vehicle charging protocols, the EVSE system comprising:

• an EVSE control box coupled to a power source, the EVSE control box including:
• a power connection assembly,
• a charge control module configured to determine and select an operative protocol for an EVSE charge session;
• and
• an EVSE connector,
• wherein the charge control module is further configured to:
• monitor for an indication that a control pilot pin is in a connected state, the connected state indicative of an EVSE connector of the EVSE being connected with an electric vehicle (EV);
• activate a pulse width modulated square wave (PWM) signal through the control pilot pin in response to detecting the connected state to communicate capability of the EVSE to the EV;
• initiate a charging protocol inquiry function wherein digital information is received through the control pilot pin;
• and
• terminate the charging protocol inquiry function in response to determining expiration of an expiration timer, wherein a length of the expiration timer is between 20 to 60 seconds, inclusive.