Method and apparatus for vehicle coupling

A station for coupling vehicles to an energy exchange network comprising:

• a station node controller for communicating with an energy exchange network;
• a service node controller including a coupling service and another service;
• an access controller coupled to the service node controller for limiting access to service initiated access;
• a first wireless transceiver coupled to the service node controller for establishing a wireless communications channel with a vehicle within a first zone;
• and
• a plurality of service terminals, each service terminals comprising:
• a second wireless transceiver coupled to the access controller for establishing a proximity detection channel with the vehicle within a second zone;
• and
• a service port for physically coupling to the vehicle and coupled to the access controller.

A residential arrangement for coupling vehicles to an energy exchange network comprising:

• a service node controller for communicating with an energy exchange network and including a coupling service and another service;
• an access controller coupled to the service node controller for limiting access to service initiated access;
• and
• a service port for servicing a vehicle within a parking stall having a first wireless transceiver coupled to the access controller for establishing a wireless communications channel with the vehicle within a first zone within the parking stall;
• a second wireless transceiver coupled to the access controller for establishing a proximity detection channel with the vehicle within a second zone itself within the first zone;
• and
• a service port coupled to the access controller for physically coupling to the vehicle.

A method of coupling a vehicle to an energy exchange network the method comprising the steps of:

• initiating communication with a vehicle in a first zone;
• identifying the vehicle from the communication;
• detecting the vehicle in a second zone;
• providing feedback to cause the vehicle to be positioned appropriately for coupling;
• and
• effecting physical coupling to the vehicle.