Network for authentication, authorization, and accounting of recharging processes for vehicles equipped with electrically powered propulsion systems

A system for managing the electrical charging of a vehicle which includes a propulsion system powered, at least in part, by electric power, at least some of which is stored onboard the vehicle in an electric energy storage apparatus, comprising:

• utility service center means connected to a communications network and responsive to receipt of a request, including vehicle identification data, received from a vehicle, where the utility service center authenticates the vehicle and authorizes the vehicle to connect to a source of electric power to provide electric power to said electric energy storage apparatus in said vehicle;
• and
• billing means, responsive to receipt of a request, including vehicle identification data, power source identification data, and energy consumption data indicative of a cumulative flow of electric energy from said power source to said electric energy storage apparatus in said vehicle, received from said vehicle for billing said energy consumption to the financially responsible party for said vehicle.