Adapter for converting standalone ev charging stations into intelligent charging stations with remote communications connectivity and control

A method for converting a dumb charger into a smart charger, comprising:

• interconnecting a first input interface of an adapter with a first charging connector of the dumb charger;
• interconnecting a second input interface of the adapter with a second charging connector of an electric vehicle;
• initiating wireless connectivity to the adapter using a wireless communications interface initiated responsive to connection of the first input interface with the first charging connector of the dumb charger;
• interconnecting the first input interface with the second input interface via a signaling connection for providing communications between the first input interface and the second input interface using control circuitry;
• providing a power connection for selectively providing a charging signal from the first input interface to the second input interface responsive to commands received over the wireless communications interface and the signaling connection using the control circuitry;
• determining charging characteristics of the dumb charger connected to the first input interface using the control circuitry;
• and
• mimicking the determined charging characteristics to the electric vehicle connected to the second input interface using the control circuitry.

A system, comprising:

• a plurality of adapters for converting a dumb charger into a smart charger having remote network communications connectivity and control, each of the plurality of adapters plugged into a charging connector of an associated dumb charger, each of the adapters comprising:
• a first input interface for interconnecting an adapter with a first charging connector of the associated dumb charger;
• a second input interface for interconnecting the adapter with a second charging connector of an electric vehicle;
• a wireless communications interface for providing wireless connectivity to the adapter, the wireless connectivity initiated responsive to connection of the first input interface with the first charging connector of the associated dumb charger;
• control circuitry interconnecting the first input interface with the second input interface via a signaling connection for providing communications between the first input interface and the second input interface, the control circuitry further providing a power connection for selectively providing a charging signal from the first input interface to the second input interface responsive to commands received over the wireless communications interface and the signaling connection;
• wherein the control circuitry is further configured to determine charging characteristics of the dumb charger connected to the first input interface and mimic the determined charging characteristics to the electric vehicle connected to the second input interface;
• and
• a control server remotely located from and connected to each of the plurality of adapters via wireless communications links, wherein the control server controls validation of users attempting to charge the electric vehicle and controls the charging of the electric vehicle using commands sent to the plurality of adapters via the wireless communications links.