Electric vehicle supply equipment having a socket and a method of charging an electric vehicle

An apparatus for connecting an electric vehicle to a high voltage electrical power, comprising:

• a socket connector configured to couple with a 220 to 240 volts alternating current electrical socket that provides 220 to 240 volts alternating current electrical power;
• a housing:
• a power conduit connected to the socket connector and configured to convey the electrical power from the high voltage electrical socket, the power conduit extending from the socket connector to the housing, through the housing, and out the housing;
• a control circuit arranged in the housing and connected to the power conduit and configured to generate signals corresponding to the electrical power along the power conduit;
• a ground fault interrupter arranged in the housing and connected to the power conduit;
• a vehicle connecter connected to the power conduit configured to connect to the electric vehicle to deliver 220 to 240 volts alternating current to the vehicle the vehicle connector comprising a SAE J1722 connector;
• a processor connected to the control circuit and configured to receive signals from and send signals to the control circuit;
• and
• a voltage regulator configured to step up or step down the voltage to provide requlated voltage to the processor.

An apparatus for connecting an electric vehicle to a 220 to 240 volts alternating current electrical socket, comprising:

• means for coupling with the 220 to 240 volts alternating current electrical socket;
• a housing;
• means for conveying a current from the 220 to 240 volts alternating current electrical socket and is connected to the means for coupling, the means for conveying extending from the means for coupling to the housing, through the housing, and out the housing;
• means for controlling current flow or magnitude along the means for conveying the current, the means for controlling current flow or magnitude being arranged in the housing;
• means for interrupting the flow of current to prevent electric shock comprising a ground fault interrupter arranged in the housing;
• means for generating signals corresponding to the current along the means for conveying the current arranged in the housing;
• means for connecting to the electric vehicle connected to the means for conveying the current to deliver 220 to 240 volts alternating current to the vehicle;
• means for receiving signals from and sending signals to the means for generating signals, wherein the signals corresponding to the current along the means for conveying the current;
• means for displaying information to a user arranged with the housing;
• means for receiving input from a user arranged with the housing;
• and
• means for providing a peripheral connection to connect to at least one of a USB connector, Fire-Wire connector, card reader, OBD-II vehicle connector interface, and a wireless communication device.

A method of charging an electrical vehicle, comprising the steps of:

• receiving a 220 to 240 volts alternating current from a power source;
• conducting the 220 to 240 volts alternating current from the power source to the electrical vehicle via a power conduit;
• controlling the voltage flowing on the power conduit with a switching relay;
• isolating a processor from the voltage with a control circuit;
• cutting power to the electrical vehicle with a ground fault interrupter;
• displaying information to a user with a display:
• receiving input from a user with an input device;
• and
• providing a peripheral connection to connect to at least one of a USB connector, Fire-Wire connector, card reader, OBD-II vehicle connector interface, and a wireless communication device.