Fee setting device, method and system

When a process of returning a vehicle is performed, a fee setting device identifies a zone where the vehicle is returned, and calculates the identified zone's zone SOC. The fee setting device determines whether a discount for leveling is applicable. The fee setting device compares a zone SOC of a zone where a user rented a vehicle and a zone SOC of a zone where the user returned the vehicle. When the zone SOC of the zone where the user rented the vehicle is larger than the zone SOC of the zone where the user returned the vehicle, the discount for leveling is applied.

This nonprovisional application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-213947 filed on Nov. 6, 2017 with the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to setting a utilization fee for car-sharing for a vehicle such as an electric vehicle traveling using power stored in a power storage device.

Description of the Background Art

Car sharing allowing a plurality of users to share a single vehicle is increasingly utilized. Car sharing means that a user himself/herself does not own a vehicle and instead obtains membership of a car sharing business operation and appropriately utilizes a vehicle owned by the business operator.

In such car sharing, a user who rented a vehicle at a place may return the vehicle at a place different from the place where the user rented the vehicle. This may cause an uneven distribution between vehicle renting locations in how many vehicles are rentably parked in each location.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-162576 discloses a system in which when an uneven distribution is detected between the number of vehicles in a vehicle renting location and the number of vehicles in another vehicle renting location, a user is requested to return a vehicle at a location which is different than initially scheduled to resolve the uneven distribution.

SUMMARY

In recent years, electric vehicles are also increasingly used in car sharing. Generally, an electric vehicle requires a longer period of time when the electric vehicle is replenished with driving energy than a gasoline-powered vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine to run.

Accordingly, there is a demand in sharing an electric vehicle for a scheme which resolves not only an uneven distribution between the number of vehicles in a vehicle renting location and the number of vehicles in another vehicle renting location but also an uneven distribution between an amount of power stored in vehicles in a vehicle renting location and an amount of power stored in vehicles in another vehicle renting location.

According to the present disclosure, a fee setting device is a fee setting device configured to set a utilization fee for sharing a vehicle configured to travel using power stored in a power storage device. The present fee setting device comprises: an information acquisition unit configured to obtain from the vehicle first information representing an amount of power stored in the power storage device and second information representing a position of the vehicle; a zone identifying unit configured to identify a zone where the vehicle is parked by using the second information obtained by the information acquisition unit and zone setting information, the zone setting information dividing into a plurality of zones a predetermined region including a plurality of locations where the vehicle can be rented and returned; a calculator configured to calculate, by using the first information, an amount representing a sum of amounts of power stored in vehicles parked in the identified zone; and a fee setting unit configured to set the utilization fee. When a second amount representing a sum of amounts of power stored in vehicles parked in a zone including a return location of the vehicle is less than a first amount representing a sum of amounts of power stored in vehicles parked in a zone including a renting location of the vehicle, the fee setting unit is configured to set the utilization fee to be a smaller amount than when the second amount is larger than the first amount. The return location is a location where the vehicle has been returned, and the renting location is a location where the vehicle has been rented.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is a fee setting method for setting a utilization fee for sharing a vehicle configured to travel using power stored in a power storage device. The present method comprises: obtaining from the vehicle first information representing an amount of power stored in the power storage device and second information representing a position of the vehicle; identifying a zone where the vehicle is parked by using the obtained second information and zone setting information, the zone setting information dividing into a plurality of zones a predetermined region including a plurality of locations where the vehicle can be rented and returned; calculating, by using the first information, an amount representing a sum of amounts of power stored in vehicles parked in the identified zone; and setting the utilization fee. When a second amount representing a sum of amounts of power stored in vehicles parked in a zone including a return location of the vehicle is less than a first amount representing a sum of amounts of power stored in vehicles parked in a zone including a renting location of the vehicle, the setting the utilization fee includes setting the utilization fee to be a smaller amount than when the second amount is larger than the first amount, the return location being a location where the vehicle has been returned, the renting location being a location where the vehicle has been rented.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a fee setting system comprises: a vehicle configured to travel using power stored in a power storage device; and a fee setting device configured to set a fee for sharing the vehicle. The fee setting device is configured to: obtain from the vehicle first information representing an amount of power stored in the power storage device and second information representing a position of the vehicle; identify a zone where the vehicle is parked by using the obtained second information and zone setting information, the zone setting information dividing into a plurality of zones a predetermined region including a plurality of locations where the vehicle can be rented and returned; calculate, by using the first information, an amount representing a sum of amounts of power stored in vehicles parked in the identified zone; set the utilization fee; and set the utilization fee to be a smaller amount when a second amount representing a sum of amounts of power stored in vehicles parked in a zone including a return location of the vehicle is less than a first amount representing a sum of amounts of power stored in vehicles parked in a zone including a renting location of the vehicle than when the second amount is larger than the first amount, the return location being a location where the vehicle has been returned, the renting location being a location where the vehicle has been rented.

According to the above configuration, a predetermined region including a plurality of locations where a vehicle can be rented and returned is divided into a plurality of zones. And when the vehicle is returned, and the second amount is smaller than the first amount, a utilization fee of a smaller amount than when the second amount is larger than the first amount is set. This promotes a movement to a zone having a smaller sum of amounts of power stored in vehicles parked therein than the first amount. As a result, an uneven distribution between a sum of amounts of power stored in vehicles parked in a zone and a sum of amounts of power stored in vehicles parked in another zone can be leveled and the vehicle can be utilized more efficiently.

Preferably, when a first condition is that the second amount is smaller than the first amount and a direction from the zone including the renting location toward the zone including the return location is different from a demanded direction representing a direction in which movement between the zones concentrates and a second condition is that the second amount is smaller than the first amount and the direction from the zone including the renting location toward the zone including the return location is identical to the demanded direction, the fee setting unit is configured to set the utilization fee to be a smaller amount for the first condition than for the second condition.

The above configuration promotes a movement that returns a rented vehicle to a location included in a zone storing a smaller amount of power than the zone including the location where the vehicle has been rented and that is a movement in a direction different from a demanded direction. This can disperse movement in a direction in which vehicles' movements concentrate, and can thus suppress concentration of vehicles in a specific zone. Thus, an uneven distribution between a sum of amounts of power stored in vehicles parked in a zone and a sum of amounts of power stored in vehicles parked in another zone can be leveled and vehicles can be utilized more efficiently.

Preferably, when the vehicle is returned with power stored therein in an amount larger than a reference value, the fee setting unit is configured to set the utilization fee to be a smaller amount than when the vehicle is returned with power stored therein in an amount smaller than the reference value.

According to the above configuration, when a vehicle is returned with power stored therein in an amount larger than a reference value, a utilization fee of a low amount is set, and returning the vehicle with power stored therein in an amount larger than the reference value is thus promoted. This allows the returned vehicle to be electrically charged in a reduced period of time and hence utilized more efficiently.

Preferably, when the zone including the return location has a total number of vehicles less than or equal to a predetermined number, the fee setting unit is configured to set the utilization fee to be a smaller amount than when the zone including the return location has a total number of vehicles larger than the predetermined number.

According to the above configuration, when a vehicle is returned to a zone having an insufficient total number of vehicles, a utilization fee of a small amount is set. This can resolve an uneven distribution between a total number of vehicles rentably parked in a zone and that of vehicles rentably parked in another zone.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure will now be described in embodiments hereinafter in detail with reference to the drawings. In the figures, identical or corresponding components are identically denoted and will not be described repeatedly.

Configuration of Sharing System

FIG.1is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of a sharing system1according to an embodiment. As shown inFIG.1, sharing system1according to the present embodiment includes a management device50, a fee setting device100, a communication terminal200, and vehicles300-360each traveling using power stored in a power storage device (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a “vehicle”).

Management device50manages a car sharing service using sharing system1. For example, management device50manages reservation of vehicles used for the car sharing service, statuses of the vehicles, such as whether they are rented/returned, and so forth.

Communication terminal200is a communication terminal used by a user of sharing system1according to the present embodiment, and is, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, or the like. Using communication terminal200, the user communicates with management device50to perform membership registration for the car sharing service, reserve a vehicle, and so forth. Vehicles300-360are electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and the like for example. In the following description, an example will be described in which vehicles300-360are electric vehicles. In addition, in the present embodiment, a fee setting system which sets a utilization fee for car sharing is configured to include fee setting device100and vehicles300-360. While in the present embodiment an example is indicated in which management device50and fee setting device100are discretely provided, management device50and fee setting device100may be configured as a single device equipped with their functions.

Fee setting device100includes a communication unit110, a storage unit120, and a controller130. Each component is communicatively connected by a communication bus140.

Communication unit110is configured to be capable of communicating with communication unit301of vehicle300. Communication units110and301communicate with each other via a communication network600such as the Internet or a telephone line. Furthermore, communication unit110is also capable of communicating with vehicles310-360.

Furthermore, communication unit110is configured to be capable of communicating with communication terminal200, management device50, and the like. Communications between communication unit110, and communication terminal200, management device50and the like are also performed via communication network600.

Storage unit120includes, for example, a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk or a solid state drive. Storage unit120has stored therein information of users holding membership in the car sharing, positional information of stations, and the like. Furthermore, storage unit120stores a vehicle information list700having a state of charge (SOC) of each of the plurality of vehicles300-360, positional information thereof, and the like stored therein. Vehicle information list700will more specifically be described later.

Controller130includes a CPU (central processing unit)130a, a memory (ROM and RAM)130b, an input/output port (not shown) for inputting/outputting various signals, and the like. Controller130is configured to execute predetermined computation processing based on information stored in storage unit120, information received from vehicle300via communication unit110, and/or the like. Controller130will more specifically be described later.

Vehicle300includes a communication unit301, a storage unit302, a controller303, and a positional information acquisition unit304. Each component is communicatively connected by a communication bus306. Hereinafter, the description of vehicle300is also applicable to vehicles310-360.

Communication unit301is configured to be capable of communicating with communication unit110of fee setting device100. Communication units110and301communicate with each other via communication network600.

Communication unit301is configured to be capable of communicating with communication terminal200, management device50and the like. Communications between communication unit301, and communication terminal200, management device50and the like are performed via communication network600.

Storage unit302is, for example, a storage device including a nonvolatile memory, a hard disk, a solid state drive or the like. Storage unit302stores, for example, information of an SOC of a power storage device mounted in vehicle300, information of the position of vehicle300, and the like.

Controller303includes, for example, a CPU, a memory (ROM and RAM), and an input/output port for inputting and outputting various signals, none of which is shown. Controller303is configured to execute predetermined computation processing based on information stored in storage unit302.

Further, controller303monitors a state of the power storage device mounted in vehicle300. For example, controller303senses the power storage device's voltage, current, and temperature and uses these values to calculate the power storage device's SOC. The calculation of the SOC may be done using any well-known technique, and accordingly, will not be described specifically.

Furthermore, when vehicle300has shifted from the READY-OFF state to the READY-ON state, controller303transmits to fee setting device100via communication unit301start-of-utilization information serving as notification that utilization of vehicle300starts, and vehicle information serving as information for identifying vehicle300. When vehicle300has shifted from the READY-ON state to the READY-OFF state, controller303transmits to fee setting device100end-of-utilization information serving as notification that utilization of vehicle300ends.

Positional information acquisition unit304is configured to obtain a current position of vehicle300. For example, positional information acquisition unit304uses a GPS (Global Positioning System) to obtain the current position of vehicle300. Positional information acquisition unit304transmits to controller303positional information indicating the obtained current position of vehicle300. Note that the positional information corresponds to “second information” according to the present disclosure.

Controller303causes storage unit302to store information of a calculated SOC, the positional information received from positional information acquisition unit304and the like. While vehicle300is in the READY-ON state and the power storage device is being charged, controller303periodically transmits to fee setting device100the information of the calculated SOC and the positional information obtained by positional information acquisition unit304. Further, in response to a request from fee setting device100, controller303transmits vehicle300's SOC information and positional information to fee setting device100via communication unit301. Further, controller303also transmits vehicle300's SOC information and positional information to fee setting device100via communication unit301when vehicle300shifts from the READY-ON state to the READY-OFF state. Note that the SOC information corresponds to “first information” according to the present disclosure.

FIG.2is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for charging an electric vehicle according to the present embodiment.FIG.2does not show communication unit301, controller303, and the like shown inFIG.1.

As shown inFIG.2, vehicle300further includes a charger305, power storage device307, an inverter308, a motor generator309, and an inlet311.

When a charging stand900has a charging connector902attached to inlet311, charger305charges power storage device307with power supplied from an external power source800.

Power storage device307is configured using, for example, a secondary battery such as a nickel metal hydride battery or a lithium ion battery. Power storage device307may be any power storage device capable of storing power, and for example, a large-capacity capacitor may be used instead of power storage device307.

Inverter308is a power conversion device which converts power between AC power and DC power. Inverter308, for example, converts DC power of power storage device307into AC power and supplies it to motor generator309. Further, inverter308receives AC power (regenerative power) from motor generator309, converts it into DC power, and supplies it to power storage device307to electrically charge power storage device307therewith.

Motor generator309receives power supplied from inverter308and provides rotational force to a drive wheel312. Drive wheel312is rotated by the rotational force provided by motor generator309to drive vehicle300.

Inlet311is provided to vehicle300at an exterior portion of vehicle300together with a cover (not shown) such as a lid. Inlet311has a shape allowing charging connector902to be attached thereto. Inlet311and charging connector902both have contacts, respectively, incorporated therein, and when charging connector902is attached to inlet311, the contacts come into contact with each other, and inlet311and charging connector902are thus electrically connected together.

Charging stand900is installed outside vehicle300and connected to charging connector902via charging cable904. Charging stand900is electrically connected to power source800, and when charging connector902is attached to inlet311, the power of power source800is supplied via charging stand900, charging cable904, and charging connector902to vehicle300.

Vehicles310-360are similar in configuration to vehicle300. Accordingly, they will not be described redundantly.

FIG.3is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of controller130of fee setting device100. Controller130includes an identifying unit131, an information acquisition unit132, a zone setting unit133, a zone identifying unit134, a vehicle information list creator135, a calculator136that calculates an amount of power stored, a demanded-direction setting unit137, a fee setting unit138, and a station identifying unit139.

Identifying unit131uses vehicle information received from vehicle300to identify vehicle300with reference to a vehicle information list700, which will be described later, stored in storage unit120. Identifying unit131refers to vehicle information list700to identify a user who utilizes vehicle300identified and is accordingly to be billed. As information for identifying a user, a user ID or the like which is given to the user when the user makes membership registration for car sharing or the like is used. The user ID is obtained from management device50that manages the car sharing service, as will be described below, and registered in vehicle information list700.

Information acquisition unit132obtains start-of-utilization information, end-of-utilization information, vehicle information, SOC information, positional information, and the like from vehicle300via communication unit110. Furthermore, information acquisition unit132requests vehicle300via communication unit110to transmit SOC information, positional information and the like. Furthermore, information acquisition unit132obtains from management device50information about a user, such as a user ID. Note that obtaining the start-of-utilization information and the end-of-utilization information is not limited to doing so from vehicle300; for example, if management device50manages the start-of-utilization information and end-of-utilization information of vehicle300, they may be obtained from management device50.

Zone setting unit133divides into a plurality of areas a predetermined region including a plurality of locations where vehicle300can be rented and returned, and sets each area as a zone. The zone may be set in a method for example as follows: the predetermined region may be divided by a determined numerical area into a lattice to provide areas, which may each be set as a zone, or the predetermined region may be divided from a reference location by a determined distance into concentric circular areas, which may each be set as a zone. The shape of the zone to be set can be any shape such as a quadrilateral or a circle. Furthermore, each zone to be set may have a different shape. Furthermore, when a location where vehicle300can be rented and returned is limited to a station or the like, zones may be set by the number of stations included in a single zone. Zone setting unit133causes storage unit120to store the set zone setting information. Note that zone setting unit133sets a zone to include at least one location where a vehicle can be rented and returned.

Referring back toFIG.1, in this example, an example is shown in which a location where a user can rent and return vehicle300is a station. A first zone500includes a first station400and a second station410. A second zone510includes a third station420, a fourth station430, and a fifth station440. A third zone520includes a sixth station450, a seventh station460, and communication terminal200. WhileFIG.1shows an example in which communication terminal200is included in third zone520, communication terminal200may be included in another zone or may not be included in any zone.

Referring back toFIG.3, zone identifying unit134uses positional information of vehicle300obtained by information acquisition unit132and the zone setting information set by zone setting unit133to identify the zone in which vehicle300is currently located.

Station identifying unit139uses the positional information of vehicle300obtained by information acquisition unit132and the positional information of a station read from storage unit120to identify the station where vehicle300is parked.

Vehicle information list creator135creates vehicle information list700, which will be described later, by using SOC information and positional information obtained by information acquisition unit132, and information about vehicle300such as the zone identified by zone identifying unit134. Vehicle information list creator135updates vehicle information list700whenever information about vehicle300is updated.

Calculator136which calculates an amount of power stored uses vehicle information list700to calculate for each zone a sum of SOCs of vehicles parked in that zone (hereinafter also referred to as a “zone SOC”). Calculator136which calculates an amount of power stored causes storage unit120to store the calculated zone SOC. Note that calculator136which calculates an amount of power stored corresponds to a “calculator” according to the present disclosure.

Demanded-direction setting unit137sets a demanded direction representing a direction in which movement of vehicle300between zones concentrates. Demanded-direction setting unit137sets a demanded direction for each zone. The demanded direction may be different depending on, for example, a time zone or a day of the week. Specifically, for a weekday commuting time zone, movement of vehicle300concentrates in a direction from a zone located in a residential area to a zone located in the vicinity of a railway station. Accordingly, for the zone located in the residential area, demanded-direction setting unit137sets a demanded direction in a direction towards the zone located around the railway station.

The demanded direction is determined from statistics of records of utilization of vehicles by users in the past, reservation statuses of vehicles in real time, and the like.

Fee setting unit138sets a utilization fee charged for car-sharing to a user who has utilized vehicle300. Fee setting unit138determines a utilization fee for car-sharing based on an SOC that vehicle300has when a user returns vehicle300, a zone SOC in a zone, and the like. How the utilization fee is set will be described later.

FIG.4is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of vehicle information list700stored in fee setting device100. As shown inFIG.4, in the present embodiment, vehicle information list700stores vehicle information, a user ID of a user who uses a vehicle, current SOC information, current positional information, a zone where a vehicle is currently located, and a station where a vehicle is currently located, for each of vehicles300-360.

These pieces of information are updated whenever fee setting device100periodically receives SOC information and positional information from vehicles300to360. Furthermore, these pieces of information are also updated when information acquisition unit132of fee setting device100requests and obtains the SOC information and positional information of vehicles300to360. Further, these pieces of information are also updated when vehicles300-360are shifted from the READY-ON state to the READY-OFF state and fee setting device100receives SOC information and positional information from vehicles300-360.

(Method for Setting a Fee)

In car-sharing using such a sharing system as described above, a user may return a vehicle at a location different from that at which the user has rented the vehicle. This may cause an uneven distribution between vehicle renting locations in how many vehicles are rentably parked in each location.

Furthermore, when using an electric vehicle for car sharing, it is necessary to consider the SOC of the power storage device of the electric vehicle present in a vehicle renting location. An electric vehicle requires a longer period of time when the electric vehicle is replenished with driving energy than a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine to run. Therefore, even if a considerable number of electric vehicles are parked in a vehicle renting location, there is a possibility that the electric vehicles are still electrically insufficiently charged and thus have a small amount of power stored therein, and a user may not be able to immediately utilize an electric vehicle.

Accordingly, there is a demand in sharing an electric vehicle for a fee setting system in which an uneven distribution between the number of vehicles in a vehicle renting location and the number of vehicles in another vehicle renting location and an uneven distribution between an amount of power stored in vehicles in a vehicle renting location and an amount of power stored in vehicles in another vehicle renting location can be spontaneously leveled to allow vehicles to be utilized more efficiently.

In the present embodiment, a predetermined region including a plurality of locations where vehicles can be rented and returned is divided into a plurality of zones. A utilization fee for car sharing is discounted depending on how a user utilizes vehicle300between zones. This encourages the user to use the vehicle in a manner which levels an uneven distribution between the number of vehicles in a vehicle renting location and the number of vehicles in another vehicle renting location and an uneven distribution between an amount of power stored in vehicles in a vehicle renting location and an amount of power stored in vehicles in another vehicle renting location. As a result, an uneven distribution between the number of vehicles in a vehicle renting location and the number of vehicles in another vehicle renting location and an uneven distribution between an amount of power stored in vehicles in a vehicle renting location and an amount of power stored in vehicles in another vehicle renting location can be leveled and the vehicles can be utilized more efficiently.

In the present embodiment, for a system of discounting a utilization fee for car sharing, two types of discounts, i.e., a discount for leveling and a discount for vehicle allocation, are set. The discount for leveling is a discount for leveling an uneven distribution in zone SOC between zones. The discount for vehicle allocation is a discount for leveling an uneven distribution between the number of vehicles rentably parked in a zone and the number of vehicles rentably parked in another zone.

In the present embodiment, the discount for leveling is applied when a user who has rented vehicle300at a zone moves to a zone having a smaller zone SOC than the zone where the user has rented vehicle300and the user moves in a direction different from a demanded direction. This promotes a movement that is from a zone where vehicle300is rented to a zone having a smaller zone SOC and that is in a direction different from a demanded direction, and can thus level an uneven distribution caused between a zone SOC of a zone and that of another zone.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a discount rate applied to a discount for leveling is determined using an SOC that vehicle300has when the user of the vehicle returns the vehicle. A large discount rate is set when the user returns vehicle300with an SOC of a reference value or more remaining therein. This encourages the user to return vehicle300with an SOC of the reference value or more remaining therein. This allows the returned vehicle300to be electrically charged in a reduced period of time and hence utilized more efficiently.

In the present embodiment, the discount for vehicle allocation is applied when a zone where vehicle300is returned has a total number of vehicles less than or equal to a prescribed number X. Thus, an uneven distribution between the number of vehicles rentably parked in a zone and the number of vehicles rentably parked in another zone can also be resolved.

Sharing system1in the car sharing of the present embodiment will more specifically be described below.FIG.5is a flowchart showing a process performed by fee setting device100in sharing system1according to the present embodiment when utilizing vehicle300is started. This process is performed whenever a user starts utilizing vehicle300. Hereinafter, an example in which a user uses vehicle300will be described. While each step shown in the flowchart shown inFIG.5is implemented by software processing done by fee setting device100, a part thereof may be implemented by hardware (or electric circuitry) fabricated in fee setting device100.

Each step shown in the flowcharts shown inFIG.6is similarly discussed.

When a user starts utilizing vehicle300, e.g., when vehicle300shifts from the READY-OFF state to the READY-ON state, controller130obtains start-of-utilization information and vehicle information from vehicle300(step (S)100).

Controller130uses the obtained vehicle information to identify vehicle300that the user has started to utilize (S105).

Controller130obtains vehicle300's SOC information and positional information (S110). Controller130updates the SOC information and positional information of vehicle information list700and uses the obtained positional information and the zone setting information read from storage unit120to identify the zone to which vehicle300belongs (S115). In S115, the zone to which vehicle300belongs may be a zone stored in vehicle information list700where the immediately previous utilization of the vehicle ended. When a zone where the immediately previous utilization of the vehicle ended is stored in the list, controller130in S110may not obtain the positional information.

Further, controller130uses the obtained positional information and the positional information of a station read from storage unit120to identify the station where vehicle300is parked (S115). Controller130updates information stored in vehicle information list700at an SOC column, a zone column and a station column.

Using vehicle information list700, controller130calculates a zone SOC of the zone to which vehicle300belongs (S120). In the following, the zone SOC calculated in S120will also be referred to as a “departure zone SOC.” Note that a departure zone SOC corresponds to a “first amount” according to the present disclosure. Controller130causes storage unit120to store a departure zone SOC that vehicle300has when its utilization is started (S125).

FIG.6is a flowchart showing a process performed by fee setting device100in sharing system1according to the present embodiment when utilizing vehicle300ends. This process is performed whenever a user ends utilizing vehicle300.

When the user ends utilizing vehicle300, e.g., when vehicle300shifts from the READY-ON state to the READY-OFF state, controller130obtains end-of-utilization information from vehicle300(S200). Controller130updates a status-of-use field (not shown) of vehicle300in vehicle information list700. For example, controller130updates vehicle300's status of use from “in use” to “parked” or “currently electrically charged.”

Controller130obtains vehicle300's SOC information and positional information (S210). Controller130updates the SOC information and positional information of vehicle information list700and uses the obtained positional information and the zone setting information read from storage unit120to identify the zone in which vehicle300is parked (S215). Further, controller130uses the obtained positional information and the positional information of a station read from storage unit120to identify the station to which vehicle300belongs (S215). Controller130updates information stored in vehicle information list700at the SOC column, the zone column and the station column.

Using vehicle information list700, controller130calculates a zone SOC of the zone to which vehicle300belongs (S220). In the following, the zone SOC calculated in S220will also be referred to as a “return zone SOC.” Note that a return zone SOC corresponds to a “second amount” according to the present disclosure.

Using vehicle information list700, controller130calculates a total number of vehicles parked in the zone to which vehicle300belongs (S225).

Controller130determines whether the discount for leveling is applicable (S240). Whether the discount for leveling is applicable is determined, as will more specifically be described later.

Controller130determines whether the discount for vehicle allocation is applicable (S250). Whether the discount for vehicle allocation is applicable is determined, as will more specifically be described later.

Controller130sets a utilization fee (S260).

FIG.7is a flowchart showing a process performed by fee setting device100according to the present embodiment in determining whether to apply a discount for leveling.

Controller130reads the departure zone SOC from storage unit120(S241). Controller130compares the departure zone SOC with the return zone SOC (S242).

If the departure zone SOC is less than or equal to the return zone SOC (NO in S242), controller130does not apply the discount for leveling. This is because in that case vehicle300did not move in a direction to level zone SOCs between zones.

If the departure zone SOC is larger than the return zone SOC (YES in S242), controller130proceeds to S243.

Controller130compares the direction in which vehicle300has moved, that is, the direction from the zone where vehicle300is rented toward the zone where vehicle300is returned, with a demanded direction currently set (S243). If the direction in which vehicle300has moved is the same direction as the demanded direction (NO in S243), controller130does not apply the discount for leveling. This is because the vehicle did not move in a direction to disperse movements made in a direction in which vehicles' movements concentrate.

If the direction in which vehicle300has moved is different from the demanded direction (YES in S243), controller130proceeds to S244.

Controller130determines whether an SOC that vehicle300has when it is returned is equal to or larger than the reference value (S244). If the SOC is equal to or larger than the reference value (YES in S244), controller130applies the discount for leveling (S245). This is because vehicle300returned with an SOC equal to or larger than the reference value can be electrically charged in a reduced period of time and hence utilized more efficiently. The reference value is set, for example, to a value allowing the returned vehicle300to be immediately used by a next user to move a short or medium distance.

When the SOC is smaller than the reference value (NO in S244), controller130applies a discount for leveling at a lower discount rate than when the SOC is equal to or larger than the reference value (S246). This is because vehicle300returned with an SOC smaller than the reference value requires time for charging power storage device307, and is thus used less efficiently than when vehicle300is returned with an SOC equal to or larger than the reference value. Note that when the SOC is smaller than the reference value, controller130may not apply the discount for leveling.

FIG.8is a flowchart showing a process performed by fee setting device100according to the present embodiment in determining whether to apply the discount for vehicle allocation.

Controller130determines whether the total number of vehicles parked in the zone as calculated in S225ofFIG.6is less than or equal to the prescribed number X (S251). If the total number of vehicles in the zone is less than or equal to the prescribed number X (YES in S251), controller130applies the discount for vehicle allocation (S253). This is because the vehicle has moved in a direction to resolve an uneven distribution between a total number of vehicles rentably parked in a zone and a total number of vehicles rentably parked in another zone.

If the total number of vehicles parked in the zone is larger than the prescribed number X (NO in S251), controller130does not apply the discount for vehicle allocation. This is because the vehicle has not moved in a direction to resolve an uneven distribution between a total number of vehicles rentably parked in a zone and a total number of vehicles rentably parked in another zone. It should be noted that the prescribed number X may be set for each zone based on statistics of records of utilization of vehicles by users in the past, or may be set uniformly.

EXAMPLES

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described using an example.FIG.9is a diagram for illustrating an example with the configuration of the present embodiment applied thereto. InFIG.9, a station is denoted as “ST.” In the following description, in order to simplify explanation, it is assumed that all vehicles have mounted therein power storage devices, respectively, of substantially the same power storage capacity and substantially the same state of degradation. Furthermore, it is assumed that power for utilization that is required to travel between stations is uniformly 6 kWh and a unit price of power is 50 yen. It is assumed that power used for movement between stations is an SOC of 30%.FIG.10is similarly discussed. Note that while, based on the above premise, in the following description, a zone SOC is calculated by adding stations' SOCs together for the sake of simplicity, an average value in SOC in a zone may be calculated.

A discount rate applied to the discount for leveling is set to 100% of a utilization fee when a vehicle is returned to a station with an SOC of 30% or more remaining, and 10% of the utilization fee of the power for utilization when the vehicle is returned to the station with an SOC of less than 30% remaining, for the sake of illustration. InFIG.7, the reference value is 30%.

Further, the discount for vehicle allocation is applied when vehicle300is returned to a zone having no vehicle for the sake of illustration. A discount rate applied to the discount for vehicle allocation is 100% of the utilization fee for the sake of illustration. That is, inFIG.8, the prescribed number X is 0.

In an upper diagram inFIG.9, first station400and second station410are included in a residential zone (or the first zone)500. InFIG.9, first station400is represented as “ST1.” The second to seventh stations are similarly represented. Furthermore,FIG.10is also similarly described. Third station420, fourth station430, and fifth station440are included in a station-front zone (the second zone)510. Sixth station450and seventh station460are included in an office zone (the third zone)520.

In the upper diagram inFIG.9, for each station, an SOC of a vehicle parked therein or “no vehicle” is indicated. “No vehicle” indicates that no available vehicle is parked. That is, the SOC of a station with an indication of “no vehicle” is 0%. For third station420, an SOC of 40% is indicated. This indicates that a vehicle with an SOC of 40% is parked in third station420. For the sake of simplicity, one or no vehicle is parked in each station for the sake of illustration. That is, a vehicle with an SOC of 40% is alone parked in third station420.

In residential zone500, both first station400and second station410indicate “no vehicle.” Hence, the zone SOC of residential zone500is 0%. For residential zone500, a demanded direction from residential zone500toward station-front zone510is set.

In office zone520, sixth station450indicates 40% and seventh station460indicates 70%. Hence, office zone520has a zone SOC of 110%. For office zone520, a demanded direction from office zone520toward station-front zone510is set.

In the upper diagram inFIG.9, an example is indicated in which a user moves from seventh station460to fourth station430and another user moves from fifth station440to second station410.

For the movement from seventh station460to fourth station430, a utilization fee is calculated as 300 yen from a power of 6 kWh for utilization and a unit price of power of 50 yen. Initially, whether the discount for leveling is applicable will be considered. The movement from seventh station460to fourth station430is a movement from office zone520to station-front zone510. Since the zone SOC of office zone520is 110% and the zone SOC of station-front zone510is 110%, the movement is not a movement from a zone with a high zone SOC to a zone with a low zone SOC. Accordingly, the discount for leveling is not applied.

Whether the discount for vehicle allocation is applicable will now be considered. In station-front zone510, available vehicles are present at third station420and fifth station440. Accordingly, the discount for vehicle allocation is not applied. Thus, the utilization fee for the movement from seventh station460to fourth station430will be 300 yen.

For the movement from fifth station440to second station410, a utilization fee is calculated as 300 yen from a power of 6 kWh for utilization and a unit price of power of 50 yen. Whether the discount for leveling is applicable is considered. The movement from fifth station440to second station410is a movement from station-front zone510to residential zone500. Since the zone SOC of station-front zone510is 110% and the zone SOC of residential zone500is 0%, the movement is a movement from a zone with a high zone SOC to a zone with a low zone SOC. Since the demanded direction is set in the direction from station-front zone510to office zone520, the movement from station-front zone510to residential zone500is a movement in a direction different from the demanded direction. Accordingly, the discount for leveling is applied. When the user returns vehicle300at second station410, the SOC of vehicle300is 40% (70%−30%=40%). Accordingly, by the discount for leveling, 100% of the utilization fee is discounted.

Whether the discount for vehicle allocation is applicable will now be considered. In residential zone500, there is no vehicle available. In other words, the number of vehicles in residential zone500to which vehicle300is returned is less than or equal to the prescribed number X, and accordingly, the discount for vehicle allocation is applied and 100% of the utilization fee is discounted. Thus, the utilization fee for the movement from fifth station440to second station410is minus 300 yen. In that case, the minus 300 yen may discounted from a utilization fee for a next utilization or may be provided to the user in the form of points that the user can appropriate for a utilization fee.

The lower diagram inFIG.9shows a distribution of a zone SOC in each zone after a user moved. Residential zone500, station-front zone510and office zone520have zone SOCs of 40%, 80%, and 40%, respectively, and, when compared with the upper diagram inFIG.9, it can be seen that the zones have their zone SOCs leveled. Thus, when there is a user who receives a large discount, the zones have their zone SOCs leveled.

FIG.10is a diagram for illustrating an example with the configuration of the present embodiment applied thereto. In the upper diagram inFIG.10, each zone's initial SOC, each station's initial SOC, and each zone's demanded direction are the same as in the case ofFIG.9. InFIG.10, an example is shown in which a user moves from sixth station450to fourth station430and another user moves from third station420to second station410.

For the movement from sixth station450to fourth station430, a utilization fee is calculated as 300 yen from a power of 6 kWh for utilization and a unit price of power of 50 yen. Initially, whether the discount for leveling is applicable will be considered. The movement from sixth station450to fourth station430is a movement from office zone520to station-front zone510. Since the zone SOC of office zone520is 110% and the zone SOC of station-front zone510is 110%, the movement is not a movement from a zone with a high zone SOC to a zone with a low zone SOC. Accordingly, the discount for leveling is not applied.

Whether the discount for vehicle allocation is applicable will now be considered. In station-front zone510, there are available vehicles present at third station420and fifth station440. Accordingly, the discount for vehicle allocation is not applied. Thus, the utilization fee for the movement from sixth station450to fourth station430will be 300 yen.

For the movement from third station420to second station410, a utilization fee is calculated as 300 yen from a power of 6 kWh for utilization and a unit price of power of 50 yen. Initially, whether the discount for leveling is applicable will be considered. The movement from third station420to second station410is a movement from station-front zone510to residential zone500. Since the zone SOC of station-front zone510is 110% and the zone SOC of residential zone500is 0%, the movement is a movement from a zone with a high zone SOC to a zone with a low zone SOC. Since the demanded direction is set in the direction from station-front zone510to office zone520, the movement from station-front zone510to residential zone500is a movement in a direction different from the demanded direction. Accordingly, the discount for leveling is applied. When the user returns vehicle300at second station410, the SOC of vehicle300is 10% (40%−30%=10%). Accordingly, by the discount for leveling, 10% of the utilization fee is discounted.

Whether the discount for vehicle allocation is applicable will now be considered. In residential zone500, there is no vehicle available. In other words, the number of vehicles in residential zone500to which vehicle300is returned is less than or equal to the prescribed number X, and accordingly, the discount for vehicle allocation is applied and 100% of the utilization fee is discounted. Thus, the utilization fee for the movement from fifth station440to second station410is minus 30 yen.

The lower diagram inFIG.10shows a distribution of zone SOC in each zone after a user moved. Residential zone500, station-front zone510and office zone520have zone SOCs of 10%, 80%, and 70%, respectively, and, when compared with the upper diagram inFIG.10, the zones have their zone SOCs leveled, although not as compared with the lower diagram inFIG.9. Thus the discount for leveling and the discount for vehicle allocation are set to provide a larger discount rate for a movement in a direction which promotes more leveling.

By controlling fee setting device100and vehicle300according to the above processing, a utilization fee for car sharing to which a discount for leveling is applied is set for a user when the user returns vehicle300at a zone having a smaller zone SOC than the zone where the user has rented vehicle300and vehicle300also moves in a direction different from a demanded direction. An SOC that vehicle300has when vehicle300is returned is used to determine a discount rate applied to the discount for leveling. This promotes a movement that is from a zone where vehicle300is rented to a zone having a smaller zone SOC and that is in a direction different from a demanded direction, and can thus level an uneven distribution caused between a zone SOC of a zone and that of another zone. And setting a large discount rate when vehicle300is returned with an SOC of a reference value or more remaining therein promotes returning vehicle300with an SOC of the reference value or more remaining therein. This allows the returned vehicle300to have power storage device307electrically charged in a reduced period of time, and hence be utilized more efficiently.

Furthermore, the discount for vehicle allocation is applied to the user when the user returns vehicle300at a zone having a total number of vehicles less than or equal to the prescribed number X. This can resolve an uneven distribution between the number of vehicles rentably parked in a zone and the number of vehicles rentably parked in another zone.

While in the present embodiment, two discounts, i.e., a discount for leveling and a discount for vehicle allocation, are applied, being capable of leveling an uneven distribution between an amount of power stored in a zone and an amount of power stored in another zone suffices. The discount for vehicle allocation may not be applied and the discount for leveling may alone be applied.

Furthermore, while in the present embodiment the discount for leveling is applied to a user when the user returns vehicle300at a zone having a smaller zone SOC than the zone where the user has rented vehicle300and vehicle300also moves in a direction different from a demanded direction, being capable of leveling an uneven distribution between an amount of power stored in a zone and an amount of power stored in another zone suffices. An extra fee may be set when a departure zone SOC is less than or equal to a return zone SOC and/or when vehicle300moves in the same direction as the demanded direction.

While in the present embodiment the discount for leveling and the discount for vehicle allocation are applied with reference to vehicle300's SOC and a zone SOC, they may be applied with reference to an amount power stored in each vehicle and a sum of amounts of power stored in each vehicle in each zone.

Furthermore, while in the present embodiment a sum of SOCs of vehicles parked in each zone (i.e., a zone SOC) is calculated and a departure zone SOC and a return zone SOC are compared, an average value of SOCs of vehicles parked in a zone may alternatively be used. Doing so is effective for example when the number of stations included in a zone is significantly differs from the number of stations included in another zone. Using an average value of SOCs of vehicles parked in a zone can promote a movement from a zone with a large average value of SOC to a zone with a small average value of SOC.

Further, while in the present embodiment an example has been described in which a station has been described as a location where vehicle300is rented and returned, any location where vehicle300can be rented and returned suffices. For example, if a setting is done to allow vehicle300to be dropped off at any location on a shoulder of a road, a location where vehicle300is rented and returned includes the shoulder of the road on which vehicle300is allowed to be dropped off

In the above embodiment a relationship between a departure zone SOC and a return zone SOC is determined, a relationship between a direction in which a user moves and a demanded direction is determined, and an SOC that a vehicle has when it is returned is determined to thus determine whether a discount for leveling is applicable, and a discount rate. The relationship between the departure zone SOC and the return zone SOC may alone be determined to determine whether the discount for leveling is applicable, and the discount rate. In a first modification, an example will be described in which, for whether the discount for leveling is applicable, the relationship between the departure zone SOC and the return zone SOC is alone determined to determine whether the discount for leveling is applicable, and the discount rate.

FIG.11is a flowchart showing a process performed by fee setting device100according to the first modification in determining whether to apply a discount for leveling. Sharing system1according to the first modification is similar in configuration to the above embodiment, and accordingly, will not be described repeatedly.

Controller130reads the departure zone SOC from storage unit120(S241A). Controller130compares the departure zone SOC with the return zone SOC (S242A).

If the departure zone SOC is less than or equal to the return zone SOC (NO in S242A), controller130does not apply the discount for leveling. If the departure zone SOC is larger than the return zone SOC (YES in S242A), controller130applies the discount for leveling (S245A).

Note that controller130may determine a discount rate applied to the discount for leveling depending on a difference in magnitude between the departure zone SOC and the return zone SOC.

Furthermore, when the departure zone SOC is less than or equal to the return zone SOC, controller130may apply the discount for leveling at a discount rate smaller than when the departure zone SOC is larger than the return zone SOC. In that case, controller130may determine the discount rate applied to the discount for leveling depending on a difference in magnitude between the departure zone SOC and the return zone SOC.

This promotes a movement that is from a zone where vehicle300is rented to a zone having a smaller zone SOC, and can thus level an uneven distribution caused between a zone SOC of a zone and that of another zone.

While in the first modification the discount for leveling is applied when a departure zone SOC is larger than a return zone SOC, being capable of leveling an uneven distribution caused between a zone SOC of a zone and that of another zone suffices. An extra fee may be set when the departure zone SOC is less than or equal to the return zone SOC.

In the above embodiment a relationship between a departure zone SOC and a return zone SOC is determined, a relationship between a direction in which a user moves and a demanded direction is determined, and an SOC that a vehicle has when it is returned is determined to thus determine whether a discount for leveling is applicable, and a discount rate. The relationship between the departure zone SOC and the return zone SOC and the relationship with the demanded direction may be determined to determine whether the discount for leveling is applicable, and the discount rate. In a second modification, an example will be described in which, for whether the discount for leveling is applicable, the relationship between the departure zone SOC and the return zone SOC and the relationship with the demanded direction are determined to determine whether the discount for leveling is applicable, and the discount rate.

FIG.12is a flowchart showing a process performed by fee setting device100according to the second modification in determining whether to apply a discount for leveling. Sharing system1according to the second modification is similar in configuration to the above embodiment, and accordingly, will not be described repeatedly.

Controller130reads the departure zone SOC from storage unit120(S241B). Controller130compares the departure zone SOC with the return zone SOC (S242B). If the departure zone SOC is less than or equal to the return zone SOC (NO in S242B), controller130does not apply the discount for leveling. If the departure zone SOC is larger than the return zone SOC (YES in S242B), controller130proceeds to S243B.

Controller130compares the direction in which vehicle300moves with the demanded direction (S243B). If the direction in which vehicle300moves is the same direction as the demanded direction (NO in S243B), controller130does not apply the discount for leveling. If the direction in which vehicle300moves is a direction different from the demanded direction (YES in S243B), controller130applies the discount for leveling (S245B).

Note that controller130in S245B may determine a discount rate applied to the discount for leveling depending on a difference in magnitude between the departure zone SOC and the return zone SOC.

Furthermore, when the departure zone SOC is less than or equal to the return zone SOC and/or when vehicle300moves in the same direction as the demanded direction, controller130may apply the discount for leveling at a smaller discount rate than when the departure zone SOC is larger than the return zone SOC and vehicle300also moves in a direction different from the demanded direction. In that case, controller130may determine the discount rate applied to the discount for leveling depending on a difference in magnitude between the departure zone SOC and the return zone SOC.

This promotes a movement that is from a zone where vehicle300is rented to a zone having a smaller zone SOC and that is in a direction different from a demanded direction, and can thus level an uneven distribution caused between a zone SOC of a zone and that of another zone.

While in the second modification the discount for leveling is applied when a departure zone SOC is larger than a return zone SOC and vehicle300also moves in a direction different from a demanded direction, being capable of leveling an uneven distribution caused between a zone SOC of a zone and that of another zone suffices. An extra fee may be set when the departure zone SOC is less than or equal to the return zone SOC and/or when vehicle300moves in the same direction as the demanded direction.

In the above embodiment a relationship between a departure zone SOC and a return zone SOC is determined, a relationship between a direction in which a user moves and a demanded direction is determined, and an SOC that a vehicle has when it is returned is determined to thus determine whether a discount for leveling is applicable, and a discount rate. The relationship between the departure zone SOC and the return zone SOC and the SOC that the vehicle has when it is returned may be determined to determine whether the discount for leveling is applicable, and the discount rate. In a third modification, an example will be described in which, for whether the discount for leveling is applicable, the relationship between the departure zone SOC and the return zone SOC and the SOC that the vehicle has when it is returned are determined to determine whether the discount for leveling is applicable, and the discount rate.

FIG.13is a flowchart showing a process performed by fee setting device100according to the third modification in determining whether to apply a discount for leveling. Sharing system1according to the third modification is similar in configuration to the above embodiment, and accordingly, will not be described repeatedly.

Controller130reads the departure zone SOC from storage unit120(S241C). Controller130compares the departure zone SOC with the return zone SOC (S242C). If the departure zone SOC is less than or equal to the return zone SOC (NO in S242C), controller130does not apply the discount for leveling. If the departure zone SOC is larger than the return zone SOC (YES in S242C), controller130proceeds to S244C.

Controller130determines whether an SOC that vehicle300has when it is returned is equal to or larger than the reference value (S244C). If the SOC is equal to or larger than the reference value (YES in S244C), controller130applies the discount for leveling (S245C).

When the SOC is smaller than the reference value (NO in S244C), controller130applies the discount for leveling at a smaller discount rate than when the SOC is equal to or larger than the reference value (S246C). Note that when the SOC is smaller than the reference value, controller130may not apply the discount for leveling.

Note that controller130in S245C may determine a discount rate applied to the discount for leveling depending on a difference in magnitude between the departure zone SOC and the return zone SOC.

Furthermore, when the departure zone SOC is less than or equal to the return zone SOC, controller130may apply the discount for leveling at a discount rate smaller than when the departure zone SOC is larger than the return zone SOC. In that case, controller130may determine the discount rate applied to the discount for leveling depending on a difference in magnitude between the departure zone SOC and the return zone SOC.

This promotes a movement that is from a zone where vehicle300is rented to a zone having a smaller zone SOC, and can thus further level an uneven distribution caused between a zone SOC of a zone and that of another zone. Further, setting a large discount rate when vehicle300is returned with an SOC of a reference value or more remaining therein promotes returning vehicle300with an SOC of the reference value or more remaining therein. This allows the returned vehicle300to be electrically charged in a reduced period of time and hence utilized more efficiently.

While in the third modification the discount for leveling is applied when a departure zone SOC is larger than a return zone SOC, being capable of leveling an uneven distribution caused between a zone SOC of a zone and that of another zone suffices. An extra fee may be set when the departure zone SOC is less than or equal to the return zone SOC.