FEE SETTING DEVICE AND FEE SETTING METHOD FOR CAR SHARING FEE

When a first electric vehicle is reserved, a fee setting device estimates an SOC of the first electric vehicle at the time of arrival at a destination as a first estimated SOC. When the fee setting device determines that the first estimated SOC is less than a predetermined value, the fee setting device sets a vehicle change station and presents it to a user. When the user changes the first electric vehicle to a second electric vehicle at the vehicle change station, the fee setting device applies a first vehicle change discount to a utilization fee for the second electric vehicle.

This nonprovisional application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-226104 filed on Nov. 24, 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 car sharing fee for 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 the user obtains membership of a car sharing business operator and utilizes a vehicle owned by the business operator as appropriate. In recent years, as electric vehicles are increasingly used, the electric vehicles are also increasingly used in car sharing.

Generally, the travelable distance of an electric vehicle with a fully-charged power storage device is shorter than that of a gasoline-powered vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine. Accordingly, in electric vehicle car sharing (hereinafter also referred to as “EV car sharing”), in a case where a user drives an electric vehicle for a relatively long distance, the user has to charge a power storage device of the electric vehicle on the way to a destination, which is inconvenient for the user.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2011-214895 discloses a vehicle change guidance device which guides a vehicle change location and a next riding vehicle when it is determined that a vehicle cannot arrive at a destination set by a user without additional charging.

SUMMARY

Generally, an electric vehicle requires a longer time for replenishment of driving energy than that for a gasoline-powered vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine. Specifically, the time required for replenishment of driving energy is the time required to supply gasoline in the case of the gasoline-powered vehicle, and is the time required to charge a power storage device in the case of the electric vehicle.

Accordingly, in EV car sharing, a user willingly selects an electric vehicle in which a state of charge (hereinafter also referred to as an “SOC”) of a power storage device of the electric vehicle reaches a certain charge level or more. On the other hand, a user may not select an electric vehicle in which the SOC is less than the certain level, and the efficiency of utilizing EV car sharing may be reduced.

Thus, there is a demand for an EV car sharing system which encourages utilization of an electric vehicle in which the SOC does not reach a certain level or more. Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2011-214895 is silent about such a problem and measures against the problem.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the aforementioned problem, and an object thereof is to enhance the efficiency of utilizing an electric vehicle in electric vehicle car sharing.

A fee setting device in accordance with the present disclosure is configured to set a utilization fee for sharing an electric vehicle. The fee setting device includes: a vehicle change location setting unit configured to set a vehicle change location for changing a first electric vehicle to a second electric vehicle, based on designated place of departure and destination; and a fee setting unit configured to set the utilization fee. In a first case where the first electric vehicle is changed to the second electric vehicle at a first vehicle change location, the fee setting unit is configured to set the utilization fee to be lower than that in a second case where the first electric vehicle is not changed to the second electric vehicle at the first vehicle change location.

A fee setting method in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure is configured to set a utilization fee for sharing an electric vehicle. The fee setting method includes: setting a vehicle change location for changing a first electric vehicle to a second electric vehicle, based on designated place of departure and destination; and setting the utilization fee in a case where the first electric vehicle is changed to the second electric vehicle at the vehicle change location, to be lower than that in a case where the first electric vehicle is not changed to the second electric vehicle at the vehicle change location.

According to the above configuration, by changing the electric vehicle to another electric vehicle at the vehicle change location, the utilization fee is set to be lower than that in the case where the electric vehicle is not changed at the vehicle change location. Thereby, a user is encouraged to use an electric vehicle with a power storage device having a low power storage amount to travel to the vehicle change location, and then change the electric vehicle to another electric vehicle at the vehicle change location to travel to the destination. Accordingly, utilization of the electric vehicle with the power storage device having a low power storage amount is promoted. Therefore, the efficiency of utilizing the electric vehicle is enhanced.

The fee setting unit estimates the utilization fee in each of the first case and the second case.

According to the above configuration, since the utilization fees are estimated, there is an increased possibility that the user may select utilization of changing the electric vehicle at the vehicle change location, which is advantageous in terms of the fee. Therefore, the efficiency of utilizing the electric vehicle is enhanced.

The first and second electric vehicles each include a power storage device mounted thereon. The fee setting device estimates a power storage amount in the power storage device of the first electric vehicle at the destination in the second case as a first estimated power storage amount. When the first estimated power storage amount is lower than a predetermined value, the vehicle change location setting unit sets the first vehicle change location as the vehicle change location.

According to the above configuration, the vehicle change location is set when the first estimated power storage amount at the destination in the second case is lower than the predetermined value. When the first estimated power storage amount at the destination in the second case is more than or equal to the predetermined value, a next user can utilize the electric vehicle relatively promptly. The above configuration suppresses a vehicle change location from being set even in such a case.

In a case where the vehicle change location setting unit sets the first vehicle change location, the fee setting device estimates a power storage amount in the power storage device of the second electric vehicle at the destination in the first case as a second estimated power storage amount. When the second estimated power storage amount is lower than the predetermined value, the vehicle change location setting unit further sets a second vehicle change location.

According to the above configuration, another vehicle change location is further set when the second estimated power storage amount at the destination in the first case is lower than the predetermined value. Thereby, another vehicle change location is further set when it is estimated that the electric vehicle will be returned with a power storage amount lower than the predetermined value. The above configuration promotes returning the electric vehicle with a power storage amount more than or equal to the predetermined value, and enhances the efficiency of utilizing the electric vehicle.

In a case where the vehicle change location setting unit sets the first vehicle change location, the fee setting device estimates a power storage amount in the power storage device of the first electric vehicle at the first vehicle change location as a third estimated power storage amount. The third estimated power storage amount is required to set a power storage amount in the power storage device of the second electric vehicle at the destination in the first case to more than or equal to the predetermined value. When the third estimated power storage amount is more than or equal to a threshold value, the vehicle change location setting unit further sets a third vehicle change location.

According to the above configuration, the third estimated power storage amount of a next riding vehicle (second electric vehicle) is estimated, which is required to set the power storage amount in the power storage device of the next riding vehicle at the destination in the first case to more than or equal to the predetermined value. Another vehicle change location is further set when the third estimated power storage amount is more than or equal to the threshold value. This promotes returning the electric vehicle with a power storage amount more than or equal to the predetermined value at each vehicle change location and the destination, and enhances the efficiency of utilizing the electric vehicle.

When the vehicle change location is set, in a case where a power storage amount in a power storage device mounted in a drop-off vehicle, which is the electric vehicle before being changed, is higher than a reference value, the fee setting unit sets a utilization fee for the drop-off vehicle to be lower than that in a case where the power storage amount in the power storage device of the drop-off vehicle is lower than the reference value.

According to the above configuration, in the case where the power storage amount in the power storage device of the drop-off vehicle is higher than the reference value, the fee is set to be lower than that in the case where the power storage amount in the power storage device of the drop-off vehicle is lower than the reference value. Thus, the user is encouraged to return the drop-off vehicle with a power storage amount higher than the reference value remaining therein. This reduces the time required to charge the drop-off vehicle after the drop-off vehicle is returned, and thus enhances the efficiency of utilizing the electric vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

As to Configuration of Fee Setting System

FIG. 1is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of a fee setting system1in accordance with the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 1, fee setting system1in accordance with the present embodiment includes a fee setting device100, a communication terminal200, a drop-off vehicle300which is an electric vehicle (hereinafter also referred to simply as a “drop-off vehicle”), and next riding vehicles310to330which are electric vehicles (hereinafter also referred to simply as “next riding vehicles”). It should be noted that drop-off vehicle300and next riding vehicles310to330will also be collectively referred to simply as “vehicles”. In addition, when a description is given of next riding vehicles310to330, the description will be given using next riding vehicle310as a representative.

Communication terminal200is a communication terminal used by a user of fee setting system1in accordance with the present embodiment, and is, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, or the like. Using communication terminal200, the user reserves a vehicle for a car sharing service which uses fee setting system1, or selects a manner of utilizing drop-off vehicle300described later.

Drop-off vehicle300is an electric vehicle utilized by the user from a place of departure. Next riding vehicles310to330are used as electric vehicles utilized after the user gets off drop-off vehicle300at a vehicle change location described later. Since the configuration of next riding vehicles310to330is the same as the configuration of drop-off vehicle300, only the configuration of drop-off vehicle300will be described.

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 allow communication with a communication unit301of drop-off vehicle300, for example. Communication between communication unit110and communication unit301is performed via a communication network600such as the Internet or a telephone line. Further, communication unit110can also communicate with next riding vehicles310to330.

In addition, communication unit110is configured to allow communication with communication terminal200. Communication between communication unit110and communication terminal200is also performed via communication network600.

Storage unit120includes, for example, a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive. Storage unit120stores information of users who have made membership registration for car sharing, position information of stations serving as vehicle change locations for vehicles, and the like. Further, storage unit120stores a user list700storing information of a destination and a place of departure, information about states of charge (hereinafter also referred to as “SOCs”) and positions of drop-off vehicle300and next riding vehicles310to330, and the like, for each user. Details of user list700will be described later.

Controller130includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit)130a,a memory (ROM and RAM)130b,input/output ports (not shown) for inputting/outputting various signals, and the like. Controller130is configured to execute predetermined computation processing based on information stored in memory130band storage unit120, and information received from drop-off vehicle300and next riding vehicles310to330via communication unit110. Details of controller130will be described later.

Drop-off vehicle300includes communication unit301, a storage unit302, a controller303, and a position information acquisition unit304. Each component is communicatively connected by a communication bus306. Hereinafter, the description about drop-off vehicle300also applies to next riding vehicles310to330.

Communication unit301is configured to allow communications with communication unit110of fee setting device100and communication terminal200. Communications between communication unit301and communication unit110and communication terminal200are performed via communication network600.

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

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

Further, controller303monitors a state of the power storage device mounted in drop-off vehicle300. For example, controller303detects the voltage, current, and temperature of the power storage device, uses these values to estimate an OCV (Open Circuit Voltage), and calculates the SOC of the power storage device. Further, controller303may calculate the SOC of the power storage device from an accumulation of amounts of power charged/discharged. The calculation of the SOC may be done using any well-known technique, and accordingly, will not be described specifically.

In addition, for example when drop-off vehicle300shifts from a READY-OFF state to a READY-ON state, controller303transmits, to fee setting device100via communication unit301, vehicle information for specifying drop-off vehicle300, together with start-of-utilization information notifying that utilization of drop-off vehicle300starts. When drop-off vehicle300shifts from the READY-ON state to the READY-OFF state, controller303transmits, to fee setting device100, end-of-utilization information notifying that utilization of drop-off vehicle300ends. It should be noted that the READY-ON state refers to a state in which the vehicle is capable of traveling, and the READY-OFF state refers to a state in which the vehicle is incapable of traveling.

Position information acquisition unit304is configured to acquire a current position of drop-off vehicle300. For example, position information acquisition unit304uses a GPS (Global Positioning System) to acquire the current position of drop-off vehicle300. Position information acquisition unit304transmits to controller303position information indicating the acquired current position of drop-off vehicle300.

Controller303causes storage unit302to store information of the calculated SOC and the position information received from position information acquisition unit304. While drop-off 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 position information acquired by position information acquisition unit304. Further, in response to a request from fee setting device100, controller303transmits, to fee setting device100via communication unit301, the information of the SOC and the position information of drop-off vehicle300. Further, when drop-off vehicle300shifts from the READY-ON state to the READY-OFF state, controller303transmits, to fee setting device100via communication unit301, the information of the SOC and the position information of drop-off vehicle300.

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

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

When a charging connector902of a charging stand900is connected to inlet311, charger305charges power storage device307with power supplied from an external power source800.

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

Inverter308is a power conversion device which converts power between AC power and DC power. For example, inverter308converts DC power of power storage device307into AC power and supplies it to motor generator309. Further, for example, inverter308converts AC power (regenerative power) from motor generator309into DC power, and supplies it to power storage device307to charge power storage device307.

Motor generator309receives power supplied from inverter308and provides rotational force to drive wheels312. Drive wheels312are rotated by the rotational force provided by motor generator309to drive drop-off vehicle300.

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

Charging stand900is installed outside drop-off vehicle300and connected to charging connector902via a charging cable904. Charging stand900is electrically connected to power source800. When charging connector902is connected to inlet311, the power of power source800is supplied to drop-off vehicle300via charging stand900, charging cable904, and charging connector902.

It should be noted that next riding vehicles310to330have the same configuration as that of drop-off vehicle300. Accordingly, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 3is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of controller130of fee setting device100in accordance with the present embodiment. Controller130includes an information acquisition unit131, a vehicle change location setting unit132, an SOC estimation unit133, an SOC calculation unit134, a user list creation unit135, an application list reading unit136, and a fee setting unit137.

Information acquisition unit131acquires, from a vehicle via communication unit110, start-of-utilization information, end-of-utilization information, vehicle information, SOC information, position information, and the like. Further, information acquisition unit131requests to a vehicle, via communication unit110, for SOC information and position information.

Vehicle change location setting unit132sets a vehicle change location where the user will change vehicles from drop-off vehicle300to next riding vehicles310to330, based on an SOC of drop-off vehicle300estimated when the user arrives at a destination using drop-off vehicle300without changing vehicles from a place of departure to the destination (hereinafter also referred to as a “first estimated SOC”) calculated by SOC estimation unit133. Specifically, when the first estimated SOC is lower than a predetermined value, vehicle change location setting unit132sets a first vehicle change location where the user will change the vehicle to next riding vehicle310. It should be noted that the first vehicle change location is set such that an SOC of drop-off vehicle300estimated when the user arrives at the first vehicle change location does not become lower than the predetermined value. Then, when an SOC of next riding vehicle310estimated when the user arrives at the destination using next riding vehicle310from the first vehicle change location to the destination (hereinafter also referred to as a “second estimated SOC”) calculated by SOC estimation unit133is lower than the predetermined value, vehicle change location setting unit132sets a second vehicle change location where the user will change vehicles from next riding vehicle310to next riding vehicle320. It should be noted that the second vehicle change location is set such that an SOC of next riding vehicle310estimated when the user arrives at the second vehicle change location does not become lower than the predetermined value. Hereinafter, vehicle change location setting unit132similarly sets a vehicle change location until the second estimated SOC estimated when the user arrives at the destination using a next riding vehicle from an N-th vehicle change location for performing an N-th vehicle change to the destination becomes more than or equal to the predetermined value. It should be noted that the first estimated SOC corresponds to the “first estimated power storage amount” in accordance with the present disclosure. Further, the second estimated SOC corresponds to the “second estimated power storage amount” in accordance with the present disclosure.

SOC estimation unit133calculates an SOC of drop-off vehicle300at the time of departure estimated when the user reserves the vehicle, and an SOC of drop-off vehicle300estimated when the user arrives at the destination. Specifically, when the user reserves drop-off vehicle300using communication terminal200, SOC estimation unit133calculates an SOC estimated at a time point when the user starts using drop-off vehicle300. Further, SOC estimation unit133calculates the first estimated SOC. Furthermore, when a vehicle change location is set by vehicle change location setting unit132, SOC estimation unit133calculates the second estimated SOC.

SOC calculation unit134detects voltages, currents, and temperatures of power storage devices307of dro-off vehicle300and next riding vehicles310to330, and uses these values to calculate SOCs of power storage devices307.

User list creation unit135creates user list700described later, using the vehicle change location set by vehicle change location setting unit132, the SOCs of drop-off vehicle300and next riding vehicles310to330calculated by SOC calculation unit134, and the like.

Application list reading unit136reads an application list750described later which is stored in storage unit120.

Fee setting unit137sets a sharing fee to be billed to the user who utilizes the vehicle. Fee setting unit137determines the sharing fee based on an SOC of the power storage device of the vehicle (hereinafter also referred to simply as an “SOC of the vehicle”) when the user returns the vehicle, whether or not a discount is applied, and the like. Details of setting the sharing fee will be described later.

As to EV Car Sharing

Generally, in an electric vehicle configured as described above, the travelable distance of the electric vehicle with a fully-charged power storage device is shorter than that of a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine. In addition, the electric vehicle requires a longer time for replenishment of driving energy than that for the vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine. Specifically, the time required for replenishment of driving energy is the time required to supply fuel in the case of the vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine, and is the time required to charge the power storage device in the case of the electric vehicle.

Accordingly, in EV car sharing, a user may willingly select an electric vehicle in which an SOC of the electric vehicle reaches a certain charge level or more. On the other hand, a user may not select an electric vehicle in which the SOC is less than the certain level, and the efficiency of utilizing EV car sharing may be reduced.

Thus, there is a demand for an EV car sharing system which encourages utilization of an electric vehicle in which the SOC does not reach a certain level or more.

In the present embodiment, a user connects to fee setting device100and reserves drop-off vehicle300, using communication terminal200. In response to input of a station from which the user will depart (hereinafter also referred to as a “departure station”) and a station which is a destination (hereinafter also referred to as an “arrival station”) through communication terminal200, fee setting device100calculates an SOC of drop-off vehicle300estimated at the time of departure. Then, fee setting device100calculates an SOC of drop-off vehicle300estimated at the time of arrival at the arrival station (the first estimated SOC), using a distance from the departure station to the arrival station and the like. Then, when the first estimated SOC is lower than a predetermined value, fee setting device100sets a station where the user will change vehicles (hereinafter also referred to as a “vehicle change station”), and presents it to communication terminal200(the user). When the user changes vehicles at the vehicle change station, fee setting device100applies a first vehicle change discount to a utilization fee for a next riding vehicle. That is, when the user changes vehicles from drop-off vehicle300to next riding vehicles310to330, fee setting device100applies the first vehicle change discount to the utilization fee for next riding vehicles310to330. It should be noted that the vehicle change station corresponds to the “vehicle change location” in the present disclosure.

Thereby, the user is encouraged to use drop-off vehicle300with a power storage device having a low power storage amount to travel to the vehicle change station, and then change the vehicle to next riding vehicle310at the vehicle change station to travel to the arrival station. Accordingly, utilization of drop-off vehicle300with the power storage device having a low power storage amount is promoted. Therefore, the efficiency of utilizing the electric vehicle is enhanced.

In addition, when the user changes vehicles at the vehicle change station, fee setting device100calculates an SOC of drop-off vehicle300at the vehicle change station. When the calculated SOC is more than or equal to a reference value, fee setting device100applies a second vehicle change discount to a utilization fee for drop-off vehicle300.

Thereby, the user is encouraged to return drop-off vehicle300with a power storage amount higher than the reference value remaining therein. This reduces the time required to charge drop-off vehicle300after returning of drop-off vehicle300, and thus enhances the efficiency of utilizing drop-off vehicle300.

As to User List

FIG. 4is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of user list700stored in fee setting device100in accordance with the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 4, in the present embodiment, a place of departure, a destination, a desire for a vehicle change discount, first change of vehicle, second change of vehicle, a drop-off vehicle, a first next riding vehicle, and a second next riding vehicle are registered in user list700for each user ID.

Fee setting device100updates user list700stored in storage unit120each time fee setting device100receives information of any of the items described above. Further, user list700is also updated when controller130of fee setting device100requests and acquires information of an SOC of a vehicle.

A user ID is issued to a user when membership registration for EV car sharing is completed, and is used to specify the user.

The items of the place of departure and the destination are input to communication terminal200by the user. Controller130of fee setting device100acquires the input information from communication terminal200, and registers the acquired information in user list700.

The item of the desire for the vehicle change discount is input to communication terminal200by the user. Controller130acquires the input information from communication terminal200, and registers the acquired information in user list700.

The items of first change of vehicle and second change of vehicle are items used for a user who has a desire for the vehicle change discount. Information about a first vehicle change is registered in the item of first change of vehicle, and information about a second vehicle change is registered in the item of second change of vehicle. Specifically, the items of first change of vehicle and second change of vehicle each include items of a vehicle change station and a next riding vehicle. For the user who has a desire for the vehicle change discount, a vehicle change station selected by the user from vehicle change stations set by controller130is registered in user list700. Further, next riding vehicle310selected by controller130from vehicles at the vehicle change station selected by the user is registered in user list700. It should be noted that, as next riding vehicle310selected by controller130, a vehicle comparable to drop-off vehicle300is selected. It should be noted that, although the next riding vehicle is selected by controller130in the present embodiment, it may be registered by the user's selection.

The item of the drop-off vehicle includes items of a departure SOC and an arrival SOC, and actual use results are registered. In the item of the departure SOC, an SOC of drop-off vehicle300at a departure station is registered. In the item of the arrival SOC, an SOC of drop-off vehicle300at an arrival station is registered.

The items of the first next riding vehicle and the second next riding vehicle each include items of a departure SOC and an arrival SOC, and actual use results are registered. In the item of the departure SOC, an SOC of next riding vehicle310at a departure station is registered. In the item of the arrival SOC, an SOC of next riding vehicle310at an arrival station is registered. Specifically, for example, for a user having a user ID 001, a departure SOC and an arrival SOC of a vehicle A are registered in the item of the first next riding vehicle. For example, for a user having a user ID 003, a departure SOC and an arrival SOC of a vehicle B are registered in the item of the first next riding vehicle.

The user having user ID 001 is an exemplary user who desires application of the vehicle change discount and selects first change of vehicle. For example, the user having user ID 001 selects a first station as a place of departure, and selects a second station as a destination. Further, the user desires application of the vehicle change discount, and it is registered that the user will change the vehicle to vehicle A at a third station. In addition, as the use results acquired through actual utilization of the vehicles, it is registered that the departure SOC in the item of the drop-off vehicle is 50%, the arrival SOC in the item of the drop-off vehicle is 30%, the departure SOC in the item of the first next riding vehicle is 100%, and the arrival SOC in the item of the first next riding vehicle is 60%.

Specifically, the user having user ID 001 is allowed to make a selection as illustrated inFIG. 5.FIG. 5is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen displayed in communication terminal200in accordance with the present embodiment. When the place of departure (the first station) and the destination (the second station) are input by the user, controller130calculates the first estimated SOC. When the first estimated SOC is lower than the predetermined value, controller130sets the third station. Then, controller130calculates the second estimated SOC. When the second estimated SOC is lower than the predetermined value, controller130sets a fourth station between the third station and the destination. Further, controller130calculates the second estimated SOC based on the fourth station. When the second estimated SOC is more than or equal to the predetermined value, controller130presents the set vehicle change stations as plans shown inFIG. 5, to communication terminal200(the user). In addition, a utilization fee estimated when each plan is selected is calculated by controller130and displayed.

A normal utilization plan is a plan in which the user will not change vehicles. An estimated fee, which is an estimated utilization fee, is calculated as an estimated fee A and displayed. A vehicle change utilization plan 1 is a plan in which the user will change vehicles once at the third station. An estimated fee is calculated as an estimated fee B and displayed. A vehicle change utilization plan 2 is a plan in which the user will change vehicles twice at the third station and the fourth station. An estimated fee is calculated as an estimated fee C and displayed. Basically, these estimated fees have a relation that estimated fee C<estimated fee B<estimated fee A.

The user can select any plan from the displayed plans.

Turning back toFIG. 4, a user having a user ID 002 is an exemplary user who does not desire application of the vehicle change discount. Since the user having user ID 002 does not change vehicles, only the item of the drop-off vehicle is registered as a use result. The user having user ID 002 selects a fifth station as a place of departure, and selects a sixth station as a destination. In addition, as the use results acquired through actual utilization of the vehicle, it is registered that the departure SOC in the item of the drop-off vehicle is 80%, and the arrival SOC in the item of the drop-off vehicle is 20%.

The user having user ID 003 is an exemplary user who desires application of the vehicle change discount and selects changing vehicles twice. The user having user ID 003 selects a seventh station as a place of departure, and selects an eighth station as a destination. In addition, as the use results acquired through actual utilization of the vehicles, it is registered that the departure SOC in the item of the drop-off vehicle is 70%, the arrival SOC in the item of the drop-off vehicle is 30%, the departure SOC in the item of the first next riding vehicle is 80%, the arrival SOC in the item of the first next riding vehicle is 20%, the departure SOC in the item of the second next riding vehicle is 100%, and the arrival SOC in the item of the second next riding vehicle is 50%.

As to Application List

FIG. 6is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of application list750stored in fee setting device100in accordance with the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a desire for a vehicle change discount, an arrival SOC of a drop-off vehicle, and a next riding vehicle are registered in application list750. Fee setting unit137of fee setting device100checks the information registered in user list700against application list750to determine whether or not to apply the discount.

First, when the vehicle change discount is desired in user list700, controller130applies the first vehicle change discount to the utilization fee for next riding vehicle310. Then, when the arrival SOC in the item of the drop-off vehicle is more than or equal to the reference value, controller130applies the second vehicle change discount to the utilization fee for drop-off vehicle300. When the arrival SOC in the item of the drop-off vehicle is less than the reference value, controller130does not apply the second vehicle change discount to the utilization fee for drop-off vehicle300. The reference value is 30%, for example, andFIG. 6shows an example where the reference value is 30%.

When the vehicle change discount is not desired, controller130applies neither the first vehicle change discount nor the second vehicle change discount.

Specifically, when “0” is input in a column for the desire for the vehicle change discount in user list700, controller130refers to a column for the desire for the vehicle change discount input as “YES” in application list750. Then, controller130applies the first vehicle change discount to the utilization fee for next riding vehicle310. For the user having user ID 001, controller130applies the first vehicle change discount to the utilization fee for vehicle A. For the user having user ID 003, controller130applies the first vehicle change discount to the utilization fees for vehicles B and C.

Then, controller130determines whether the arrival SOC in the item of the drop-off vehicle is more than or equal to 30% in user list700. For both of the user having user ID 001 and the user having user ID 003, the arrival SOC of the SOCs of the drop-off vehicle is 30%. Therefore, controller130applies the second vehicle change discount to the utilization fees for drop-off vehicles300of the both users.

For the user having user ID 002, since the user does not desire application of the vehicle change discount, controller130applies neither the first vehicle change discount nor the second vehicle change discount.

As to Fee Setting Method

FIG. 7is a flowchart showing processing performed by fee setting device100in accordance with the present embodiment. This processing is performed each time a user reserves a vehicle in fee setting system1. It should be noted that, although each step in the flowchart shown inFIG. 7is implemented by software processing performed by fee setting device100, a part thereof may be implemented by hardware (electric circuitry) fabricated within fee setting device100. The same applies to each step in the flowchart shown inFIG. 10.

When controller130receives information of a place of departure and a destination input by the user through communication terminal200, controller130requests the user to select whether the user desires application of a vehicle change discount (step100; hereinafter each step will be abbreviated as “S”).

When controller130receives information that the user has selected not to desire application of the vehicle change discount (NO in S100), controller130selects normal utilization (S110).

When controller130receives information that the user has selected to desire application of the vehicle change discount (YES in S100), controller130calculates a traveling distance from the place of departure to the destination, based on the received information of the place of departure and the destination (S120). Controller130reads SOC information of drop-off vehicle300reserved by the user, and calculates an estimated SOC of drop-off vehicle300at the time of departure (S125). The estimated SOC of drop-off vehicle300at the time of departure is calculated using SOC information at present, a charging status, a reservation status before the user uses drop-off vehicle300, and the like.

Controller130calculates an estimated SOC of drop-off vehicle300at the time of arrival (a first estimated SOC), based on the traveling distance calculated in S120and the estimated SOC of drop-off vehicle300at the time of departure calculated in S125(S130).

When the estimated SOC of drop-off vehicle300at the time of arrival is more than or equal to a predetermined value X (NO in S135), controller130selects normal utilization (S110).

When the first estimated SOC is less than predetermined value X (YES in S135), controller130sets a vehicle change station and creates a vehicle change plan (S136). Details of the vehicle change plan will be described later. Controller130presents plans including the vehicle change plan created in S136(S137). It should be noted that, although predetermined value X can be set arbitrarily, predetermined value X is set within a range in which it allows a next user to utilize the vehicle immediately or after a short time of charging, and it does not cause deterioration of the power storage device.

When the user selects a plan to which the vehicle change discount will not be applied, from a plurality of presented plans (NO in S138), controller130selects normal utilization (S110). When the user selects a plan to which the vehicle change discount will be applied, from the plurality of presented plans (YES in S138), controller130sets the vehicle change station in the selected plan, and registers it in user list700(S140).

Controller130sets next riding vehicle310comparable to drop-off vehicle300, and registers it in user list700(S145). Controller130selects vehicle change utilization (S150). Then, controller130performs processing in normal utilization (S110) or vehicle change utilization (S150) described later, and sets a utilization fee (S180).

As to Creation of Vehicle Change Plan

FIG. 8is a flowchart showing processing in creating the vehicle change plan performed by fee setting device100in accordance with the present embodiment.

Controller130sets a first vehicle change station such that an SOC of drop-off vehicle300estimated when the user arrives at the first vehicle change station from a departure station does not become lower than the predetermined value (S310).

Controller130calculates a second estimated SOC based on a distance between the first vehicle change station and a destination, and an SOC of next riding vehicle310(S320).

When the second estimated SOC is more than or equal to predetermined value X (NO in S330), controller130creates the vehicle change plan (S340). It should be noted that, in this case, a normal plan and a plan in which the user will change vehicles once are presented in S137ofFIG. 7.

On the other hand, when the second estimated SOC is less than predetermined value X (YES in S330), controller130returns the processing to S310, and further sets a second vehicle change station between the first vehicle change station and the destination. Hereinafter, controller130similarly performs the processing in S310to S330, and performs the processing ofFIG. 8until the second estimated SOC becomes more than or equal to the predetermined value.

As to Normal Utilization

FIG. 9is a flowchart showing processing in normal utilization performed by fee setting device100in accordance with the present embodiment.

When controller130acquires start-of-utilization information notifying that utilization of drop-off vehicle300starts (YES in S111), controller130reads SOC information from drop-off vehicle300and registers it in user list700(S113).

Controller130waits until it acquires end-of-utilization information notifying that utilization of drop-off vehicle300ends (NO in S115). When controller130acquires the end-of-utilization information (YES in S115), controller130reads SOC information from drop-off vehicle300and registers it in user list700(S117).

As to Vehicle Change Utilization

FIG. 10is a flowchart showing processing in vehicle change utilization performed by fee setting device100in accordance with the present embodiment.

When controller130acquires start-of-utilization information notifying that utilization of drop-off vehicle300starts (S151), controller130reads SOC information from drop-off vehicle300and registers it in user list700(S153).

Controller130waits until vehicle change processing is performed (NO in S155). When vehicle change processing is performed (YES in S155), controller130reads SOC information from drop-off vehicle300and registers it in user list700(S157). It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, it is determined that vehicle change processing is performed when controller130acquires end-of-utilization information notifying that utilization of drop-off vehicle300ends. It may be determined that vehicle change processing is performed when controller130acquires start-of-utilization information notifying that utilization of next riding vehicle310starts.

Controller130determines whether an SOC of drop-off vehicle300is more than or equal to predetermined value X (S159). When controller130determines that the SOC of drop-off vehicle300is less than predetermined value X (NO in S159), controller130proceeds the processing to S163without applying the second vehicle change discount to the utilization fee for drop-off vehicle300.

When controller130determines that the SOC of drop-off vehicle300is more than or equal to predetermined value X (YES in S159), controller130applies the second vehicle change discount to the utilization fee for drop-off vehicle300(S161).

When controller130acquires start-of-utilization information notifying that utilization of next riding vehicle310starts (S163), controller130reads SOC information from next riding vehicle310and registers it in user list700(S165).

When controller130acquires end-of-utilization information notifying that utilization of next riding vehicle310ends (S167), controller130reads SOC information from next riding vehicle310and registers it in user list700(S169). Controller130applies the first vehicle change discount to the utilization fee for next riding vehicle310(S171).

Controller130refers to user list700and determines whether or not vehicle change processing is performed (S172). When controller130determines that vehicle change processing is not performed (NO in S172), controller130terminates the processing. On the other hand, when controller130determines that vehicle change processing is performed (YES in S172), controller130returns the processing to S163, and performs the processing in S163to S172for next riding vehicle320. Controller130similarly performs the processing in the case of changing vehicles N times.

It should be noted that, although the same predetermined value X is used in S159and S135ofFIG. 7in the present embodiment, different values may be used.

As to Self-Pay Charging

FIG. 11is a flowchart showing processing at the time of self-pay charging performed by fee setting device100in accordance with the present embodiment.

For example, there may be a case where a user charges a vehicle at the user's own expense at a public charging station or the like. In the present embodiment, as explained in examples described later, a utilization fee is set according to utilized power used by the user through utilization of the vehicle. Thus, in a case where the utilized power used by the user is calculated from an SOC of the vehicle at the start of utilization and an SOC of the vehicle at the end of utilization, if the user performs self-pay charging, it is not possible to accurately calculate the utilized power. Therefore, such a problem is avoided by a method described below.

When controller130detects that the vehicle enters the READY-OFF state (YES in S200), controller130acquires position information of the vehicle and SOC information of the vehicle, and causes storage unit120to store them (S210).

Controller130determines whether or not the acquired position information indicates a specified position such as a station (S213). When controller130determines that the acquired position information indicates a specified position (YES in S213), controller130terminates the processing. When controller130determines that the acquired position information does not indicate a specified position (NO in S213), controller130monitors the SOC information of the vehicle (S215), and determines whether self-pay charging is performed based on the SOC of the vehicle (S220). Whether or not self-pay charging is performed is determined based on whether or not the SOC acquired from the vehicle is increasing. When the SOC is increasing although the vehicle is in the READY-OFF state, controller130determines that self-pay charging is performed. When the SOC is not increasing, controller130determines that self-pay charging is not performed.

When controller130determines that self-pay charging is not performed (NO in S220), controller130terminates the processing. When controller130determines that self-pay charging is performed (YES in S220), controller130waits until it detects that the vehicle enters the READY-ON state (NO in S225).

When controller130detects that the vehicle enters the READY-ON state (YES in S225), controller130acquires SOC information of the vehicle and causes storage unit120to store it (S230).

Controller130calculates an SOC amount increased by self-pay charging, based on the SOC of the vehicle acquired in S210and the SOC of the vehicle acquired in S230(S235). The utilized power used by the user can be calculated by subtracting the SOC amount increased by self-pay charging, based on the utilized power calculated from the SOC of the vehicle at the start of utilization and the SOC of the vehicle at the end of utilization.

As to Examples

The present embodiment will now be described using examples.FIG. 12is a diagram for explaining examples to which the configuration of the present embodiment is applied. In the following description, for easier explanation, the description will be given based on an assumption that a power storage capacity, a degraded state, and the like of a power storage device mounted in each vehicle are comparable in all vehicles. Further, it is assumed that utilized power required to travel from a place of departure to a destination is uniformly set to 20 kWh, and a power unit price is 50 yen. It is also assumed that a discount rate for the first vehicle change discount is 20% of the utilization fee, and a discount rate for the second vehicle change discount is 50% of the utilization fee.

In the case of normal utilization (without self-pay charging), since the utilized power is 20 kWh and the power unit price is 50 yen, the utilization fee is 1000 yen. Since no discount is applied, the total fee is 1000 yen.

In the case of vehicle change utilization, drop-off vehicle300is changed at a time point when its SOC decreases from 50% to 30%, and then next riding vehicle310is used while its SOC decreases from 100% to 20%. Since drop-off vehicle300is returned with an SOC of 30%, the second vehicle change discount is applied. Since the utilized power used by drop-off vehicle300is 4 kWh, the utilization fee is 200 yen, and 100 yen is discounted therefrom by the application of the second vehicle change discount. Since the utilized power used by next riding vehicle310is 16 kWh, the utilization fee is 800 yen, and 160 yen is discounted therefrom by the application of the first vehicle change discount. Therefore, the total fee is 740 yen, which is lower than that in the case of normal utilization.

It should be noted that, in the case of normal utilization (with self-pay charging), a fee for self-pay charging is added to the total fee in the case of normal utilization (without self-pay charging). When it is assumed that a power unit price for self-pay charging is 25 yen and utilized power of 6 kWh is used, an added utilization fee is 150yen. Therefore, the total fee is 1150 yen, which is the highest utilization fee.

As described above, in the present embodiment, a user connects to fee setting device100and reserves drop-off vehicle300, using communication terminal200. When a departure station and an arrival station are input through communication terminal200, fee setting device100calculates an SOC of drop-off vehicle300estimated at the time of departure. Then, fee setting device100calculates an SOC of drop-off vehicle300estimated at the time of arrival at the arrival station (the first estimated SOC), using a distance from the departure station to the arrival station and the like. Then, when the SOC of drop-off vehicle300estimated at the time of arrival is lower than a predetermined value, fee setting device100sets a vehicle change station, and presents it to communication terminal200(the user). When the user changes vehicles at the vehicle change station, fee setting device100applies the first vehicle change discount. That is, when the user changes vehicles from drop-off vehicle300to next riding vehicle310, fee setting device100applies the first vehicle change discount to the utilization fee for next riding vehicle310.

Thereby, the user is encouraged to use drop-off vehicle300with a power storage device having a low power storage amount to travel to the vehicle change station, and then change the vehicle to next riding vehicle310at the vehicle change station to travel to the arrival station. Accordingly, utilization of drop-off vehicle300with the power storage device having a low power storage amount is promoted. Therefore, the efficiency of utilizing the electric vehicle is enhanced.

In addition, when the user changes vehicles at the vehicle change station, fee setting device100calculates an SOC of drop-off vehicle300at the vehicle change station. When the calculated SOC is more than or equal to a reference value, fee setting device100applies the second vehicle change discount to the utilization fee for drop-off vehicle300.

Thereby, the user is encouraged to return drop-off vehicle300with a power storage amount higher than the reference value remaining therein. This reduces the time required to charge drop-off vehicle300after returning of drop-off vehicle300, and thus enhances the efficiency of utilizing drop-off vehicle300.

Variation

In the present embodiment, in the case where the first estimated SOC is less than predetermined value X, the first vehicle change station (first vehicle change location) is set. In this case, when the SOC of the next riding vehicle estimated at the time of arrival at the arrival station (the second estimated SOC) is less than the predetermined value, a vehicle change station is further set. However, vehicle change stations may be set as described below.

In the case where the first vehicle change station is set, when an SOC of first next riding vehicle310required to set an SOC of a next riding vehicle at the time of arrival at the arrival station (destination) to more than or equal to predetermined value X (hereinafter also referred to as a “third estimated SOC”) is required to be more than or equal to a threshold value Y, a second vehicle change station is set. When the third estimated SOC is more than or equal to threshold value Y, the second vehicle change station is set in a case where the calculated third estimated SOC is 100% or more, or in a case where the calculated third estimated SOC is close to a fully charged state. In such a case, it is not possible to set a next riding vehicle or to enhance the efficiency of utilizing a vehicle which is not fully charged. Although threshold value Y can be set arbitrarily, threshold value Y is desirably set in a range in which it can lead to an enhanced efficiency of utilizing a vehicle which is not fully charged, for example to 70%.

As described above, a vehicle change station may be set such that the SOC of the next riding vehicle at the arrival station is more than or equal to the predetermined value and the third estimated SOC is less than the threshold value. It should be noted that the third estimated SOC corresponds to the “third estimated power storage amount” in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 13is a flowchart showing processing in creating a vehicle change plan performed by fee setting device100in accordance with a variation.

Controller130sets the first vehicle change station such that an SOC of drop-off vehicle300estimated when the user arrives at the first vehicle change station from a departure station does not become lower than the predetermined value (S410).

Controller130calculates the third estimated SOC based on a distance between the first vehicle change station and a destination, and an SOC of next riding vehicle310(S420).

When the third estimated SOC is less than threshold value Y (NO in S430), controller130creates the vehicle change plan (S440). It should be noted that, in this case, a normal plan and a plan in which the user will change vehicles once are presented in S137ofFIG. 7.

On the other hand, when the third estimated SOC is more than or equal to threshold value Y (YES in S430), controller130returns the processing to S410, and further sets the second vehicle change station between the first vehicle change station and the destination. Hereinafter, controller130similarly performs the processing in S410to S430, and performs the processing ofFIG. 13until the third estimated SOC becomes less than the threshold value.

Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described, it should be understood that the embodiment disclosed herein is illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.