Patent ID: 8736225

Claim:
A modularized interface for connecting a plug-in electric vehicle to the energy grid comprising: a module integrated within or configured to be connected to a charging interface on the vehicle and connectable to a smart socket connected to the energy grid, the module comprising: a security authentication device for authenticating and authorizing an end user; a communication interface for forming a connection with a utility center; a processor within the module for controlling operation of the module; a switch that, when open, disables the module from delivering power to the vehicle, and, when closed, enables the module to deliver power to the vehicle; wherein the processor within the module controls the module so that the module is normally disabled, and is enabled only after the module is authenticated using the security authentication device, the utility center authorizes the module, and an end user's account, billing, credit, payment provision or combinations thereof using the connection is established via the communications interface with the utility center; the smart socket comprising: a processor within the smart socket for controlling operation of the smart socket; at least one switch that, when open, disables the smart socket from delivering power to the vehicle, and, when closed, enables the smart socket to deliver power to the vehicle through the module; wherein the processor within the smart socket controls the smart socket so that the smart socket is normally disabled, and is enabled only after the module, after being connected to the smart socket, identifies the smart socket and its associated meter, and user preferences, if any, regarding energy pricing or charging scheduling, pre-programmed into the module, are satisfied; wherein the processor within the module meters energy consumption or discharge while energy flows to or from the vehicle through the modularized interface; and wherein, when the module is disconnected from the smart socket, the processor within the smart socket disables the smart socket, and the processor within the module, after communicating the metered data to the utility center, disables the module.