security for public charging?

[richkae]

Since all of the chargepoints are activated by a card and it knows how to communicate with you, they could put a webcam into the unit, and make the video stream only accessible to whoever is currently charging. That way you could watch and see who is around your car.

 

[TEG]

Many ATM machines already have cameras like that. Smile when you put your bank-card in...

 

[Norbert]

Have a camera with flash in the car (Model S), connected to the "board-computer", which sends the pic per email to your phone.

 

[Nik]

What is the industry's plan for dealing with this?

I think that the connector should buzz slightly and spark from time to time. Should deter most folk...

 

[bolosky]

I think that the connector should buzz slightly and spark from time to time. Should deter most folk...

And imagine all the fun Jeremy Clarkson could have with THAT!

 

[malcolm]

I love the dummy flashgun idea.

What about charging cable security? Aren't these things $750 a pop? (Or should that be spark?)

 

[Lloyd]

Hold on guys I have a device that I have just patented which will allow you to secure the cable very inexpensively. I will post photos of the prototype in the next several weeks.

 

[vfx]

 

[Lloyd]

This works if your car is converted to J1772, but will not work if you have to use the J1772 adapter.

 

[bonnie]

This works if your car is converted to J1772, but will not work if you have to use the J1772 adapter.

I think the bee would be sufficient deterrent for most people.

 

[TEG]

Not all J1772 plugs have the hole for the small lock.
Also, those luggage locks aren't very secure. You could probably pop open many of them with a screwdriver.
(But it is a good deterrent to keep curious people from casually unplugging it which probably covers 90%+ of the concern.)

 

[Lloyd]

Ok, I promised a device to secure your charging cable. Photos of my prototype are available HERE.

Since this if my first run at getting a patent, and this is our first prototype I would appreciate comments before we produce this in numbers.

The final version will have three slots: 1. HPC 2. UMC 3. Spare 110v connector. We plan to make it in injected Red plastic for Tesla owners with a Tesla logo with their permission.

This device will provide security for your charging cable while charging unattended, and provide security from someone unplugging you prematurely with a public cord. It can be placed either behind the tire or lateral to it with equal security. Lateral seems to be easier to use.

 

[Doug_G]

Ok, I promised a device to secure your charging cable. Photos of my prototype are available HERE.

I like it! When can we get them?

 

[Adm]

If you have a signature version I'll order one too! ;-) Be careful using the Tesla logo without their written consent.

 

[DisneylandIsHome]

Sign me up.

 

[bonnie]

Want one, please.

 

[malcolm]

My 2 cents

rather than have the underside of the cable rest against the road surface, could you have an all-in-one clamshell design with an integral hinge (polypropylene for durability?). So you fold the thing around the cable and then wedge it under the wheel / drive over it.

I suppose if it includes snap fits to lock it together, you could just leave it on the cable. It's not like the distance between the charge port and the wheel is gonna change (unless Tesla have the foresight to allow the same cable to be used on the Model S

ETA: you may want to look at branding for different EV manufacturers. Tesla and Nissan are the most obvious, but this has the potential to appeal to all plug-in varieties. No pressure

 

[Lloyd]

My 2 cents

rather than have the underside of the cable rest against the road surface, could you have an all-in-one clamshell design with an integral hinge (polypropylene for durability?). So you fold the thing around the cable and then wedge it under the wheel / drive over it.

I suppose if it includes snap fits to lock it together, you could just leave it on the cable. It's not like the distance between the charge port and the wheel is gonna change (unless Tesla have the foresight to allow the same cable to be used on the Model S

ETA: you may want to look at branding for different EV manufacturers. Tesla and Nissan are the most obvious, but this has the potential to appeal to all plug-in varieties. No pressure

We wanted to make it easy to use for both your own cables, or public cables. This will not damage your cables. It puts just enough pressure on them to keep them from sliding through. The clamshell idea is interesting but more complex, and you have the potential to leave it on a public cable.

Interesting: The Santanna Row store wanted a couple initially also. They have been having a problem with Tesla owners unplugging their demo cars at night while at dinner, then their demo cars are not charged for their first test drive in the am.

I am considering taking pre-orders, but in reality we are likely several months from getting numbers of these and being ready to ship. I will post some pre-order information when we get closer.

 

[malcolm]

... you have the potential to leave it on a public cable.

Emboss your web address into the product. Advertising :biggrin:

 

[NigelM]

I feel bad about putting up an alternative to Lloyd's idea, but here's one I put together today for under $25, no work involved and no driving the car back and forth over something on the floor. It takes up minimal space in the trunk and works with the UMC, the mobile charger and the J1772 adaptor.

I bought a 2.5" lock which has a 1.25" gap inside the loop. This is stainless steel from Lowes cost $16.89.

At the same time I bought a 3/8" steel cable, also from Lowes for $7.97. They have different lengths, the 7' one is ideal.

I just put the steel cable around the wheel on the ground; no threading through holes necessary, no positioning of pieces on the ground and driving the car over it. Then attach to the lock and loop it round the charge cable.

Pop the key onto the same ring as my ignition key. Presto!

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