ELECTRICITY TRANSFER SYSTEM NETWORK AND RELATED METHODS

• US 20120197693A1
• Filed: 02/16/2012
• Published: 08/02/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 07/23/2010
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Blink Acquisition, LLC (Blink Charging Co.)
• Original Assignee: Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation (Intertek Group PLC)
• Inventors: Karner, Donald B., Beauregard, Garrett, Page, Robert, Read, Colin, Fioriti, Gregory P., Broadnax, Cecil H. III, Carpinteri, Carmelo A., Hooper, Andrew W., Gomez, Cynthia M.
• Application Number:
  US13/398,675
• Publication Number:
  US 20120197693A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/10 Air crafts
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/12 Bikes
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/26 Rail vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/36 Vehicles designed to transport cargo, e.g. trucks
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/40 Working vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/42 Fork lift trucks
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/545 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/547 Voltage
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/549 Current
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/70 Interactions with external data bases, e.g. traffic centres
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/72 Charging station selection relying on external data
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/80 Time limits
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/14 by input of vehicle departure time
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/20 using propulsion power generated by humans or animals
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/30 using propulsion power stored mechanically, e.g. in fly-wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/40 using propulsion power supplied by capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/12 Inductive energy transfer
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/14 Conductive energy transfer
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/305 Communication interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/31 Charging columns specially adapted for electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/50 : Charging stations characterised by energy-storage or power-generation means
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/51 : Photovoltaic means
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/52 : Wind-driven generators
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/63 : in response to network capacity
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/65 : involving identification of vehicles or their battery types
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/665 : Methods related to measuring, billing or payment
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/68 : Off-site monitoring or control, e.g. remote control
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 55/00 : Arrangements for supplying energy stored within a vehicle to a power network, i.e. vehicle-to-grid [V2G] arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/30 : for monitoring or controlling fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/02 : Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/102 : Bill distribution or payments
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0207 : Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0241 : Advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0251 : Targeted advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/40 : Business processes related to the transportation industry shipping G06Q10/083
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0042 : characterised by the mechanical construction
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/00 : Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 : Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 : Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/72 : Electric energy management in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/12 : Electric charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 : Plug-in electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/16 : Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/167 : Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for supporting the interoperability of electric or hybrid vehicles, i.e. smartgrids as interface for battery charging of electric vehicles [EV] or hybrid vehicles [HEV]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/40 : Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 10/126 : the energy generation units being or involving electric vehicles [EV] or hybrid vehicles [HEV], i.e. power aggregation of EV or HEV, vehicle to grid arrangements [V2G]
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 30/14 : Details associated with the interoperability, e.g. vehicle recognition, authentication, identification or billing
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 50/12 : Billing, invoicing, buying or selling transactions or other related activities, e.g. cost or usage evaluation
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 50/14 : Marketing, i.e. market research and analysis, surveying, promotions, advertising, buyer profiling, customer management or rewards

Abstract

Some embodiments include an electricity transfer system network. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Claims

1. ) An electricity transfer system network configured to be operated by an electricity transfer system network operator, the electricity transfer system network comprising:

multiple electricity transfer systems;

wherein;

the electricity transfer system network is configured such that the user is able to use each of the multiple electricity transfer systems in two or more user capacities;

the electricity transfer system network operator bills the user for the user'"'"'s use of the multiple electricity transfer systems according to two or more payment schemes;

the two or more user capacities comprise at least two of a guest user capacity, a first-tier member user capacity, a second-tier member user capacity, or a free user capacity;

the two or more payment schemes comprise at least two of a pay-per-transaction payment scheme, a pay-per-period payment scheme, or a non-payment payment scheme;

when the user uses the multiple electricity transfer systems in the guest user capacity, the electricity transfer system network operator is paid by the user according to the pay-per-transaction payment scheme;

when the user uses the multiple electricity transfer systems in either of the first-tier member capacity or the second-tier member capacity, the electricity transfer system network operator is paid by the user according to the pay-per-period payment scheme; and

when the user uses the multiple electricity transfer systems in the free user capacity, the electricity transfer system operator is paid by the user according to the non-payment payment scheme.

2. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 1 wherein:

the electricity transfer system network operator administrates the electricity transfer system network with at least one of an electricity transfer system network computer system or an application programmable interface.

3. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 1 wherein:

under the pay-per-transaction payment scheme, the user receives a one-time activation code for a single use of one of the multiple electricity transfer systems after authorizing the electricity transfer system network operator to bill the user on a one-off basis.

4. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 1 wherein:

under the pay-per-period payment scheme, the user provides authorization to the electricity transfer system network operator to regularly bill a revolving account of the user for uses of the multiple electricity transfer systems by the user during a predetermined period of time.

5. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 4 wherein:

under the pay-per-period payment scheme, the user further provides authorization to the electricity transfer system network operator to bill the revolving account of the user for the uses of the multiple electricity transfer systems by the user in an event that an aggregate cost of the uses of the multiple electricity transfer systems by the user equals or exceeds a predetermined cost.

6. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 4 wherein:

the predetermined period of time comprises a month.

7. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 1 further comprising:

an authentication mechanism provided by the electricity transfer system network operator;

wherein;

the multiple electricity transfer systems are configured to authenticate an identity of the user via the authentication mechanism when the user uses the multiple electricity transfer systems in either of the first-tier member capacity or the second-tier member capacity.

8. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 1 wherein:

the electricity transfer system network operator bills the user for taxes associated with using the multiple electricity transfer systems as part of the two or more payment schemes.

9. ) A method of operating at least one of an electricity transfer system network computer system of an electricity transfer system network or an application programmable interface, at least part of the method being implemented via execution of computer instructions configured to run at one or more processing modules and configured to be stored at one or more memory storage modules of at least one of the electricity transfer system network computer system or one or more cloud computers, the method comprising:

executing one or more first computer instructions configured to communicate with an electricity transfer system of electricity transfer systems affiliated with the electricity transfer system network to permit a user of the electricity transfer system network to use the electricity transfer system to transfer electricity from the electricity transfer system to a rechargeable energy storage system of an electric vehicle of the user;

executing one or more second computer instructions configured to receive a signal from the electricity transfer system indicating that the user is using the electricity transfer system in one of two or more user capacities, the two or more user capacities comprising at least two of a guest user capacity, a first-tier member user capacity, or a second-tier member user capacity;

executing one or more third computer instructions configured to bill the user for using the electricity transfer system according to a pay-per-transaction payment scheme if the user uses the electricity transfer system in the guest user capacity; and

executing one or more fourth computer instructions configured to bill the user for using the electricity transfer system according to a pay-per-period payment scheme if the user uses the electricity transfer system in either of the first-tier member user capacity or the second-tier member user capacity,

wherein the computer instructions comprise the one or more first, second, third, and fourth computer instructions.

10. ) The method of claim 9 wherein:

the at least two of the guest user capacity, the first-tier member user capacity, or the second-tier member user capacity further comprises at least three of the guest user capacity, the first-tier member user capacity, the second-tier member user capacity, or a free user capacity; and

the method further comprises executing one or more fifth computer instructions configured to bill the user for using the electricity transfer system according to a non-payment payment scheme if the user uses the electricity transfer system in the free user capacity.

11. ) The method of claim 9 wherein:

executing the one or more third computer instructions comprises executing one or more fifth computer instructions configured to provide a one-time activation code to the user for a single use of the electricity transfer system after receiving authorization from the user to bill the user on a one-off basis.

12. ) The method of claim 9 wherein:

executing the one or more fourth computer instructions comprises executing one or more fifth computer instructions configured to bill a revolving account of the user (a) for use of the electricity transfer system by the user upon completion of a predetermined period of time, (b) for other uses of the electricity transfer system by the user during the predetermined period of time, and (c) for use of other ones of the electricity transfer systems of the electricity transfer system network during the predetermined period of time.

13. ) The method of claim 12 wherein:

executing the one or more fourth computer instructions further comprises executing one or more sixth computer instructions configured to bill the revolving account of the user in the event that the user owes more than a predetermined quantity of money within the predetermined period of time.

14. ) The method of claim 9 further comprising:

executing one or more fifth computer instructions configured to authenticate an identity of the user via an authentication mechanism after executing the one or more second computer instructions.

15. ) The method of claim 9 wherein:

executing the one or more third computer instructions comprises executing one or more fifth computer instructions configured to bill the user for taxes associated with using the electricity transfer system integrally with the pay-per-transaction payment scheme if the user uses the electricity transfer system in the guest user capacity; and

executing the one or more fourth computer instructions comprises executing one or more sixth computer instructions configured to bill the user for the taxes associated with using the electricity transfer system integrally with the pay-per-period payment scheme if the user uses the electricity transfer system in the either of the first-tier member user capacity or the second-tier member user capacity.

16. ) An electricity transfer system network configured to be operated by an electricity transfer system network operator, the electricity transfer system network comprising:

an electricity transfer system configured to permit a user of the electricity transfer system network to use the electricity transfer system to transfer electricity from the electricity transfer system to a rechargeable energy storage system of an electric vehicle of the user;

wherein;

the electricity transfer system network is organized such that the user is able to use the electricity transfer system in two or more user capacities;

the electricity transfer system network operator bills the user for use of the electricity transfer system according to two or more user fee structures corresponding to the two or more user capacities respectively;

the two or more user capacities comprise at least two of a guest user capacity, a first-tier member user capacity, a second-tier member user capacity, or a free user capacity; and

the two or more user fee structures comprise at least two of a guest user fee structure, a first-tier member user fee structure, a second-tier member user fee structure, or a free user fee structure.

17. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 16 wherein:

the electricity transfer system network operator administrates the electricity transfer system network with at least one of an electricity transfer system network computer system or an application programmable interface.

18. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 16 wherein:

the electricity transfer system network operator establishes the two or more user capacities; and

at least one of the electricity transfer system network operator or a host of the electricity transfer system establishes the two or more user fee structures.

19. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 16 wherein:

for a particular transaction where the user uses the electricity transfer system;

a first cost to the user if billed according to the second-tier member user fee structure is less than a second cost to the user if billed according to the first-tier member user fee structure; and

the second cost to the user is less than a third cost to the user if billed according to the guest user fee structure.

20. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 16 wherein:

the electricity transfer system network operator receives a membership fee from the user in order for the user to be able to use the electricity transfer system in at least one of the first-tier member user capacity or the second-tier member user capacity.

21. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 20 wherein:

the membership fee comprises at least one of an upfront membership fee or an annual membership fee.

22. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 16 further comprising:

an other electricity transfer system configured to permit the user of the electricity transfer system network to use the other electricity transfer system to transfer electricity from the other electricity transfer system to the rechargeable energy storage system of the electric vehicle of the user;

wherein;

the electricity transfer system network is organized such that the user is able to use the other electricity transfer system in the two or more user capacities;

the electricity transfer system network operator bills the user for use of the other electricity transfer system according to two or more other user fee structures corresponding to the two or more user capacities respectively;

the two or more other user fee structures comprise at least two of an other guest user fee structure, an other first-tier member user fee structure, an other second-tier member user fee structure, or the free user fee structure; and

each of the guest user fee structure, the first-tier member user fee structure, and the second-tier member user fee structure differ from the other guest user fee structure, the other first-tier member user fee structure, and the other second-tier member user fee structure, respectively, according to at least one of;

(a) at least one regional factor or (b) at least one host preference.

23. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 16 wherein:

the electricity transfer system comprises at least one of extended charge electric vehicle supply equipment or fast charge electric vehicle supply equipment;

wherein;

when the electricity transfer system comprises the extended charge electric vehicle supply equipment, the guest user fee structure comprises an extended charge guest user fee structure, the first-tier member user fee structure comprises an extended charge first-tier member user fee structure, and the second-tier member user fee structure comprises an extended charge second-tier member user fee structure; and

when the electricity transfer system comprises the fast charge electric vehicle supply equipment, the guest user fee structure comprises a fast charge guest user fee structure that is different from the extended charge guest user fee structure, the first-tier member user fee structure comprises a fast charge first-tier member user fee structure that is different from the extended charge first-tier member user fee structure, and the second-tier member user fee structure comprises a fast charge second-tier member user fee structure that is different from the extended charge second-tier member user fee structure.

24. ) A method of operating at least one of an electricity transfer system network computer system of an electricity transfer system network or an application programmable interface, at least part of the method being implemented via execution of computer instructions configured to run at one or more processing modules and configured to be stored at one or more memory storage modules of at least one of the electricity transfer system network computer system or one or more cloud computers, the method comprising:

executing one or more first computer instructions configured to communicate with an electricity transfer system configured to permit a user of the electricity transfer system network to use the electricity transfer system to transfer electricity from the electricity transfer system to a rechargeable energy storage system of an electric vehicle of the user;

executing one or more second computer instructions configured to receive a signal from the electricity transfer system indicating that the user is using the electricity transfer system in one of two or more user capacities, the two or more user capacities comprising at least two of a guest user capacity, a first-tier member user capacity, or a second-tier member user capacity; and

executing one or more third computer instructions configured to bill the user for use of the electricity transfer system according to one of two or more user fee structures corresponding to the two or more user capacities, respectively, the two or more user fee structures comprise at least two of a guest user fee structure, a first-tier member user fee structure, or a second-tier member user fee structure,

wherein the computer instructions comprise the one or more first, second, and third computer instructions, and the electricity transfer system network comprises the electricity transfer system.

25. ) The method of claim 24 wherein:

the at least two of the guest user capacity, the first-tier member user capacity, or the second-tier member user capacity further comprises at least three of the guest user capacity, the first-tier member user capacity, the second-tier member user capacity, or a free user capacity; and

the at least two of the guest user fee structure, the first-tier member user fee structure, or the second-tier member user fee structure further comprises at least two of the guest user fee structure, the first-tier member user fee structure, or the second-tier member user fee structure, or a free user fee structure.

26. ) The method of claim 24 further comprising:

establishing the two or more user capacities; and

one of;

establishing the two or more user fee structures;

agreeing on the two or more user fee structures with the host;

or

receiving the two or more user fee structures from the host.

27. ) The method of claim 24 wherein:

executing the one or more third computer instructions comprises one of;

executing one or more fourth computer instructions configured to bill the user a first amount of money if the user uses the electricity transfer system in the second-tier member user capacity;

executing one or more fifth computer instructions configured to bill the user a second amount of money if the user uses the electricity transfer system in the first-tier member user capacity, the second amount of money being greater than the first amount of money;

or

executing one or more sixth computer instructions configured to bill the user a third amount of money if the user uses the electricity transfer system in the guest user capacity, the third amount of money being greater than the second amount of money.

28. ) The method of claim 24 further comprising:

executing one or more fourth computer instructions configured to receive a membership fee from the user in order for the user to be able to use the electricity transfer system in at least one of the first-tier member user capacity or the second-tier member user capacity.

29. ) The method of claim 28 wherein:

executing the one or more fourth computer instructions comprises executing one or more fifth computer instructions configured to receive at least one of an upfront membership fee or an annual membership fee.

30. ) The method of claim 24 further comprising:

executing one or more fourth computer instructions configured to communicate with an other electricity transfer system configured to permit the user of the electricity transfer system network to use the other electricity transfer system to transfer electricity from the other electricity transfer system to the rechargeable energy storage system of the electric vehicle of the user;

executing one or more fifth computer instructions configured to receive an other signal from the electricity transfer system indicating that the user is using the other electricity transfer system in one of the two or more user capacities; and

executing one or more sixth computer instructions configured to bill the user for use of the other electricity transfer system according to one of two or more other user fee structures corresponding to the two or more user capacities, respectively, the two or more other user fee structures comprising at least two of an other guest user fee structure, an other first-tier member user fee structure, or an other second-tier member user fee structure, and each of the guest user fee structure, the first-tier member user fee structure, and the second-tier member user fee structure differing from the other guest user fee structure, the other first-tier member user fee structure, and the other second-tier member user fee structure, respectively, according to at least one of;

(a) at least one regional factor or (b) at least one host preference.

31. ) The method of claim 24 wherein:

executing the one or more first computer instructions comprises executing one or more fourth computer instructions configured to communicate with at least one of an extended charge electric vehicle supply equipment or a fast charge electric vehicle supply equipment, the electricity transfer system comprising the at least one of the extended charge electric vehicle supply equipment or the fast charge electric vehicle supply equipment;

when the electricity transfer system comprises the extended charge electric vehicle supply equipment, executing the one or more second computer instructions comprises executing one or more fifth computer instructions configured to receive a second request from the electricity transfer system indicating that the user is using the electricity transfer system in one of;

(a) an extended charge guest user capacity of the guest user capacity, (b) an extended charge first-tier member user capacity of the first-tier member user capacity, or (c) an extended charge second-tier member user capacity of the second-tier member user capacity; and

when the electricity transfer system comprises the fast charge electric vehicle supply equipment, executing the one or more second computer instructions comprises executing one or more sixth computer instructions configured to receive a third request from the electricity transfer system indicating that the user is using the electricity transfer system in one of;

(a) a fast charge guest user capacity of the guest user capacity that is different from the extended charge guest user capacity, (b) a fast charge first-tier member user capacity of the first-tier member user capacity that is different from the extended charge first-tier member user capacity, or (c) a fast charge second-tier member user capacity of the second-tier member user capacity that is different from the extended charge second-tier member user capacity.

32. ) An electricity transfer system network configured to be operated by an electricity transfer system network operator, the electricity transfer system network comprising:

an electricity transfer system of a host;

wherein;

the electricity transfer system is configured to permit a user of the electricity transfer system network to use the electricity transfer system to transfer electricity from the electricity transfer system to a rechargeable energy storage system of an electric vehicle of the user;

the host is affiliated with the electricity transfer system network and is separate from the electric transfer system network operator;

the electricity transfer system network is organized such that the user is able to use the electricity transfer system in two or more user capacities;

the two or more user capacities comprise at least two of a guest user capacity, a first-tier member user capacity, or a second-tier member user capacity; and

the electricity transfer system network operator provides one or more host incentives to the host in exchange for being affiliated with the electricity transfer system network.

33. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 32 wherein:

the electricity transfer system network operator administrates the electricity transfer system network with at least one of an electricity transfer system network computer system or an application programmable interface.

34. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 32 wherein:

at least one of the electricity transfer system network operator or the host establishes operation time parameters of the electricity transfer system.

35. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 32 wherein:

the two or more user capacities further comprise at least one of a fleet user capacity or a free user capacity.

36. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 32 wherein:

the one or more host incentives comprise revenue sharing by the electricity transfer system network operator with at least the host.

37. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 32 wherein:

the electricity transfer system is configured so that the electricity transfer system network operator is able to present third-party data to the user;

the third-party data comprises host advertisement data; and

the one or more host incentives comprise the host advertisement data provided to the user.

38. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 32 wherein:

the electricity transfer system is configured so that the electricity transfer system network operator is able to present third-party data to the user;

the host is able to select at least some of the third-party data presented to the user; and

the one or more host incentives comprise the host being able to select the at least some of the third-party data presented to the user.

39. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 32 wherein:

the one or more host incentives comprise at least one of (a) one or more host coupons provided to the user, (b) one or more programs encouraging dialogue between the user and the host, or (c) access to usage data corresponding to the user.

40. ) A method of operating at least one of an electricity transfer system network computer system of an electricity transfer system network or an application programmable interface, at least part of the method being implemented via execution of computer instructions configured to run at one or more processing modules and configured to be stored at one or more memory storage modules of at least one of the electricity transfer system network computer system or one or more cloud computers, the method comprising:

executing one or more first computer instructions configured to communicate with an electricity transfer system of a host, the electricity transfer system being configured to permit a user of the electricity transfer system network to use the electricity transfer system to transfer electricity from the electricity transfer system to a rechargeable energy storage system of an electric vehicle of the user, and the host being affiliated with the electricity transfer system network;

executing one or more second computer instructions configured to receive a signal from the electricity transfer system indicating that the user is using the electricity transfer system in one of two or more user capacities, the two or more user capacities comprising at least two of a guest user capacity, a first-tier member user capacity, or a second-tier member user capacity; and

executing one or more third computer instructions configured to incentivize the host to affiliate with the electricity transfer system network,

wherein the computer instructions comprise the one or more first, second, and third computer instructions.

41. ) The method of claim 40 wherein:

executing the one or more third computer instructions comprises executing one or more fourth computer instructions configured to provide operation time parameters of the electricity transfer system to the electricity transfer system, the operation time parameters being established by at least one of an electricity transfer system network operator or the host.

42. ) The method of claim 40 wherein:

executing the one or more third computer instructions comprises executing the one or more second computer instructions, where the two or more user capacities further comprise at least one of a fleet user capacity or a free user capacity.

43. ) The method of claim 40 wherein:

executing the one or more third computer instructions comprises executing one or more fourth computer instructions configured to share at least part of the revenue of the electricity transfer system network with at least the host.

44. ) The method of claim 40 further comprising:

executing one or more fourth computer instructions configured to present third-party data to the user, the third-party data comprising host advertisement data,

wherein executing the one or more third computer instructions comprises executing the one or more fourth computer instructions.

45. ) The method of claim 40 further comprising:

executing one or more fourth computer instructions configured to present third-party data to the user,

wherein executing the one or more third computer instructions comprises executing one or more fifth computer instructions configured to receive a selection by the host of at least some of the third-party data to be presented to the user.

46. ) The method of claim 40 wherein:

executing the one or more third computer instructions comprises at least one of;

(a) executing one or more fourth computer instructions configured to provide one or more host coupons provided to the user, (b) executing one or more fifth computer instructions configured to notify the user of one or more programs encouraging a commercial transaction between the user and the host, or (c) executing one or more sixth computer instructions configured to make usage data corresponding to the user available to the host.

47. ) An electricity transfer system network configured to be operated by an electricity transfer system network operator, the electricity transfer system network comprising:

an electricity transfer system configured to permit a user of the electricity transfer system network to use the electricity transfer system to transfer electricity from the electricity transfer system to a rechargeable energy storage system of an electric vehicle of the user;

wherein;

the electricity transfer system network is organized such that the user is able to use the electricity transfer system in two or more user capacities;

the two or more user capacities comprise at least two of a guest user capacity, a first-tier member user capacity, or a second-tier member user capacity; and

the electricity transfer system network operator provides one or more member incentives to the user in exchange for using the electricity transfer system in at least one of the first-tier member user capacity or the second-tier member user capacity.

48. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 47 wherein:

the electricity transfer system network operator administrates the electricity transfer system network with at least one of an electricity transfer system network computer system or an application programmable interface.

49. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 47 wherein:

the electricity transfer system is configured to be reserved for future use; and

the one or more member incentives comprise the electricity transfer system network operator permitting the user to reserve the electricity transfer system for the future use.

50. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 47 wherein:

the one or more member incentives comprise at least one of (a) one or more electricity transfer credits, (b) one or more electricity transfer coupons, (c) one or more third-party coupons, or (d) access to usage data corresponding to the user.

51. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 47 wherein:

the one or more member incentives comprise at least one of (a) access to one or more user electronic forums permitting the user to communicate with one or more other users of the electricity transfer system network or (b) access to one or more events permitting the user to communicate with the one or more other users of the electricity transfer system network.

52. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 47 wherein:

the one or more member incentives comprise access to one or more events providing one or more opportunities for discounted or free use of the electricity transfer system to the user.

53. ) The electricity transfer system network of claim 47 wherein:

the one or more member incentives comprise access to a map being configured to indicate a location of the electricity transfer system and at least one of an availability of the electricity transfer system, a cost of using the electricity transfer system, a type of the electricity transfer system, or at least one reference location associated with the electricity transfer system.

54. ) A method of operating at least one of an electricity transfer system network computer system of an electricity transfer system network or an application programmable interface, at least part of the method being implemented via execution of computer instructions configured to run at one or more processing modules and configured to be stored at one or more memory storage modules of at least one of the electricity transfer system network computer system or one or more cloud computers, the method comprising:

executing one or more first computer instructions configured to communicate with an electricity transfer system of a host, the electricity transfer system being configured to permit a user of the electricity transfer system network to use the electricity transfer system to transfer electricity from the electricity transfer system to a rechargeable energy storage system of an electric vehicle of the user and the host being affiliated with the electricity transfer system network;

executing one or more second computer instructions configured to receive a request from the electricity transfer system indicating that the user is using the electricity transfer system in one of two or more user capacities, the two or more user capacities comprising at least two of a guest user capacity, a first-tier member user capacity, or a second-tier member user capacity; and

executing one or more third computer instructions configured to incentivize the user to use the electricity transfer system in at least one of the first-tier member capacity or the second-tier member capacity,

wherein the computer instructions comprise the one or more first, second, and third computer instructions.

55. ) The method of claim 54 further comprising:

executing one or more fourth computer instructions configured to accept a reservation request from the user to use the electricity transfer system in at least one of the first-tier member user capacity or the second-tier member capacity,

wherein executing the one or more third computer instructions comprises executing the one or more fourth computer instructions.

56. ) The method of claim 54 wherein:

executing the one or more third computer instructions comprises at least one of;

(a) executing one or more fourth computer instructions configured to provide to the user one or more electricity transfer credits, (b) executing one or more fifth computer instructions configured to provide to the user one or more electricity transfer coupons, (c) executing one or more sixth computer instructions configured to provide to the user one or more third-party coupons, or (d) executing one or more seventh computer instructions configured to make usage data corresponding to the user available to the user.

57. ) The method of claim 54 wherein:

executing the one or more third computer instructions comprises at least one of;

(a) executing one or more fourth computer instructions configured to provide to the user access to one or more user electronic forums permitting the user to communicate with one or more other users of the electricity transfer system network or (b) executing one or more fifth computer instructions configured to notify the user of one or more events permitting the user to communicate with the one or more other users of the electricity transfer system network.

58. ) The method of claim 54 wherein:

executing the one or more third computer instructions comprises executing one or more fourth computer instructions configured to notify the user of one or more events providing one or more opportunities for discounted or free use of the electricity transfer system.

59. ) The method of claim 54 wherein:

executing the one or more third computer instructions comprises executing one or more fourth computer instructions configured to provide a map to the user, the map being configured to indicate a location of the electricity transfer system and at least one of an availability of the electricity transfer system, a cost of using the electricity transfer system, a type of the electricity transfer system, or at least one reference location associated with the electricity transfer system.