An electric vehicle charging station (10) comprises a pillar (12) and a casing (14) for installing underground. The casing (14) has a base (26), a side wall (24) and a top (22) defining an inner space, an opening (28) being provided in the top (22) for receiving the pillar (12). The electric vehicle charging station (10) includes a power socket (30) for connection to a power supply and for receiving a power connector of an electric vehicle. The power socket (30) is joined to the pillar (12) and situated near a top end of the pillar (12), the bottom end of the pillar (12) is received in the opening (28) of the casing and the pillar (12) is movable between a retracted position for storing the pillar (12) within the inner space of the casing (14) below ground, and an extended position for supporting the power socket (30) outside the casing (14) above ground.

An electric vehicle charging station (10) comprises a pillar (12) and a casing (14) for installing underground. The casing (14) has a base (26), a side wall (24) and a top (22) defining an inner space, an opening (28) being provided in the top (22) for receiving the pillar (12). The electric vehicle charging station (10) includes a power socket (30) for connection to a power supply and for receiving a power connector of an electric vehicle. The power socket (30) is joined to the pillar (12) and situated near a top end of the pillar (12), the bottom end of the pillar (12) is received in the opening (28) of the casing and the pillar (12) is movable between a retracted position for storing the pillar (12) within the inner space of the casing (14) below ground, and an extended position for supporting the power socket (30) outside the casing (14) above ground.

Systems and techniques are provided for charging devices at a property using battery-charging drones. In some implementations, a monitoring system is configured to monitor a property and includes a battery-powered sensor configured to generate sensor data. The system includes a drone that is configured to navigate the property and charge the battery-powered sensor. A monitor control unit is configured to obtain a battery level from the battery-powered sensor and compare the battery level to a battery level threshold. Based on the comparison, the monitor control unit determines that the battery level does not satisfy the threshold. Based on the determination, the monitor control unit generates and transmits an instruction to a drone for the drone to navigate to the battery-powered sensor and charge a battery of the battery-powered sensor. The monitor control unit receives data from the drone that indicates whether the drone charged the battery of the sensor.

Systems and techniques are provided for charging devices at a property using battery-charging drones. In some implementations, a monitoring system is configured to monitor a property and includes a battery-powered sensor configured to generate sensor data. The system includes a drone that is configured to navigate the property and charge the battery-powered sensor. A monitor control unit is configured to obtain a battery level from the battery-powered sensor and compare the battery level to a battery level threshold. Based on the comparison, the monitor control unit determines that the battery level does not satisfy the threshold. Based on the determination, the monitor control unit generates and transmits an instruction to a drone for the drone to navigate to the battery-powered sensor and charge a battery of the battery-powered sensor. The monitor control unit receives data from the drone that indicates whether the drone charged the battery of the sensor.

A system for controlling a group of charging stations for at least one electric vehicle includes a central device charger controller for controlling system operation. A plurality of charging units communicate with the central device charger controller. The plurality of charging units each further comprises charging circuitry for generating a charging current to the at least one electric vehicle responsive to power provided from a local power grid. A connector provides the generated charging current from the charging circuitry to the at least one electric vehicle. At least one interface within the central device charger controller enables communications with the central device charger controller and a plurality of mobile charging applications and controls charging of a connected at least one electric vehicle.

A charging socket includes a housing formed of an electrically insulating material, a cavity in the housing receiving an electrical contact, and a dual-functional element partially protruding from an outer surface of the housing. The dual-functional element has a fixing component and a drainage component. The fixing component protrudes from the housing and fixes the housing to a mounting bracket. The drainage component has a drainage channel within the housing discharging fluids from the charging socket.

A charging socket includes a housing formed of an electrically insulating material, a cavity in the housing receiving an electrical contact, and a dual-functional element partially protruding from an outer surface of the housing. The dual-functional element has a fixing component and a drainage component. The fixing component protrudes from the housing and fixes the housing to a mounting bracket. The drainage component has a drainage channel within the housing discharging fluids from the charging socket.

A charging connector is provided with a mating portion, a main portion, a body and a fasting member. The main portion is provided with a plurality of contacts, which are respectively connectable mating contacts of a mating connector, and a housing, which holds the contacts. The body accommodates the main portion at least in part and holds the main portion. The mating portion is located forward of the body in a front-rear direction. The fasting member fastens the mating portion to the body. The fasting member is not brought into contact with the housing at least in the front-rear direction.

A charging connector is provided with a mating portion, a main portion, a body and a fasting member. The main portion is provided with a plurality of contacts, which are respectively connectable mating contacts of a mating connector, and a housing, which holds the contacts. The body accommodates the main portion at least in part and holds the main portion. The mating portion is located forward of the body in a front-rear direction. The fasting member fastens the mating portion to the body. The fasting member is not brought into contact with the housing at least in the front-rear direction.

An electric vehicle charging station that is configured to be mounted in alternate locations on a residential structure and provide standardization of electrical coupling to all types of electric vehicles. The present invention includes a base cabinet having a plurality of walls and a bottom integrally formed to create an interior volume. A cable reel is rotatably mounted within the interior volume of the base cabinet wherein the cable reel further includes an axle. The axle is configured with an electrical coupling that is configured to couple to an end of an electrical cord suitable for charging an electric vehicle. A controller is electrically coupled to the axle and is further electrically coupled to a power source within the residential structure. The base cabinet is provided with an access port and a plurality of roller adjacent thereto for improved cable retraction or deployment.