Blockchain-Based Privacy-Preserving Networking Strategy for Dynamic Wireless Charging of EVs

Abstract

Dynamic wireless charging of electric vehicles (EVs) enables the exchange of power between a mobile EV and the electricity grid via a set of charging pads (CPs) deployed along the road. Accordingly, dynamic charging coordination can be introduced for a group of mobile EVs to specify where each EV can charge (i.e., from which CPs). This coordination mechanism maximizes the satisfied charging requests given the limited available energy supply. Upon specifying the optimal set of pads for a given EV, a fast authentication mechanism is required between the EV and the CPs to start the charging process. However, both the coordination and authentication mechanisms require exchanging private information, e.g., EV identities and locations. Hence, there is a need for a strategy that enables privacy-preservation in dynamic charging via supporting: (i) user anonymity and (ii) data unlinkability. In this paper, we propose a decentralized and scalable networking strategy based on a specially designed private blockchain that can support the privacy requirements of dynamic charging coordination, authentication, and billing. The proposed networking strategy relies on group signature and distributed random number generators to support the desirable features. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency and low complexity of the proposed blockchain-based networking strategy.