Summary
- General Motors has filed a patent for utilizing electric-vehicle bidirectional charging capability and multiple charge ports.
- The patent focuses on how to balance current in and out of different charge ports for more flexibility in charging or discharging EVs.
- The capability could be used for various scenarios, such as charging an EV while sending power to an external energy-storage system.
- GM is exploring the idea of connecting multiple vehicles in a "daisy-chained" manner for charging with only one vehicle plugged in.
- Other automakers like Ford and Tesla have also discussed bidirectional charging, but further mandates may be needed to scale up the technology.
Article
General Motors recently filed a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office outlining various ways to utilize bidirectional charging capability and multiple charge ports for electric vehicles. The document, filed in June 2023 and published in December 2024, focuses more on usage schemes and control strategies rather than specific hardware. The goal is to allow for greater flexibility in charging and discharging EVs at any given time, essentially treating them as energy storage devices. This could revolutionize the way electric vehicles are charged and powered.
The patent outlines several examples of how this capability can be used in combination with multiple charge ports. One scenario involves using one port to charge an EV while using the second port to send power to an external energy-storage system. Another possibility is the concept of “daisy-chained” vehicles, where one vehicle is plugged into a charging station and connected to another vehicle via its charge port to transfer power. This would require a new generation of charge controllers and a different way of thinking about how bidirectional charging capability can be utilized.
General Motors is already using bidirectional charging with one port in its lineup, but the potential for multiple charge ports opens up new possibilities. The company has also filed a separate patent outlining how large electric trucks could benefit from multiple charge ports. Similarly, Ford has detailed in a patent how multiple charge ports could be used to connect multiple EVs in series. Other automakers like Tesla and Volvo have also explored bidirectional charging capabilities, but regulatory mandates may be necessary to further scale up this technology and fully unlock its potential.
In order for the concept of multi-port bidirectional charging to become a reality, a fleet of compatible vehicles would be required, along with a new range of charge controllers and strategies for managing power flow. This innovation could potentially transform the way electric vehicles are charged and powered, allowing for more efficient use of energy and increased flexibility for consumers. As electric vehicle technology continues to evolve, advancements like multi-port bidirectional charging have the potential to revolutionize the industry and make electric vehicles even more practical and widespread.
Overall, General Motors’ patent filing highlights the company’s commitment to advancing electric vehicle technology and exploring innovative ways to enhance the performance and usability of EVs. By developing multi-port bidirectional charging capabilities, GM is paving the way for a new era of electric vehicle charging infrastructure that could revolutionize the industry and further accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation. With ongoing advancements in electric vehicle technology, the potential for bidirectional charging to become mainstream is becoming increasingly promising, providing consumers with more options and flexibility when it comes to powering their electric vehicles.
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