Normal Motors (GM) is exploring varied methods to utilize the bidirectional charging capabilities of electrical automobiles (EVs) and the potential for a number of charging ports, based on a just lately uncovered patent submitting.
The patent, printed by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on December 26, 2024, after being submitted by GM on June 22, 2023, focuses much less on particular {hardware} and extra on utilization methods and management strategies. It outlines learn how to handle the circulate of electrical energy by means of completely different cost ports.
This innovation may improve the pliability of charging or discharging EVs, enabling them to perform as power storage units. GM supplies a number of situations the place this functionality may be paired with a number of cost ports. As an illustration, one port might be used to cost an EV whereas one other sends energy to an exterior power storage system.
One other intriguing idea includes “daisy-chained” automobiles, the place a single car is plugged into a standard charging station whereas being linked to a second car by means of its extra cost port. This second car may, in flip, cost a 3rd car underneath related preparations.
The patent emphasizes the necessity for a brand new era of charging controllers and a reimagined method to utilizing bidirectional charging capabilities. It additionally factors out {that a} fleet of appropriate automobiles could be important for this method to work successfully.
Whereas GM has already built-in bidirectional charging in its lineup, this function is restricted to a single cost port for now. Nevertheless, in a separate patent, the corporate has mentioned the potential functions of a number of cost ports for big electrical vehicles.
Ford has additionally offered a patent concerning the probabilities of a number of cost ports, which incorporates connecting a number of EVs in sequence, echoing GM’s ideas. Different producers like Tesla have proven curiosity in incorporating bidirectional charging capabilities, whereas Volvo has moved this perform right into a separate power enterprise. The widespread adoption of bidirectional charging know-how might require regulatory help, reminiscent of proposed mandates in California, to completely understand its potential, as envisioned by GM.
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