DETROIT – The future of electric vehicle technology may be just around the corner — and it’s not necessarily what you might be envisioning.
A General Motors patent recently surfaced revealing some interesting ideas the company has regarding a burgeoning EV concept: bidirectional charging. Using this technology, EVs can become a power source of their own, providing charge to a home, grid, or even another EV.
1. Innovative Take on Bidirectional Charging Technology
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Bidirectional charging is not a new concept for GM. In fact, several EV manufacturers already use similar technology. However, GM is approaching it with fresh ideas. A recently published patent outlines how bidirectional charging could function using multiple charge ports.
According to the patent, bidirectional charging could improve the efficiency of a single charging station. For example, one port could power the vehicle’s battery, while another port could charge an external energy storage device. This approach would allow EV owners to support both mobility and backup power needs at the same time.
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2. How Daisy-Chaining EVs Could Transform Charging Networks
Another concept detailed in the patent introduces daisy-chaining EVs. In this setup, a single charging station powers multiple vehicles at once. This approach can be incredibly convenient for families with more than one EV. It also helps friends charge together while taking up less space at the station.
Additionally, this method can boost a drained battery with just enough power to reach the nearest charging point — almost like using EV jumper cables.
However, the greatest potential may come from companies managing EV fleets. Instead of purchasing a separate charging port for every vehicle, they can daisy-chain them from one source. This setup enables simple and effective overnight charging with minimal equipment.
Bidirectional charging already exists in the market. Even so, these patents prove that the technology still has plenty of untapped potential. Moreover, EV manufacturers continue to roll out fresh innovations beyond this breakthrough.
Ford recently filed a patent for a technology to make EV battery repair simpler and easier. Korean EV researchers have also developed a technology that can improve EV battery performance in cold weather.
While the present for EVs may be bright enough, it’s looking like the future may be even brighter.
Final Thoughts:
Sure, bidirectional charging already exists, but GM’s multi-port and fleet-focused approach makes it feel far more practical and scalable. If even half of these concepts make it into production, charging frustration could become a thing of the past — especially for multi-EV households and commercial fleets.
If you love staying ahead of EV innovations like this, stick around. We’re always digging up the next big breakthrough. Check out our latest news scoops to stay charged up.
FAQs:
1. What is bidirectional charging in EVs?
Bidirectional charging allows an electric vehicle to both receive and send power. That means your EV can charge itself, power your home, or even charge another vehicle or energy storage device.
2. How does GM’s patent improve existing bidirectional charging technology?
GM’s patent introduces the idea of multiple charge ports and daisy-chaining, allowing one charging station to power multiple EVs or devices at once — making charging more efficient for households and fleet operators.
