- Patent permits increased cost charges from lower-voltage DC quick chargers
- Answer provides a sequence of relay switches and a capacitor
- It is a sensible workaround for Tesla V3 Superchargers, which might’t cost at 800 volts
Stellantis is engaged on {hardware} to spice up the output of low-power DC fast-chargers for electrical automobiles that may deal with that additional energy, whereas conserving added weight and complexity to a minimal.
Between the strains, though the patent makes no point out of Tesla, it might make a critical real-world charging distinction. The concept would possibly permit 800-volt EVs—massive EVs just like the upcoming Ram 1500 REV—to cost at a better fee when plugged into sub-800-volt fast-charge connectors, such because the overwhelming majority of these on the Tesla Supercharger community.
Stellantis confirmed plans to undertake the Tesla-based cost port, in any other case known as NACS and now a part of a normal known as SAE J3400, in February.
Rivian NACS adapter
This proposed enhance system is described by the automaker in a patent submitting printed by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) Oct. 31, 2024, however initially filed Apr. 25, 2023. In it, Stellantis says the system is designed to take full benefit of the charging capabilities of 800-volt car electrical architectures even when charging at 400-volt DC fast-charging stations.
Stellantis DC fast-charging enhance system patent picture
Whereas devoted DC enhance modules exist, these add important value and weight, and might be troublesome to package deal, Stellantis says within the doc. As a substitute, the automaker proposes utilizing a sequence of relay switches to spice up voltage. These switches, together with a small DC capacitor, can be the one further elements wanted, in keeping with Stellantis, which added that such {hardware} could possibly be utilized to plug-in hybrids in addition to EVs.
When charging at a lower-power station, the relay switches would permit present to circulate by a car’s inverter and an electrical motor throughout charging, with these elements producing two AC part currents that could possibly be transformed into a 3rd, higher-power DC present that might then be fed into the battery.
Stellantis DC fast-charging enhance system patent picture
The characteristic may not instantly be related for all that many fashions. Stellantis is sticking with a 400-volt structure for a lot of the near-term EVs constructed on its STLA platform technique set to underpin the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona and 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S. Nevertheless it has confirmed these huge Ram EVs will cost at 800 volts.
Streamlining charging {hardware} has been a significant focus for Stellantis. In 2023 the automaker mentioned plans to drop onboard chargers and inverters altogether in a bid to simplify future EVs.