Rivian has filed a patent software for a pass-through charging system that will permit the automaker’s electrical vans to cross present from car to car.

As described within the software, which was revealed by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) June 22 and initially filed in December 2021, pass-through charging may clear up the issue of a number of automobiles needing to be charged in a single location the place there will not be room for sufficient chargers.

The system would basically flip electrical automobiles into extension cords. One car may plug into each a traditional charger and a second car, which in flip would plug into one other car. A switching system would permit energy to be despatched both to the battery pack, as in standard charging, or to an output that will cross electrical energy to a different car.

Rivian pass-through charging patent picture

This is not suggested for many present EVs or charging techniques, and it’d void warranties. However such a system may doubtlessly bypass such issues. 

The patent drawings embrace Mixed Charging Normal (CCS) connectors, indicating AC or DC is likely to be used.

Such a system may very well be used the place area is a matter, such when two automobiles are parked shut collectively in a non-public storage, or rows of automobiles are parked in a business fleet storage, the applying states. Utilizing automobiles as a junction or relay would probably be permissible underneath present requirements, which do not permit precise extension cords to attach chargers and automobiles.

Towing is not talked about within the software, however pass-through charging would possibly add some flexibility there as properly, the place disconnecting from a trailer to succeed in a charger could be inconvenient. Rivian, which focuses round extra of an outdoorsy life-style and the conditions it’d convey, has proven that it is considering these conditions out, though they might by no means make it to manufacturing.

Rivian pass-through charging patent picture

Rivian has additionally filed a patent software for fanned air cooling to assist enhance fast-charging efficiency, and it introduced the addition of Magic Dock-compatible Superchargers again in March.

To enhance accessibility for its clients, Rivian just lately dedicated to the Tesla Supercharger community and its North American Charging Normal (NACS) connector, and acquired A Higher Routeplanner to assist drivers discover chargers. And Rivian continues to be constructing its personal charging community, with an emphasis on backwoods places.

Rivian is clearly keen to strive completely different concepts, however the firm can be studying that not all the things that is technically attainable is a good suggestion. CEO RJ Scaringe just lately defined that the Tank Flip mode first proven manner again in December 2019 will not be added to manufacturing automobiles as a result of it tears up trails.