Rivian has filed a patent utility for a pass-through charging system that may enable the automaker’s electrical vans to go present from automobile to automobile.

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

The system would basically flip electrical autos into extension cords. One automobile may plug into each a standard charger and a second automobile, which in flip would plug into one other automobile. A switching gadget would enable energy to be despatched both to the battery pack, as in typical charging, or to an output that may go electrical energy to a different automobile.

Rivian pass-through charging patent picture

This is not suggested for many present EVs or charging methods, and it would void warranties. However such a system may probably bypass such considerations. 

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

Such a system might be used the place area is a matter, such when two autos are parked shut collectively in a personal storage, or rows of autos are parked in a industrial fleet storage, the applying states. Utilizing autos as a junction or relay would seemingly be permissible beneath present requirements, which do not enable precise extension cords to attach chargers and autos.

Towing is not talked about within the utility, however pass-through charging may add some flexibility there as nicely, the place disconnecting from a trailer to achieve a charger could be inconvenient. Rivian, which focuses round extra of an outdoorsy way of life and the conditions it would 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 utility 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 prospects, Rivian 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 remains to be constructing its personal charging community, with an emphasis on backwoods areas.

Rivian is clearly prepared to strive completely different concepts, however the firm can also be studying that not every part that is technically potential is a good suggestion. CEO RJ Scaringe lately defined that the Tank Flip mode first proven manner again in December 2019 will not be added to manufacturing autos as a result of it tears up trails.