DC Charger Daisy-Chain Access Points for Multi-EV Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electric vehicle charging systems are resource-intensive and designed for single-vehicle charging, lacking efficiency and flexibility for multiple vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a DC charger connected to multiple low-power access points (LPAPs) with controllers that manage charging based on vehicle battery voltages, allowing simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles by optimizing power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single DC charger is used to charge multiple electric vehicles, then resource utilization and charging efficiency are improved, but the system complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the charging function by introducing multiple LPAP units between the single DC charger and multiple vehicles. Each LPAP independently manages power delivery to one vehicle, dividing the complex multi-vehicle charging control into simpler individual units while maintaining overall system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

LPAPs serve as intermediary devices between the DC charger and vehicles. These intermediaries simplify the control architecture by handling vehicle-specific communication and power regulation, allowing the main DC charger to focus on high-voltage power delivery without direct involvement in individual vehicle control complexities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If AC EVSE is used, then development and construction costs are reduced, but on-board weight and resource use increase due to required AC-DC conversion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction costVSAvoidon-board weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The LPAP units provide universal DC charging capability that can serve multiple vehicles with different battery voltages and charging requirements. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for each vehicle to have its own AC-DC conversion system, as the infrastructure provides standardized DC output that vehicles can directly utilize.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If DC EVSE is used, then charging efficiency and on-board resource use are improved, but development and construction costs increase due to AC-DC conversion requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidconstruction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the AC-DC conversion function into centralized DC charger units rather than distributing it across multiple individual chargers or requiring it in each vehicle. This consolidation achieves high charging efficiency through DC delivery while reducing overall construction costs by eliminating redundant conversion equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If current EVSE infrastructure is used for single vehicle charging, then system simplicity is maintained, but resource utilization and charging flexibility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidcharging flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces dynamic adaptability through LPAP units that can dynamically adjust power distribution, voltage levels, and connection configurations based on real-time vehicle needs. This dynamic capability allows the infrastructure to flexibly accommodate multiple vehicles with different charging requirements while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient and flexible charging of multiple electric vehicles by dynamically adjusting power output based on battery states, reducing resource use and installation complexity.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the plurality of LPAPs is configured to transfer energy from the DC charger to an electric vehicle with the LPAP charging port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20260042364A1Charging multiple electric vehicles with a single charger

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A system for direct current (DC) charging for electric vehicles may include a DC charger having a DC charger charging port. The system further may include a plurality of low-power access points (LPAPs) each having a first daisy-chain port, a second daisy-chain port, and an LPAP charging port. The plurality of LPAPs are connected in series to the DC charger charging port of the DC charger with the first daisy-chain port and the second daisy-chain port. Each of the plurality of LPAPs is configured to transfer energy from the DC charger to an electric vehicle with the LPAP charging port. The system further may include a plurality of electric vehicles. Each of the plurality of electric vehicles is connected to the LPAP charging port of one of the plurality of LPAPs to charge the plurality of electric vehicles.