The Race to Charge: EVs, Patents, and the Future of Transportation | Blog Posts

This article will provide insights about electric vehicle charging and the increasing requirement for EV charging infrastructure. It further details the different standards, charging methods, and network across major countries. Lastly, a brief overview of the patent landscape and the significant increase in IP development related to EV charging is covered.

As the world prioritizes sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, electric vehicles have emerged as a leading solution for cleaner transportation. The advent of electric vehicles is introducing advanced technologies such as autonomous driving with artificial intelligence. With each passing year, electric vehicles continue to dominate the market, with major automakers rushing to expand their electric offerings to meet demand. However, as electric vehicles become more widespread, the need for efficient and reliable charging infrastructure has become a significant challenge. This has sparked a flurry of activity in the electric vehicle charging industry as companies race to develop new technologies and secure intellectual property rights to protect their innovations.

Charging an EV entails several approaches, ranging from battery swapping to onboard or offboard charging, contingent upon the EV model and its original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Numerous charging networks are available in various countries, each adhering to a set of charging standards. The following sections overview the diverse charging ports and charging methods. Additionally, this article delves into the intellectual property (IP) landscape, licensing, and litigations from NPEs. Batteries can have different chemical compositions, including Lithium-ion, Nickel-Metal Hydride, Nickel-Cadmium, lead-acid, and solid-state batteries. Nonetheless, Lithium-ion batteries are dominant and widely used in the industry for commercially used EVs. Prominent EV models, such as Tesla Model S, Model Y, Nissan Leaf, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Porche Taycan, and others, incorporate Li-ion batteries in their design.

Electric Vehicle Charging Methods

Electric vehicle charging can be achieved through two methods, namely conductive and inductive charging. While conductive charging is the most used method, the technology for safely transferring high amounts of power through inductive charging has yet to be commercially available. On the other hand, wireless charging of electric vehicles through induction is a promising technology with significant potential for the future. Below we discuss traditional EV charging methods and the different standards for the same.

There are broadly two methods of charging an EV, i.e., to use the onboard chargers or the offboard charger. From Figure 1, the difference between the two methods can easily be visualized. Using the onboard charger (1a) has its dimensions limitation, and it requires the EV to be supplied with AC power. This usually is the case with Level-1 and Level-2 charging.

The offboard charger (2a) in Figure 1 supplies DC power to the EV battery pack (3b). As the converter circuit is not in the EV generally, the power supplied from this type of charger is much higher, as will be discussed for DC fast charging. Figure 2 is a detailed schematic block diagram with EVSE and EV representation.

Illustration of EV charging using on-board and off-board charger — **Fig. 1 EV charging methods**

Block diagram of EV charging with EVSE and EV representation — **Fig. 2 Overview of EV charging**

Electric vehicle (EV) charging is categorized into Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging. Different EVs have different charging speeds, depending on the charger's power delivery and the EV's capacity to accept power. Before the charger is activated, the car communicates with it to determine the maximum power it can provide and the amount of power the EV can accept. This ensures that the charger won't deliver more power than the EV can handle, making it safe to charge.

Level – 1 and Level – 2 Charging

Level-1 and Level-2 charging are two common ways to charge electric vehicles (EVs) at home or in public charging stations. Level-1 charging is slower and uses a standard 120-volt outlet, taking up to 14-20 hours to fully charge. Level-2 charging is faster and uses a 240-volt outlet, fully charging in 4-8 hours. Level-2 is ideal for long daily commutes and can be more cost-effective for frequent EV use. Additionally, Level-2 charging can be more cost-effective than Level-1 charging for those who use their EVs often, as the charging station can be used for multiple vehicles and can help to reduce overall charging time.

DC Fast Charging

DC fast charging is a formidable solution that offers EV drivers a power-packed option for long-distance travel and commercial use. Equipped with high-powered charging equipment, DC fast charging stations deliver up to 350 kW of power, allowing EVs to be charged to 80% or more in as little as 20-30 minutes. These charging stations are conveniently located at public; highway rest stops and commercial locations, offering an excellent option for drivers seeking speedy and hassle-free charging services. With the EV charging network continuing to expand, DC fast charging has emerged as a pivotal component for commercial fleets that require fast and efficient charging to ensure uninterrupted operations. It is the ideal solution for taxis, delivery vehicles, buses, and other fleet vehicles, enabling them to maximize uptime and minimize range anxiety. By leveraging the unparalleled charging speeds of DC fast charging, drivers can rapidly recharge their EVs and get back on the road easily.

EV Charging Standards

Several types of connectors are employed for different EV charging levels. J1772 is a connector that can be used for Level-1 and Level-2 charging, while Tesla's proprietary connector is suitable for Level-2 and DC fast charging. CCS (Combined Charging System) and CHAdeMO are two widely used connectors for DC fast charging. Although the shape and dimensions of these connectors may vary across jurisdictions, they share standard features, such as pin ports for control pilot, proximity pin, connection signal, protective earth, and AC or DC power connectors. The figure below shows an illustration of these connectors.

These are the ports widely used in the EVs in the US and EU, with modern EVs adopting the CCS port as the standard DC fast charging port. The CHAdeMO is favored by Asian automotive manufacturers like in Japan by Nissan, Toyota, etc. In China, they have a different port named GB/T which is short for Guobiao/T, shown in the figure below.

Figure of GB/T charging port developed in China — **Fig. 5 GB/T charging port used in China**

EV Charging Networks

China currently boasts the largest EV charging network in the world, with approximately 650,000 public charging stations. In the United States, there are over 49,000 EV charging stations, with ChargePoint and Tesla being the most extensive networks. The ChargePoint network is the biggest, with 27,000 stations and 49,000 charging ports, followed by Tesla, with 6,000 stations and over 27,000 charging ports. The Tesla Supercharger network alone accounts for more than half of the DC fast chargers in the US.

In Europe, multiple charging networks exist, including Ionity, Fastned, Tesla Superchargers, EnBW, Allego, and EVBox. Meanwhile, Japan has its own CHAdeMO charging network, boasting over 7,700 charging stations. In comparison, India's EV charging network is still in its initial stages of development, with over 1,500 charging stations across the country. The major players in the market include Tata Power EV Charging Network, EESL EV Charging Network, and Fortum Charge & Drive India, offering both AC and DC charging options with fast-charging facilities, remote monitoring, and mobile app payment options. In addition to major networks, small and medium-scale start-ups like Ather Energy and Revolt Motors offer their own EV charging networks in India. These emerging players aim to provide convenient and accessible charging solutions for their growing customer base.

IP Landscape and an Industry Shift

According to forecasts, China is anticipated to dominate the global electric vehicle (EV) market, accounting for around 50% by 2030. Several other nations, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the United States, are investing heavily in EV infrastructure and incentives to promote EV adoption. The shift towards EVs is expected to cause a significant change in automotive revenues, with EV revenues surpassing those of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2030. Numerous leading automakers, including Volkswagen, Honda, and Ford, have announced ambitious plans to increase their EV sales in the near future.

Developing a next-generation electric vehicle (EV) requires more than just replacing the internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor and battery. It involves re-engineering the automobile to accommodate reducers, inverters, controllers, and converters for efficient transfer of electricity. EVs also need onboard chargers, battery heaters and coolers, and charge ports to keep the battery operating efficiently. The absence of ICE presents new challenges, such as heating the cabin. Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in patent filings related to EV and connected-vehicle technologies, with large automakers accounting for most of the growth. This rise in patent activity is not surprising given the significant re-engineering required for EVs and the integration of 5G technologies in automobiles. The increase in IP generation has also led to a rise in litigation, with non-practicing entities (NPEs) targeting the automotive industry. The multitude of startups in the EV space may continue to feed these trends, with NPEs attempting to capture the IP generated by failing startups.

The increase in US, CN, and EP patent applications related to autonomous EVs, artificial intelligence, battery recycling, and charging stations indicates the emergence of new entrants and startups in the EV space. However, this has also led to a rise in litigation, with non-practicing entities (NPEs) targeting the automotive industry and receiving third-party funding to assert higher-quality patents. The increase in EV startups may continue to fuel this trend, with NPEs attempting to capture their intellectual property if they fail.

Figure 6 shows that there has been a significant rise in the patents being granted related to EV charging. This rise has been significant since 2008 and has continued till the end of the last decade. Most of the patents filed are from China and the US, followed by Japan, Korea, etc. These nations have a significant number of automobiles that are electric vehicles, and thus the manufacturers are pushing to get grants in these jurisdictions. Top patent holders include Toyota Motor, LG Energy Solutions, Hyundai Motor, etc. These companies have an extensive patent portfolio, and it is evident that they are investing heavily in EV charging.

Figure of granted patents for EV charging (global grants) over the last 20 years — **Fig.6 Granted patents over the years for EV charging**
Source: Orbit Intelligence

Figure of granted patent families for assignees (global grants) — **Fig.7 Top 10 global assignees with EV charging patents**

Conclusion

The EV charging industry is rapidly evolving, driven by technological innovations, increasing demand for EVs, and a surge in patent filings. As we look to the future, the EV charging industry will continue to see significant developments driven by the need for sustainable transportation solutions and the constant push for innovation. Companies like Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford have positioned themselves as leaders in this space, with a vast patent portfolio covering various aspects of EV charging technology. As the industry grows, litigation and licensing activities will increase, with NPEs playing a significant role. The ability to protect and license patents effectively will be crucial for companies operating in this space as they navigate a complex and competitive market.

https://www.lumenci.com/*Disclaimer: This report is based on information that is publicly available and is considered to be reliable. However, Lumenci cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or reliability of this data.

Author

Editorial Team at Lumenci

Through Lumenci blogs and reports, we share important highlights from the latest technological advancements and provide an in-depth understanding of their Intellectual Property (IP). Our goal is to showcase the significance of IP in the ever-evolving world of technology.