Normal Motors lately filed a patent utility for a twin cost port setup that would assist get essentially the most out of Ultium battery system within the automaker’s electrical pickup vans.

GM has developed a double-layer battery pack that is already getting used within the GMC Hummer EV, and is slated for the forthcoming Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV. The proposed setup might present extra flexibility in how these two layers are charged.

Utilizing a collection of controllers and switches, in addition to the pack’s built-in potential to function as two completely different packs in collection or in parallel, the applying describes completely different charging situations for the dual-layer automobiles.

For reference, within the GMC Hummer EV 12 battery modules are wired in collection to make up one layer, which is functionally a separate battery pack. That layer is related in parallel to a different equivalent layer with the identical variety of modules. Within the Hummer EV, that provides as much as greater than 100 kwh of battery capability, with 800-volt charging to benefit from speedier 350-kw DC fast-charging {hardware}.

GM outlines that one charging port may very well be configured to cost at 800 volts or 400 volts, whereas the opposite port could be related to the second layer of the pack and be restricted to 400V. The system might join them in collection, charging each the higher and decrease layers concurrently at 800V utilizing the primary port solely. Or it might cost each layers at 400 volts by connecting them in parallel.

A 3rd configuration would isolate the 2 layers, charging them one after the other, GM famous. Alternatively, the second port may very well be used for charging equipment at 400 volt whereas the car continues to cost at 800 volts. That would enable GM vans to energy instruments or different tools whereas they cost. Ford has marketed its F-150 Lightning as a cellular energy supply, but it surely solely has one cost port and thus cannot try this.

GM additionally famous that, with the addition of one other change, it might be attainable to improve the second cost port to 800 volts. An illustration submitted with the patent utility reveals each ports facet by facet—a structure that in all probability makes extra sense for fleet automobiles being charged at firm garages than private automobiles, which might possible profit from a port on either side.

It is unclear if GM will really put twin cost ports into manufacturing, however extra vans with dual-layer battery packs are on the way in which. The Chevy Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV are each anticipated to hit the market in 2023 as 2024 fashions.