Let the Apple Car rumors roll on. Apple has filed for a patent (number 20210402888) for “modular charging systems for vehicles.”
Current issues with charging electric cars
In the patent filing, Apple notes that electric vehicles are charged from prevalent legacy alternating current power outlets of the existing infrastructure. An on-board charger (OBC) is included in the vehicle to enable convenient charging of its battery.
Apple says that by having the OBC on the car, the charging infrastructure can be less expensive. Not every charger needs power conversion electronics, and some may pass AC power directly from a power grid to the car.
Apple says the power level that can be achieved using an on-board charger is practically limited by size and weight considerations for equipment installed in the vehicle, which causes long charge times. Plus, fast DC charging is available at specialized charging stations available only at select locations.
Apple’s idea for charging electric cars
As for Apple’s idea for modular charging of vehicles, one method may include connecting a vehicle to a charger using a charging plug interface that includes a first pair of conductors connected to alternating current terminals of an on-board alternating current-to-direct current converter of the vehicle.
A second pair of conductors would be connected to the terminals of a battery of the vehicle. Charging the battery of the car would be accomplished via “direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors concurrent with charging of the battery via alternating current flowing through the first pair of conductors to power the on-board alternating current to direct current converter.”
When might we see an Apple Car?
On. Nov. 18, Bloomberg reported that Apple is accelerating development on its “Apple Car.” The article says the electric vehicle will be self-driving and could roll out in 2025.
What’s more, in a note to clients — as noted by AppleInsider — investment bank Wedbush says Apple is likely to announce a strategic electric vehicle partnership in 2022 to lay the groundwork for an “Apple Car” release in 2025.
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