# Smart Charging for Electric Vehicle Batteries Based on Chemistry and Use > This patent describes a method for electric vehicle charging stations to adjust how fast they charge a battery based on its specific chemical type, its current charge level, and even how many passengers are on board. - **Patent:** US 11027624 - **Original title:** Electric vehicle charging by adjusting charger current based on battery chemistry - **Owner:** Proterra - **Granted:** 2021 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 4 - **Field:** automotive, energy, software, telecommunications ## What it does The patent outlines a method for an electric vehicle charging station to intelligently manage power delivery. First, as an electric vehicle approaches the station, the system "receives a chemistry of the battery system" (Claim 1), meaning it learns what type of battery it is (e.g., lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride). After connecting, it figures out the battery's "state of charge" (how full it is) and the "passenger load" (Claim 1). Using a database that matches battery chemistry and charge level to a recommended current, it calculates an initial "charge current" (Claim 1). This current is then "adjusted... based on the determined passenger load" to become a "modified charge current" (Claim 1). The vehicle then charges using this modified current. As charging progresses, the system continuously monitors the "updated state of charge" and "adjusts the value of current" again (Claim 1) to optimize the charging process. For example, an electric bus (Claim 9) might communicate its battery type and current passenger count, allowing the charging station to deliver power efficiently, perhaps prioritizing a faster charge if many passengers are waiting or if it has a long route ahead. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover charging systems that do not consider the specific "chemistry or type of the battery system" when determining the charge current (Claim 1). - Does not cover charging methods that do not adjust the charge current based on "passenger load" (Claim 1). - Does not cover systems that only determine a charge current once, without "determining an updated state of charge" and "adjusting the value of current" again during charging (Claim 1). - Does not cover charging methods that manually set the current, rather than determining it from a database based on state of charge and chemistry (Claim 1). - Does not cover charging methods that do not involve receiving battery chemistry specifically "as the electric vehicle approaches a charging station" (Claim 1). ## The clever bit The novelty lies in dynamically adjusting the charge current not just based on the battery's current charge level and its specific chemical makeup, but also factoring in external operational data like "passenger load" (Claim 1) and even "distance to be traveled... to the next charging event" (Claim 4). This allows for highly adaptive and efficient charging tailored to real-world vehicle use. ## Real-world examples 1. Electric bus fleet charging stations 2. Commercial vehicle charging depots 3. Proterra electric buses 4. Smart charging infrastructure for public transport ## Why it matters This patent is significant for optimizing the charging of electric vehicle fleets, especially those with varying battery types and operational demands like electric buses (Claim 9). Efficient charging extends battery life, reduces charging times, and can lower energy costs. Proterra, the assignee, is known for manufacturing electric transit buses, making this technology directly relevant to their core business and the broader public transportation sector's transition to electric. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does Smart Charging for Electric Vehicle Batteries Based on Chemistry and Use cover? This patent describes a method for electric vehicle charging stations to adjust how fast they charge a battery based on its specific chemical type, its current charge level, and even how many passengers are on board. ### Who owns patent US 11027624? Proterra owns this patent, granted in 2021. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2037, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What is patent US 11027624 cited by? This patent has been cited by 4 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? This patent is significant for optimizing the charging of electric vehicle fleets, especially those with varying battery types and operational demands like electric buses (Claim 9). Efficient charging extends battery life, reduces charging times, and can lower energy costs. Proterra, the assignee, is known for manufacturing electric transit buses, making this technology directly relevant to their core business and the broader public transportation sector's transition to electric. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover charging systems that do not consider the specific "chemistry or type of the battery system" when determining the charge current (Claim 1). **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11027624/electric-vehicle-charging-by-adjusting-charger-current-based-on-battery-chemistr **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US11027624 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How Electric Cars Adjust Charging Speed to Available Power](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20120091953/ac-current-control-of-mobile-battery-chargers) — This patent describes how an electric vehicle's onboard charger intelligently adjusts its charging speed based on the real-time electrical power available from the wall outlet or charging station, preventing overloads and optimizing charge time. - [How an EV Charging Station Manages Power from Batteries and the Grid](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9168838/charging-control-system-and-charging-control-method) — This patent describes a smart charging system for electric vehicles that decides whether to power cars from a local battery or the main electricity grid, and when to recharge that local battery, to help balance power demand. - [How to Fast-Charge Lithium Batteries Without Damaging Them](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10700376/methods-for-fast-charging-and-detecting-lithium-plating-in-lithium-ion-batteries) — This patent describes a three-phase method for quickly charging lithium-ion batteries while carefully controlling voltages to prevent harmful lithium metal buildup and electrolyte damage. - [Smart EV Charging to Protect Battery Life During Long Parking](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11235681/curtailing-battery-degradation-of-an-electric-vehicle-during-long-term-parking) — This patent describes a system that intelligently discharges and recharges an electric vehicle's battery while parked for a long time, like at an airport, to prevent battery damage and ensure it's ready when the owner returns, using vehicle-to-grid technology. - [High-Power Electric Vehicle Charging with Pulsed Current from the Grid](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20180339601/charging-station-system-and-method) — This patent describes a system for rapidly charging electric vehicles using high-voltage grid power and a unique 'pulse current' method that can also automatically park the car.