# High-Power Electric Vehicle Charging with Pulsed Current from the Grid > 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. - **Patent:** US 20180339601 - **Original title:** Charging station system and method - **Owner:** Individual - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 41 - **Field:** automotive, telecommunications, consumer_electronics, energy ## What it does This patent describes a charging station system designed to charge electric vehicles quickly and efficiently. The core idea is a charging station with a controller that connects to a medium-voltage (MV) electrical grid and uses a 'pulse current' method to charge the vehicle's battery (Claim 1). Instead of a continuous flow, the controller delivers power in a repeating pattern of high current charges, pauses, and even discharges, all lasting milliseconds (Claim 10). This pattern can be adjusted based on the specific electric vehicle's needs, varying the charge time, discharge time, pause duration, and even the order of these steps (Claims 11, 12, 13). The system can also include features like an in-ground conductive coupler to deliver power to the bottom of the vehicle (Claim 2) and can even auto-park the vehicle precisely over this coupler (Claims 3, 9). For example, a future EV could drive into a parking spot, automatically align itself over a charging pad, and receive a tailored, high-power pulse charge from the MV grid. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover charging stations that connect only to low-voltage electrical grids (e.g., residential or typical commercial power connections). - Does not cover charging systems that exclusively use a continuous, steady current without any pulse charging capability. - Does not cover systems where the controller cannot adjust the pulse pattern, such as charge time, discharge time, or pause intervals. - Does not cover charging methods that do not involve establishing communication between the charging station and the electric vehicle. - Does not cover systems that only offer constant current charging without also providing a pulse current charging option. ## The clever bit The clever bit is combining the high-power delivery capability of a medium-voltage electrical grid connection with a sophisticated pulse current charging method. This method, involving specific patterns of charge, pause, and discharge, can be dynamically adjusted based on the vehicle, aiming to optimize charging speed and battery longevity in a way continuous charging might not. ## Real-world examples 1. High-power DC fast charging stations (e.g., Electrify America, Ionity) 2. Future inductive charging pads for electric vehicles 3. Automated parking systems integrated with charging infrastructure 4. Megawatt-scale charging solutions for heavy-duty electric trucks ## Why it matters As electric vehicles become more common, the need for faster charging is critical. This patent addresses that by connecting directly to the higher-power medium-voltage electrical grid, allowing for up to 1 MW power output (Claim 5). The pulse current charging method aims to improve charging speed and potentially battery health, which is a key challenge for widespread EV adoption. Such high-power systems are essential for reducing charging times to levels comparable with refueling gasoline cars. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does High-Power Electric Vehicle Charging with Pulsed Current from the Grid cover? 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. ### Who owns patent US 20180339601? This patent is owned by Individual. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on May 23, 2038, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What is patent US 20180339601 cited by? This patent has been cited by 41 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? As electric vehicles become more common, the need for faster charging is critical. This patent addresses that by connecting directly to the higher-power medium-voltage electrical grid, allowing for up to 1 MW power output (Claim 5). The pulse current charging method aims to improve charging speed and potentially battery health, which is a key challenge for widespread EV adoption. Such high-power systems are essential for reducing charging times to levels comparable with refueling gasoline cars. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover charging stations that connect only to low-voltage electrical grids (e.g., residential or typical commercial power connections). **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20180339601/charging-station-system-and-method **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US20180339601 --- _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 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. - [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. - [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. - [Smart Charging for Electric Vehicle Batteries Based on Chemistry and Use](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11027624/electric-vehicle-charging-by-adjusting-charger-current-based-on-battery-chemistr) — 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. - [How a Car Battery Charges from High-Voltage Stations Using a Capacitor](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11351876/vehicle-power-supply-system) — This patent describes a vehicle power system that uses a capacitor in series with a lower-voltage battery to allow charging from standard electric vehicle charging stations that supply a higher minimum voltage.