Charging systems for electric vehicles

摘要

This disclosure provides systems and methods for charging a vehicle. A vehicle and charging station can be designed such that an electric or hybrid vehicle can operate in a fashion similar to a conventional vehicle by being opportunity charged throughout a known route.

主权项

1. A charging system for an electric vehicle, comprising:
a ground-supported charging station including (a) a pair of charging elements, the pair of charging elements including a first charging element extending from a first end to a second end along a first longitudinal axis of the first charging element and a second charging element extending from a third end to a fourth end along a second longitudinal axis of the second charging element, and (b) an electrically insulating member connecting the second end of the first charging element to the third end of the second charging element such that the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis extend along a single straight line; and a plurality of spaced apart charge receiving elements positioned on a roof of the electric vehicle, wherein each charge receiving element of the plurality of charge receiving elements includes an elongated member that extends along a third longitudinal axis, and wherein the plurality of charge receiving elements are arranged such that the third longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to each other and transverse to the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis, and wherein each charging element of the plurality of charging elements is configured to contact a charge receiving element of the pair of charge receiving elements to charge the electric vehicle.