Tesla files patent for 'Battery Swapping System and Techniques'
Tesla has filed a patent with the title Battery Swapping System and Techniques, which relates to creating a rig that is able to swap electric vehicles' battery packs quickly. The patent suggests that the technology could be installed in service stations, or alternatively a mobile rig, where the vehicle would be lifted and the battery packs removed by technicians. The technology would be particularly useful for electric lorries in the future, which would have larger battery packs that require longer charging, as it would reduce downtime caused by recharging.

Credit: US Patent 20170259675

(Tech Xplore)—Tesla has filed a patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office, titled "Battery Swapping System and Techniques."

The patent describes a mobile battery-swapping rig.

Stories about the patent were posted in TechCrunch and a number of other sites. They have been talking about what was filed and what it could mean in the bigger scheme of all-things-Tesla.

Business Insider said the patent application "shows how the machine could elevate a vehicle and then replace its battery pack with a new one."

CleanTechnica described the technology as a "quick-swap Electric Energy Storage System (EESS)." It said figure details included a "2 pillar vehicle lift system" and battery lift Gas2 said the patent discussed a system raising a vehicle in the air "with one set of hydraulic lifts while another inboard lift would drop the battery pack and replace it with a fully charged unit."

The machine proposed could make it quick to replace a battery in an electric vehicle. Matt Burns, managing editor, TechCrunch, explained a scenario for the system, as described in the patent, where the system "could be installed in a service station or integrated into a mobile rig. A Model S or X would either drive onto ramps or a lift where technicians would then assist the machine in swapping the packs."

The patent discussion suggested either the EESS operating autonomously, or operated by technicians.

The patent document discussed both systems and techniques for swapping an EESS. "In some implementations, a system can be used to exchange the battery pack of a Model S or Model X vehicle from Tesla Motors, Inc., for another (e.g., fully charged) battery pack. For example, this can provide a more rapid way of replenishing the electric energy for the electric vehicle and can enable electric vehicles to travel essentially nonstop on long road trips."

Also from the patent discussion: "In some implementations, the battery swap system is configured for use by one or more technicians, who will monitor certain aspects of the system's operation and make necessary inputs when appropriate. For example, the battery-swapping system can be installed at a remote location (e.g., along a highway between two cities) and one or more technicians can be stationed at the location for operating the system."

Brett Williams in Mashable: "The system described in the filing, which was first spotted by Electrek, would make it possible for technicians to swap out Tesla vehicle battery packs in less that 15 minutes—making it feasible for Tesla owners to use a battery exchange rather than constantly having to charge up."

"Tesla writes in the patent that at least one technician could monitor the lift," said Business Insider, " which could be installed in remote locations, such as a highway between cities."

Why is the patent drawing interest? That is not hard to figure out, since there is general range anxiety and concern over just how convenient or inconvenient electric cars might turn out to be vis a vis charging points.

"One of the biggest drawbacks for electric car drivers is the time it takes to charge their vehicles," said Rob Stumpf, The Drive.

A battery swap solution could come in handy, as Tesla continues its effort to play its part in the transition to electric mobility.

A number of reports linked this patent topic to Tesla's entry into the truck space some time in the future.

The system being used for trucks could make sense as a truck driver would especially be mindful of cutting down on charging times—and getting back on the road quickly.

Yoni Heisler, BGR: "Elon Musk has been pretty blunt about Tesla's plans to further expand its vehicular lineup." When might Tesla unveil a pickup truck? Heisler said, "Musk this past April put a two year timeline on the project." Heisler added that "if Musk's initial projection pans out, we should see a Tesla pickup truck event by April of 2019 at the absolute latest. Suffice it to say, it's certainly on Tesla's radar."

More information: Battery Swapping System And Techniques, United States Patent Application, 20170259675. Abstract

A system for exchanging an electrical energy storage system (EESS) of an electric vehicle includes. An EESS station is configured to position an electric vehicle in x and y directions. A vehicle lift raises the electric vehicle to a predetermined height. An EESS lift supports and lowers the EESS and replaces the EESS with a differing EESS. The vehicle lift may be an inboard lift and the EESS lift may be an outboard lift. The system may also include one or more rollers configured to guide the electric vehicle. The system may include a horizontal door having at least one tube positioned thereon for guiding the electric vehicle and/or at least one vehicle chock for positioning the electric vehicle in at least one of the x and y directions. The vehicle lift may include lifting arms to engage jack pads of the electric vehicle.

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