Patent images show a pickup with two charging ports next to one another
Since GM separated its 800 Volt battery into two 400 Volt packs, two charge ports could double the charging speed
The second port could be used to power tools or charge another EV while the truck is plugged in
A patent filed by General Motors shows an electric pickup truck equipped with two charging ports installed next to each other.
This may seem strange at first, but GM highlights many possible use cases for this solution in the patent’s description.
The first possible advantage is linked to the way the automaker constructed the 800-Volt battery found in the GMC Hummer EV. Instead of making an 800-volt pack like Hyundai, Kia, Porsche and Audi have done, the American company decided to separate the unit in two 400-volt packs, which limits the charging rate.
By having two ports, two different chargers could be used to charge the two halves at the same time, which could theoretically cut the total charge time in half.
To do so however, owners will have to pay extra since it seems the company will make only one port compatible with fast charging as standard, with the option of making the second one compatible as well.
Other uses presented by the automaker for this additional port include the possibility of charging two electric vehicles with only one charger by connecting the vehicle equipped with the dual port in the charger and then plugging the other vehicle in the first one.
Owners would also be able to power tools while their vehicle is charging, which means they would be sure to have enough battery to go home after a day of work.
This is not the first time an automaker has installed two charging ports on an EV since Audi and Porsche have done so on their EVs equipped with 800-volt batteries, but it is the first time both ports are designed to be used at once.
