CHARGING CONNECTION FOR AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE
Disclosed herein is a plugless and socketless charging connection for an electric vehicle. In some aspects, a conductive path is disposed in an exterior vehicle component. The conductive path may appear to be part of a door, fender, emblem, and the like. Current, sufficient to charge one or more batteries within the vehicle may pass through the conductive path. In some aspects, a charge port is also disposed within the vehicle. The charge port may be movable from at least a first position spaced away from the conductive path to a second position in contact with at least a portion of the conductive path.
1 . A plugless and socketless charging connector for an electric vehicle comprising:
a connection surface that is substantially smooth, without any protrusions or indentations disposed thereon, the connection surface configured to contact at least a portion of the vehicle's exterior and transmit a current sufficient to charge a vehicle battery directly through the connection surface.
2 . The charging connector of claim 1 , wherein the connection surface comprises at least two conductive areas separated by non-conductive areas, the at least two conductive areas having a potential difference therebetween during charging.
3 . The charging connector of claim 2 , wherein the connection surface is divided into at least three conductive areas that are wired as line, neutral, and ground.
4 . The charging connector of claim 1 , wherein the connection surface is concave.
5 . The charging connector of claim 1 , wherein the connection surface is convex.
6 . The charging connector of claim 1 , wherein the charging connector includes at least one magnet for securing the charging connector to the vehicle's exterior.
7 . The charging connector of claim 6 , wherein the at least one magnet is an electromagnet.
8 . The charging connector of claim 1 , wherein the connection surface is shaped to mate with a portion of an exterior body panel of the vehicle.
9 . The charging connector of claim 8 , wherein the connection surface is shaped to mate with a portion of a bumper.
10 . A plugless and socketless charging connector for an electric vehicle comprising:
a magnet configured to secure the charging connector to an exterior surface of the vehicle; and
a plug and socket free connection surface configured to be coupled to an exterior vehicle component, the connection surface capable of transmitting a current sufficient to charge the vehicle through at least a portion of the connection surface and through at least a portion of the exterior surface.