Battery Power Management Apparatus and Method for Electric Vehicles and/or Hybrid Vehicles.

Electric and hybrid vehicles often face the problem of limited battery range and the challenge of finding a reliable way to recharge when charging stations are not easily available. This invention addresses these issues by offering a comprehensive system that continuously monitors the battery’s charge state and predicts how far the vehicle can travel before needing a recharge. If the battery is low, the system automatically suggests nearby recharging or refueling locations, ensuring the driver can plan a route that includes stops for recharging.

Additionally, the invention provides multiple methods of recharging, such as traditional plug-in options, wireless inductive charging, and even direct contact charging, which means that vehicles have more flexible and accessible options during a trip—even on long journeys where conventional charging stations might be scarce.

By integrating smart navigation and digital communication technologies, including secure Blockchain systems, the invention not only guides the driver to available facilities but also manages the recharging process in a secure and efficient manner. This helps reduce range anxiety, making electric and hybrid vehicles more practical and convenient for everyday use

The invention provides a comprehensive system designed to manage and maintain the battery power of electric and hybrid vehicles in an efficient and flexible manner. It works by continuously monitoring the battery’s charge status and estimating how far the vehicle can travel before needing a recharge. When the battery level is low, the system automatically determines the vehicle’s current location and calculates the best route to the nearest available charging or fueling station.

The solution integrates multiple recharging methods so that the vehicle has various ways to replenish its battery. These include standard plug-in charging, wireless inductive charging, and direct-contact charging methods. This multi-faceted approach ensures that even if one charging method or facility is unavailable, alternative recharging options are still accessible.

In addition to managing the battery, the invention employs smart navigation technology. It uses real-time data to locate and recommend available charging and refueling facilities along the vehicle’s route. This guidance is delivered through integrated vehicle communication devices and display units, enabling drivers to make informed decisions about where and when to recharge, reducing the common issue of “range anxiety.”

Secure digital communication is another key component of the solution. The system incorporates Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies to ensure that data related to battery status, charging sessions, and user accounts is securely managed and transmitted. RFID technology is also used to uniquely identify and track each battery, fuel cell, and charging station, which not only helps in managing the charging process but also supports automated billing and enhances overall system security.

By combining these technologies, the invention solves the main problem of limited battery range and the inconvenience of finding recharging points during travel. It creates a smart, interconnected environment where the vehicle can autonomously manage its power needs, plan its travel route based on charging availability, and securely handle the exchange of information and financial transactions related to charging services.

Overall, the solution makes the operation of electric and hybrid vehicles much more reliable and user-friendly. By ensuring consistent battery health and providing multiple recharging options alongside dynamic navigation and secure data management, the system addresses both the technical and practical challenges faced by drivers. This robust solution ultimately enhances the practicality of electric and hybrid vehicles for everyday use, making long-distance travel and regular commutes more feasible.

Yes, the invention has addressed a significant gap in the prior art. Traditional battery recharging methods for electric and hybrid vehicles often relied on isolated recharging solutions, which left drivers uncertain about when and where they could recharge, especially on long journeys or in areas with limited infrastructure. This gap resulted in widespread “range anxiety” and limited the practicality of such vehicles for broader use.

The invention closes this gap by integrating several key features into a unified system. It continuously monitors the battery’s charge status and estimates the remaining range of the vehicle in real time, which allows it to predict when a recharge is needed. Unlike prior systems that might offer only a basic alert when the battery is low, this solution actively calculates the best route to nearby recharging or refueling facilities, ensuring that the driver has clear, up-to-date navigation information.

Moreover, it does not rely on a single method of recharging. By incorporating multiple charging techniques—including plug-in, wireless inductive, and direct contact charging—it provides flexibility and resilience; if one method is unavailable, another can be employed. This multi-method approach ensures more reliable and continuous service, which was lacking in previous technologies that focused on a single recharging method.

Additionally, the invention employs secure digital communication features by integrating Blockchain and distributed ledger technology to manage transactions and secure data exchanges. The inclusion of RFID technology further enables detailed tracking and control over the recharging process, from identifying individual charging components to automating billing processes. Prior solutions did not offer this level of integrated security and system management.

Together, these elements create a comprehensive system that not only alleviates range anxiety but also enhances the overall efficiency and reliability of electric and hybrid vehicle operations. By offering real-time monitoring, multi-method recharging solutions, dynamic route planning based on charging facility availability, and secure data management, the invention effectively bridges the critical gap in prior art and paves the way for more practical and widespread use of electric and hybrid vehicles.

The invention uniquely combines real-time battery monitoring with multiple charging methods in a single system, making it both highly adaptable and user-friendly. It continuously tracks battery state and calculates the vehicle’s estimated travel range, so it can dynamically route drivers to the nearest available recharging or refueling facilities. This integrated navigation guidance is a distinctive feature.

Additionally, the system supports various charging techniques—plug-in, inductive (wireless), and direct-contact charging—which ensures flexibility even in areas with limited infrastructure. Secure data management is another notable aspect; by incorporating Blockchain technology and distributed ledger systems, the invention facilitates secure handling of transactions and data exchanges related to charging operations. RFID integration further enhances this by enabling unique identification and tracking of batteries, fuel cells, and charging stations.

These unique and distinctive features together provide a comprehensive and robust solution that significantly improves the practicality and reliability of electric and hybrid vehicles.

Industries where the invention can be useful?

Automotive, Electric Vehicles and Hybrid Vehicles, Renewable Energy, Transportation Infrastructure and Smart Cities, Fleet Management and Commercial Logistics, Financial and Digital Services

An estimate of the total addressable market?

Estimates suggest that India's overall electric vehicle market could reach tens of billions of dollars by 2030. Within this expanding market, the niche segment for battery management systems—including solutions like those described in this patent—might capture around 1–3% of the overall EV market value. This translates to an estimated total addressable market size of roughly US$1–3 billion by 2030,

Potential Customers/End Users. Who might benefit?

• Electric vehicle manufacturers • Hybrid vehicle manufacturers • Fleet operators and commercial logistics companies • Public transportation agencies • Taxi and ride-sharing service providers • Charging infrastructure developers • Smart city planners • Energy management companies • Mobile recharging and support service providers