GM has filed a patent application for a new electric vehicle (EV) charge port weather shield. The application was assigned patent number US 2025/0026414 A1 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and was published on January 23rd, 2025. The GM patent filing was originally submitted on July 17th, 2023, and lists Michigan-based John Kenneth Michie as the inventor.
The patent application describes a weather shield that is designed to protect the charge port on an EV from external elements like rain, snow, dirt, and debris while the vehicle is being charged outdoors. The shield ensures that the charging process remains efficient and safe, even in challenging weather conditions.
The weather shield includes a base structure with two main surfaces: one facing outward and the other facing inward toward the vehicle. The base features an opening that aligns with the charge port, allowing a connector to pass through and connect securely. The shield also incorporates a frame with multiple walls that extend outward from the base. These walls form a cup-like enclosure around the charge port, offering added protection from weather exposure. Some configurations of the shield also include specific angles and distances for the walls to optimize coverage while ensuring easy access for charging devices.
Traditional EV charge port designs often rely on simple covers or doors to protect the port. However, these can leave the port exposed when charging, increasing the risk of damage or inefficiency caused by certain weather conditions. The design described in this GM patent application goes a step further by providing a shield that remains in place during charging, creating a more robust barrier against environmental factors. Additionally, this design appears to include features for aligning the connector with the port, simplifying the connection process and potentially improving durability.
By preventing debris or moisture from entering the port, the shield helps maintain the long-term reliability of the vehicle’s charging system. Furthermore, the added alignment features could reduce wear and tear on the port and connector, extending their lifespan as well.
Comments
Need to shield the entire “open door”,
Snow and ice build-up…door doesn’t close.
I prefer to charge in my garage. No protection needed, and I never need to charge outside. Besides, I have free solar energy at my home.
That shield looks a little unwieldy. Also, I’m a little bit confused why the patent is for the CCS port when GM is allegedly moving to the NACS port. Is GM having second thoughts on the transition?
“The GM patent filing was originally submitted on July 17th, 2023”
This is why. Announcement to switch to NACS was in 2024 I believe.
You’re absolutely right. A year and a half seems like a rather long process, especially in the EV market where innovation and change is happening so quickly that the CCS standard is being phased out. These things really ought to be expedited.
I just filed a Prior Art claim with evidence, in the form of my purchase receipt, for a working charge port cover. Also, as designed this device will not do the job.