Electric-vehicle charging stations with more than one voltage option are key to mass adoption, a new report contends.

What it terms “dual-voltage” capability has attracted a mass of more than 30,000 patent applications, says researcher GlobalData.

The data analysis provider says that the technology, along with battery discharge prediction, is essential in persuading the average automotive consumer to switch to electric.

Various automakers have adopted one charging standard or another for their lineups, some opting for Tesla’s North American Charging Standard, others sticking with the Combined Charging System.

But GlobalData considers dual-voltage technology “crucial” in the transition to EVs. That means charging stations that support multiple charging standards and EVs with more than one charging cable. The demand for such solutions attracts new innovations each year, it said, 44 new companies joining the mix last year.

“This ease of use alleviates range anxiety for drivers,” said GlobalData Senior Analyst of Disruptive Tech Rahul Kumar Singh in a press release on the EV report, which highlighted a few recent innovations in the space:

• Toyota’s debut this year of the all-electric SUV bZ4X, which has levels one and two charging capability, after the Japanese automaker pursued a slower EV ramp-up than many brands

• Spain-based company Circontrol’s introduction of a dual-charging station for urban and interurban areas

• Brazil-based electrical technology maker WEG’s new charging station design that accommodates a range of voltages.

“As this technology advances, it faces challenges like ensuring compatibility with different vehicle models and handling the increased demand for power grids,” Singh said. “Nevertheless, the steady rise in patent activity and ongoing technological progress in this field point to a promising future.”

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