US: Amazon patents drone to recharge EVs on the go

Amazon has been granted a patent in the US for a drone with which, it plans to solve the charging problems of electric vehicles. The autonomous drone, with its batteries charged, will land on an electrical vehicle while moving and recharge the vehicle's batteries. The company had applied for this patent back in 2014.

If the EV is unable to reach its destination, then upon requesting the server, a drone will be dispatched towards the car. Details of the patent reveal that a docking mechanism will be affixed to the top of the car. The drone will identify the correct car and latch itself to the vehicle on the go. It will then transfer the charge from itself to the car without needing the vehicle to stop. Once done, the drone will fly back to its charging station.

The patent documentation reveals multiple latching mechanisms, including a retractable one and a clamp mounted one. However, it must be noted that this drone can only provide a top up to make sure the car reaches the next charger safely. It is not yet clear whether Amazon will produce a product based on this idea.

The patent can be seen here.