Innovative Utah residents create a device enabling electric vehicles to disconnect from plug-in chargers during emergencies

Salt Lake City, Utah – Electric vehicle owners regularly pause to recharge their batteries before continuing with their daily activities.

However, it does face the possibility of encountering risky scenarios.

“Around midnight, I was charging when two young men approached, banging on my window and wanting to take a look inside my cool car,” shared Amanda Richards, a Tesla owner since 2021. “My heart races and all I can think is, ‘What should I do if they don’t leave?’ I am able to contact emergency services by dialing 911.

Introducing EVject, a creation by Richards and her husband, along with mechanical engineer Erick Vega, who provided an explanation of the device’s functionality.

“What we’re doing is utilizing mechanical switches and levers inside the device to simulate the action of getting out of your car and unplugging the charger,” explained Vega.

The driver maintains control from within the vehicle.

“By default, every user interface features the option to click the lightning or lock charge port, and as soon as I do, it will activate the EVject back there,” stated Vega. “I will return to that place, and you’ll observe that the trigger is indeed down, while the door attempts to close, believing that you have somehow escaped and disconnected it, making it ready to operate.”
The charging station remains unscathed.

“A key feature of the product is that the rear side remains on the charger, ensuring that when it falls, it doesn’t harm the charger itself,” stated Vega.

Until electric vehicle manufacturers develop their own technology to prevent you from getting stranded, this device serves as a viable solution.

“We believe we’re providing an excellent option for individuals to escape a difficult situation should it occur,” stated Richards. “I feel more secure — I’m aware that I have that choice.”