Published on October 19th, 2023

The electric vehicle (EV) landscape is on the brink of a significant transformation as the concept of Wireless EV Charging gains momentum.

While a nationwide EV charging network is still a work in progress, various automakers are quietly exploring this promising technology.

In 2020, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) established official standards for wireless EV charging, and automakers have since been experimenting with prototypes.

The future of wireless EV charging appears to be taking shape, with Massachusetts-based WiTricity playing a pivotal role.

WiTricity licensed its intellectual property to Wiferon, a German wireless EV charging supplier, which was acquired by Tesla in July 2023.

This acquisition has sent ripples throughout the industry, signaling the impending arrival of Wireless Charging.

Notably, companies such as BMW, Geely (the parent company of Volvo), Hyundai/Genesis, and others are actively engaged in prototyping and development.

The future of EV charging is evolving, and wireless technology is set to be a key player in this exciting transformation.

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What Is Wireless EV Charging?

WiTricity’s wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging product is a novel alternative to the standard Level 2 chargers commonly found at homes and in public parking lots.

Unlike traditional chargers that require a cord connection, WiTricity’s system works wirelessly, offering more flexibility and reducing visual clutter in public spaces.

The system consists of two main components: a power supply unit (wall box or hidden in a discrete location) and a charging pad on the ground where the EV parks.

Power Supply Unit: The power supply unit connects to the local power source, and it can be discreetly placed in various locations, even hidden within planters or other inconspicuous spots. It doesn’t have to be wall-mounted, giving users more options for installation.

Charging Pad: A conduit runs from the power supply unit onto the floor and terminates in a charging pad. This pad is typically positioned where the EV will park. When the EV is parked over the pad, the charging process initiates automatically.

Charging Initialization: In a demonstration, a retrofitted Ford Mustang Mach-E was used, equipped with an additional screen for testing purposes.

The driver parked the vehicle over the charging pad and initiated the charging process by pressing a button on the screen. In a consumer-ready EV, this extra test screen wouldn’t be necessary.

Instead, the charging process would be seamlessly integrated into the vehicle’s main dashboard screens.

Integration With OEMs: When WiTricity integrates its technology with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the system becomes even more seamless.

It can automatically activate the front-facing camera to assist the driver in parking the vehicle precisely over the charging pad.

Once the vehicle is in the correct position, the charging process automatically begins without any further action required from the driver.

WiTricity’s wireless charging technology streamlines the EV charging experience by eliminating the need for cords, making it more user-friendly and reducing the visual impact of charging stations in public spaces.

It’s designed to be as convenient and unobtrusive as possible, making electric vehicle ownership more accessible and appealing.

How Wireless EV Charging Works?

Energy transfer in WiTricity’s wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging system occurs through a magnetic field or, more precisely, between two “magnetically coupled resonating coils,” as defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

This technology enables Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) between the ground-based charging pad and a receiver unit within the EV.

The receiver, situated inside the EV, interfaces with the direct current (DC) energy and channels it directly into the vehicle’s battery, typically positioned above the on-board charger.

For EV manufacturers to enable wireless charging, they must incorporate this receiver into their vehicles as a fundamental requirement.

Existing EV owners may need a substantial retrofit to enjoy wireless charging capabilities.

The charging pad can be driven over, walked upon, or even crossed by a cat safely during the charging process.

This safety is attributed to the fact that wireless chargers operate at frequencies well below those found in radio frequencies, allowing them to pass through various objects and even the human body without causing any harm, as validated by research conducted by IDTechEx.

WiTricity faces a notable challenge in dispelling the misconception that wireless charging is less efficient than corded alternatives.

Unlike wireless phone charging, where charging times can be extended, this is not the case for wireless EV charging.

WiTricity consistently educates consumers that there is no need for compromise when adopting wireless charging technology.

In contrast to wireless cell phone charging, precise positioning of the vehicle over the pad is not essential, as power transfer can occur over a relatively broad area.

This innovation offers significant positional freedom, eliminating the need for exact parking alignment.

WiTricity’s testing has shown that parking accuracy has not posed a problem, with a high success rate of over 90% in positioning vehicles correctly on the charging pad during extensive trials.

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An Initial Premium Investment

As wireless charging products make their way to stores, they are expected to initially be positioned as premium offerings.

While the price may be relatively high at the outset, market trends suggest that it will gradually decrease over time.

Consumer research has indicated a strong willingness among potential buyers to invest significantly in this technology, with many expressing their readiness to pay thousands of dollars for the convenience of wireless charging.

Studies have shown that consumers are willing to invest in higher-performing batteries, suggesting that wireless charging could be another enticing upgrade for drivers with deeper pockets.

Car manufacturers would need to incorporate WiTricity’s hardware into their vehicles to enable wireless charging capabilities.

Consequently, it is anticipated that EV buyers will have the option to include wireless charging as an upgrade when configuring their vehicles, alongside other premium features like self-driving capabilities and larger battery packs.

This provides consumers with a choice to customize their EVs with the latest advancements that align with their preferences and needs.

The Future Of Wireless EV Charging

Before wireless charging technology becomes widely available to consumers, it’s being put through rigorous testing, particularly within commercial fleets.

WiTricity, a pioneering force in wireless EV charging, is taking the lead in this endeavor.

They plan to provide a select group of companies with retrofitted Ford Mustang Mach-Es and E-Transit Vans later this year.

These fleet trials serve as a crucial testing ground, allowing both WiTricity and their corporate partners to validate the technology’s performance and reliability.

WiTricity is exploring the concept of vehicle-to-grid wireless charging, a groundbreaking development with significant potential.

Tests are already underway in collaboration with various global automakers.

This innovation opens up new possibilities for the electrical grid and offers car owners an opportunity to derive added value from their vehicles.

While the automotive industry typically requires extended testing periods, it appears that the finish line is now in sight.

The establishment of industry standards marked a significant milestone, and the technology has matured to a point where its functionality and effectiveness are evident.

The post The Arrival Of Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging: Understanding The Technology appeared first on Newszii.com.