Skip to main content

Partnership aims to make plugging in EVs obsolete

WiTricity Corporation, IHI Corporation, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation have agreed to join forces to research and develop easily deployable wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging systems.
April 30, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
RSS5355 WiTricity Corporation, IHI Corporation, and 3055 Mitsubishi Motors Corporation have agreed to join forces to research and develop easily deployable wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging systems. It is claimed that the partnership of three major players in the wireless charging, electric infrastructure, and EV areas coming together will accelerate the popularisation of wireless charging systems for EVs by developing systems that are usable "right out of the box" for individuals, governments, and other entities.

Wireless charging systems allow transfer of energy from a source placed on or under the ground, to a vehicle equipped with an energy capture device. Charging occurs automatically when the vehicle is parked, with no physical contact between the vehicle and the charging source. WiTricity has already developed and brought to market its patented magnetic resonance wireless charging system.

The company claims its system can transfer energy further and more efficiently in comparison to conventional systems such as electromagnetic induction and microwave transmission. It pushes the possibilities of wireless charging by being able to deliver up to 3.3 kW of charging power over a distance of 20cm (almost eight inches) at an efficiency rate of more than 90 per cent, in a manner that is safe and user friendly.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Key deals show strength of Tolling solutions sector
    September 26, 2013
    The world’s leading tolling solution providers have achieved significant deals in recent months emphasising the importance of their latest and proven technology. Guy Woodford reports Kapsch TrafficCom North America (Kapsch), part of Kapsch TrafficCom Group, has been awarded a five-year US$30 million contract by Canadian Tolling Company International (Cantoll). The contract will see the leading tolling technology manufacturer supply its next generation TDMA V6 Interior Transponder, also known as an onboar
  • Advances in electric vehicle technology becoming increasingly competitive with internal combustion engine-powered competition
    April 11, 2012
    According to a new report from consultant Frost & Sullivan, extended-range electric vehicles (EVs) could be cost-competitive with comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles as soon as 2015. The report claims that electric vehicles could offer a payback period of less than four years for customers with an oil price of €2.50/litre, without any government subsidies.
  • 3M and Chesapeake Energy Corporation to develop new CNG tank technology
    April 24, 2012
    3M and Chesapeake Energy Corporation have announced an agreement to collaborate in designing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of compressed natural gas (CNG) tanks for use in all sectors of the United States transportation market. Currently, the fuel tank on a CNG vehicle is its most expensive single component. It is claimed that the new CNG tanks developed through the partnership will reduce costs while increasing performance. Less expensive tanks will enable greater market adoption of CNG as
  • Methanol range extender for fuel cell vehicle
    July 9, 2012
    The innovative QBREAK electric car is to benefit from a sophisticated methanol fuel cell range extender. Development work is being carried out on the project by a consortium of Danish companies. The plan is to develop a novel, range-extended electric vehicle that uses biomethanol as a fuel source. TheModularEnergyCarrier concept (MECc) project has just been granted funding from the Danish government. The reworked electric car is expected to deliver high market potential due to a competitive price and specif