Skip to main content

Sophisticated wireless charging offers EV advance

Sophisticated wireless charging technology could offer major benefits to users of electric vehicles. A number of firms have been working together on developing new wireless charging systems that could reduce delays and extend range for drivers. Inductive-charging systems are being tested at present, with Renault carrying out research in Europe on its electric vehicles.
August 8, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Sophisticated wireless charging technology could offer major benefits to users of electric vehicles. A number of firms have been working together on developing new wireless charging systems that could reduce delays and extend range for drivers. Inductive-charging systems are being tested at present, with 2453 Renault carrying out research in Europe on its electric vehicles. The inductive-charging technology relies on the use of electrically-wired pads that generate electro-magnetic fields. When a car is positioned over one of these pads, even for a short period, its batteries will receive a short charging burst that will top up batteries and extend range before a full recharge is required. Positioning the pads at traffic lights, in parking areas for convenience stores or in the garages of vehicle owners would allow recharging. And this would mean there would be no need to plug the vehicle in for recharging to be carried out. The technology could also help address the issue of range anxiety, the concerns over how much charge remains in a battery, which has so far hindered sales of electric vehicles.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • A variety of measures will increase demand for electric vehicles
    April 2, 2013
    A wide array of measures is being used around the world to encourage customers to buy electric vehicles. Customers are still proving reluctant in many markets to buy electric vehicles, with range concerns and purchase costs amongst the key. Nissan reports that sales of its sophisticated Leaf model (developed jointly with its partner Renault) have been sluggish in Europe, despite glowing reviews in various motoring magazines. In the UK one leading thinktank, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), h
  • Electric charging and battery strategy
    May 9, 2012
    Major developments are in hand with regard to providing charging solutions for electric vehicles. This has been seen as a barrier to the introduction of electric vehicles on a widespread basis but various manufacturers are now developing systems to deal with the issue.Siemens and BMW are working on an easy-to-use fast charging plug for electric cars. This system will allow sufficient charging for a 100km range in less than 30 minutes.
  • Electric charging and battery strategy
    February 29, 2012
    Major developments are in hand with regard to providing charging solutions for electric vehicles.
  • Renault and Qualcomm sign MoU on wireless EV charging technology
    July 25, 2012
    Qualcomm and Renault have announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for their intended cooperation on the London trial of Qualcomm Halo Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging (WEVC) technology, and their intent with respect to conducting preliminary studies of the integration of this technology into Renault vehicles.