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

  • Electric avenue for vehicle firms
    February 8, 2012
    Concerns over range remain a major challenge to take-up of electric vehicles (EVs) in coming years. However the introduction of telematics in EVs to provide point of interest and alerts packages to make drivers aware of charging facilities could resolve range anxiety.
  • US plans alternative energy sources for transportation
    April 26, 2012
    The US Department of Energy (DOE) has published its first Quadrennial Technology Review, which identifies six key strategies to address current energy challenges. Crucially the review indicates that among the transport strategies, the greatest effort will be devoted to electrification of light-duty vehicles. While in the fiscal year 2011 only 9% of DOE’s research budget went to electric vehicles, this field will be given greater support in the coming years with the view of reducing US oil dependency in the
  • Co-operation for innovative electric vehicle charging system
    July 14, 2014
    The German automobile manufacturers BMW and Daimler are co-operating on an innovative electric vehicle charging technology. The two companies are jointly developing inductive charging technology that will be suitable for use in electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The package features two key components, with a coil mounted in the vehicle’s floor and another fitted in a base plate underneath the vehicle. This innovative inductive charging technology could be ready for series production in two to three year
  • Swedish electric road being planned
    March 5, 2021
    A Swedish electric road pilot is being planned.