More than a century ago, Nikola Tesla and some of his contemporaries began experimenting with the technique. However, thanks to technological advancements, it has made a comeback. From the Tesla coil, to induction charging, magnetic resonance and WiTricity’s advanced tech.,we’re taking a dive into Wireless Charging!

Wireless charging for electric vehicles has the potential to revolutionise the automobile industry. The concept appears promising because it intends to make charging easier for drivers by eliminating the need to fumble with cords to power EVs. There is also no need to get out of the car, which may entice more consumers to move to electromobility.

Wireless charging systems are being explored as an emerging industry by vehicle manufacturers, automotive suppliers, and clean-tech businesses. Technology investments are growing. While wireless EV charging may take some time to catch on, it provides distinct advantages and is positioned as an alternative to traditional charging methods by simplifying and optimising the process.

Siemens anticipates that the market for wireless EV charging in Europe and North America will reach $2 billion (€1.96 billion) by 2028. The company has agreed to collaborate with Mahle, a German car supplier, to standardise wireless charging solutions.

So, what exactly is wireless charging?

Wireless charging for gadgets such as smartphones and electric toothbrushes is already common. The technology just works on a larger scale in the EV industry. Electricity is transported from one coil in the charger to another in the car using inductive charging.

Wireless charging uses electromagnetic induction to send electricity through the air as a magnetic field. This means that power can be transferred from one gadget to another without any physical touch if the charger and the car are close to each other. Charging can begin after both the emitting and receiving coils are aligned.

Contactless charging promises to improve reliability, safety, and availability while also making the EV driving experience more comfortable. Proponents believe the technology will be critical for self-driving cars.

How does wireless charging work?

Instead of cords, a wireless system requires charging pads that EVs park on top of to power batteries. Siemens has been involved in wireless charging research for over a decade, developing a prototype and pushing the technology forward in recent years. It has piqued the interest of automobile manufacturers, who plan to offer new platforms to support wireless EV infrastructure beginning in 2025.

Volvo Cars is testing wireless-charging technology in a live city environment in Gothenburg to examine its possibilities for future electric vehicles. The XC40 will be used as a test vehicle, and the Swedish company will use a 360-degree video system to line the car with the charging pad.

The carmaker marketed the service as rapid and easy, claiming that charging speeds are four times faster than a wired 11kW AC charger and nearly as fast as a wired 50kW DC fast charger.
The technology is both safe and effective. Optimised power electronics and coil designs minimise energy loss to a minimum, resulting in wireless-charging systems that are 90-93% efficient. As these systems evolve, this figure could climb to be on level with conductive charging, which has an efficiency rate of roughly 94-96%.

Another advantage is vehicle-to-grid connectivity. EV sales have skyrocketed around the world, and securing energy infrastructure is critical to supporting power systems. Wireless charging can help to relieve grid stress by dispersing energy demand throughout the day.

Electric highways

Charging parked EVs without a plug is one thing, but dynamic induction charging, which involves embedding charging coils in the road, is another. This allows an electric vehicle to charge while driving, and automakers are keen to test this futuristic-sounding technology.

Source: Groupe Renault

Renault has been active in dynamic induction charging research and development for many years. Two Kangoo Z.E. vehicles outfitted with coils were delivered to the European Fabric research project as part of a test route in the Greater Paris region.

In Sweden, a study in Gotland is exploring how electric vehicles, such as buses and lorries, can charge while travelling in real-world conditions. So far, tests on a 1.65km length of road have proved successful. Electreon, an Israeli startup, is involved with the initiative and sees wireless charging as a realistic alternative for ‘providing communities with an easy, cost-effective, and sustainable approach’ to transition to an electric future.

However, detractors point out the drawbacks of dynamic charging, citing difficulties with driver payment and ensuring charging pads are not missed while the car is in motion. ‘The efficiency is poor, and how do you distinguish between someone who has paid and someone who has not?’ Perras stated.

Widespread adoption?
According to a recent US survey, 96% of people polled would appreciate access to wireless charging. According to the research, this service is more appealing than complete self-driving capabilities, with dependability and maintainability fueling interest in the technology.

Source: Undecided with Matt Ferrell

WiTricity, a global developer of wireless charging technology, is gaining millions of dollars in investment, including from Siemens, extending the company’s reach in the automobile industry. Carmakers, particularly those from Asia, are eager to implement wireless charging.

The Hongqi E-HS9, a premium model from China’s FAW Group, is capable of wireless charging and is expected to be released in Europe. Notably, the Genesis GV60 will be the first all-electric vehicle to incorporate factory-installed WiTricity wireless charging.

Companies like WiTricity are keen to provide aftermarket upgrades to a broad range of cars, such as Tesla’s Model S, which could make the service more widely available in the near future.

These developments show that wireless charging is changing the way the automotive industry is thinking about powering EVs. On the road to decarbonisation, it could be a gamechanger, taking the hassle out of charging and inspiring more drivers to switch to EVs. The advantage is that it can be deployed almost anywhere, so large-scale adoption might only be a few years away.

Read More: Before 2022, Rivian will deliver over 1,000 production R1T EV trucks as Pre-orders are booming.