14 DAY TRIAL // Three major companies announced they have joined forces to make things easier for EV owners. WiTricity, IHI and Mitsubishi will be working together to make wireless charging systems for electric vehicles that are already compatible with electric grids.
There will be three steps included in the process, namely research and development, real-world testing, and commercialization.
As part of the research and development stage, the three companies will first try to find the most appropriate and easiest ways of incorporating wireless charging systems into EV charging infrastructure.
They will then need to clarify legal matters regarding the new technology and create proposals for rules governing the use of such systems.
Finally, testing of wireless charging systems with EVs fitted with power charging receptors internally will be necessary before moving on to the next step.
"Electric vehicles offer great potential for reducing CO2 emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. However, they must be user friendly, and wireless charging is an important feature that greatly improves the user experience,” explained WiTricity CEO, Eric Giler.
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 process is similar to when a singer projects just the right sound to shatter a wine glass.
The system that WiTricity has developed can transfer energy further and more efficiently in comparison to conventional systems such as electromagnetic induction and microwave transmission.
In fact, it enables up to 3.3 kW of charging power over distance of 20cm (almost 8 inches) at an efficiency rate of more than 90%.
Systems based on WiTricity technology offer smaller size and lighter weight as compared to conventional systems, and operate with no moving parts.