Revolutionizing the Drive: Wireless EV Charging Unveiled

The relentless pursuit of technological innovation has paved the way for transformative breakthroughs in the automotive industry, and one such advancement taking the world by storm is wireless EV charging. Similar to the seamless convenience experienced with wireless phone charging, wireless EV charging is making waves in parts of Europe and Asia, with promising prospects of soon becoming a reality in the USA. In this exploration, we delve into the intricacies of wireless EV charging, its operational dynamics, benefits, and the current landscape in the United States. Additionally, we'll spotlight major industry players who are shaping the future of electric vehicle charging as we approach the end of 2022.

How Wireless EV Charging Works

At the heart of wireless EV charging is resonant electromagnetic induction, a process synonymous with inductive charging. The technology mirrors the wireless charging mechanism found in smartphones, employing magnetic coils to transmit electrical current. In this scenario, a magnetic coil in the charging pad sends current to a corresponding coil on the underside of the EV. Once the two pads align, the charging process initiates.

Remarkably efficient, wireless EV charging can deliver up to 20kW of charging power, equivalent to Level 2 charging speeds. According to industry leader WiTricity, known for achieving 90-93 percent efficiency with their wireless EV chargers, the technology is on par with the efficiency of conventional plug-in charging.

While wireless EV charging technology isn't novel, having been introduced by Qualcomm with the Halo system in 2012, recent years have witnessed a surge in interest and adoption, propelled by the growing sales of electric vehicles.

The U.S. Market Landscape

Though wireless EV charging has established a foothold in the U.S., it is not yet as prevalent as in Europe and Asia. The slow pace of adoption can be attributed to the limited availability of EVs equipped for wireless charging. Currently, only the BMW 530e hybrid sedan offers wireless charging as a factory option in the American market. WiTricity, a key wireless charging provider, has garnered attention from industry giants like General Motors, reflecting a potential shift towards wider integration in the future.

WiTricity's survey of 1,000 current and prospective EV owners in the U.S. revealed significant interest, with 81% expressing a high level of interest in EVs equipped for wireless charging. This robust interest suggests a latent demand that could drive future developments in the market.

Wireless EV Charging Options

Wireless EV charging presents itself in two primary forms: static EV charging and dynamic EV charging.

1. Static EV Charging (Home or Office Charging Station):

In static charging, the EV remains stationary during the charging process. Instead of plugging in, the wireless-equipped EV is parked over the installed charging coil, providing a hassle-free and cable-free charging experience at designated locations, such as home or office charging stations.

2. Dynamic EV Charging (Roads and Highways):

Dynamic charging, a visionary concept, envisions the integration of wireless charging into roadways, allowing continuous charging for EVs while on the move. This form of charging, though not yet widespread, holds the potential to eliminate the need for scheduled charging stops during long-distance travel.

The dynamic charging concept is not merely speculative. Stellantis, an automotive manufacturer, is actively working on integrating wireless charging into certain roadways. In a groundbreaking move, the state of Michigan partnered with Electreon in September 2021 to create the first wireless EV charging road in the U.S., a one-mile stretch in Detroit set to be accessible to the public upon completion.

Wireless EV Charging Benefits

The allure of wireless EV charging lies in its array of benefits, particularly for commercial vehicles and everyday EV owners.

1. No Wires:

The primary advantage is evident in the name – no wires. This eradicates the need for EV owners to carry bulky charging cables or worry about plugging in at every charging station, providing a welcome relief to range anxiety.

2. Lower Accident Risk:

Traditional EV charging cables are susceptible to wear and tear, especially in extreme weather conditions. The absence of physical wires in wireless charging significantly reduces the risk of damage, contributing to enhanced safety for both the vehicle and its owner.

3. More Convenience:

Wireless charging epitomizes convenience, even in its static form. The prospect of dynamic charging, once realized, promises a level of convenience that surpasses current norms, potentially reshaping the entire charging experience for EV owners.

4. Time Savings:

While wireless charging speed matches that of conventional charging, the time saved by eliminating the need to physically plug in can be appreciable. As dynamic charging evolves, the time savings could become even more substantial.

Wireless EV Charging Infrastructure Costs

Currently, Plugless Power leads the market as the primary supplier of wireless charging solutions. Their third-generation wireless charger, priced at around $3,500, represents the current cost for this technology. As the market expands, it is anticipated that the costs will evolve, but precise projections remain elusive.

Major Players in the EV Wireless Charging Industry

Several key players are instrumental in shaping the landscape of wireless EV charging:

1. Continental AG:

Offering safe, efficient, and intelligent solutions globally, Continental AG provides the AllCharge charging system and automated wireless charging solution.

2. Daihen Corporation:

A Japanese electronics manufacturing company, Daihen operates globally, offering wireless power transmission systems among its array of products.

3. Delachaux Group:

With a rich history dating back to 1902, Delachaux Group, based in France, is involved in energy and data management systems through its subsidiary, Conductix Wampfler.

4. Electreon, Inc.:

Based in Israel, Electreon specializes in wireless Electric Road Systems (ERS), focusing on smart road technology and reducing the need for heavy batteries.

5. ELIX Wireless:

A Canadian company founded in 2013, ELIX Wireless employs magneto dynamic coupling for wireless power transfer technologies.

6. HEVO, Inc.:

Headquartered in New York, HEVO develops EV wireless charging solutions, integrating an app and cloud sync for monitoring charging statistics and availability.

7. InductEV (formerly Momentum Wireless Power):

Originally established in 2009, InductEV focuses on high-power wireless charging solutions for electric vehicles, designed for city buses, commercial vehicles, and industrial applications.

8. Mojo Mobility, Inc.:

Based in California, Mojo Mobility has been developing wireless power transfer technology since 2005, providing solutions for various applications, including automotive infrastructure and electric vehicle charging.

9. WAVE, Inc.:

Acquired by Ideanomics, Inc. in 2021, WAVE specializes in wireless charging systems for electric buses, with a capacity of up to 250kW.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of electric mobility, wireless EV charging emerges as a promising frontier, offering a glimpse into a future where the act of charging seamlessly integrates into our daily lives. While the U.S. is on the brink of widespread adoption, the strides made in Europe and Asia serve as beacons, illuminating the path towards a more sustainable and convenient future for electric vehicle enthusiasts globally.