Currently reading: Wireless charging for EVs
Revolutionary new tech will allow EVs to be charged without the use of conventional charging cables

Two leading automotive electrical firms are developing revolutionary wireless electric charging systems for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Delphi Automotive and WiTricity Corp are working in collaboration on a system that works by wirelessly charging a car over its energy source that sits on the garage floor, or is embedded in a paved parking spot. The system also allows for more misalignment than inductive systems and can transfer power "efficiently over significantly larger distances" than conventional systems.

See diagrams of how the tech works

According to WiTricity boss Eric Giler: "Charging an electric car should be as easy as parking it in your garage or parking spot". According to Giler, WiTricity’s wireless system can already transfer over 3300 watts - enough to fully charge an electric car at the same rate as most residential plug sockets.

"This is groundbreaking technology that could enable automotive manufacturers to integrate wireless charging directly into the design of their hybrid and electric vehicles" said Randy Sumner, Delphi development boss.

No indication has been made of when the system can be expected.

Read Autocar's review of the Nissan Leaf

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dillon 25 October 2010

Re: Wireless charging for EVs

Is it really that difficult to use a plug?I know a lot of people are lazy but this seems like a solution for a problem that dosen't really exist.

bomb 25 October 2010

Re: Wireless charging for EVs

RobotBoogie wrote:

The Renault system has a lock and key that they seem to feel is pretty much vandalproof.

Me? I always back the vandals in these situations.

Would we see vandals digging up the road in charging zones and nick the wiring like they do with train signalling wire?

RobotBoogie 25 October 2010

Re: Wireless charging for EVs

Walking wrote:
It does address some issue for me which is the potential ease of unwanted disconnection, safety and vandalism of a wired connection. Not sure how the current road side plugins stop these.

The Renault system has a lock and key that they seem to feel is pretty much vandalproof.

Me? I always back the vandals in these situations.