The hybrid vehicle industry is very much interested and encouraging the technology being developed and tested by Toyota, Volvo, Audi and technology companies: namely the capability of recharging EV vehicles on wireless charging platforms without the need for any wires or connectors. For sure, this wireless battery charging system would make recharging more convenient and accessible. Currently, charging an EV/PHEV involves plugging in to a charge box with cables or connectors, which can be clumsy and, especially in inclement weather, inconvenient. Plus, when in use, charging equipment is susceptible to the elements and vandalism. The technology underlying this concept is not far-fetched; various brands of cellphones already incorporate this concept when using generic charging pads, with no need for charger wires.
Wireless Charging for EV/PHEV
Toyota’s new wireless battery-charging system for plug-in hybrids or pure-electric cars uses magnetic-resonance technology, transmitting electricity by magnetic resonance between a coil positioned on the ground under the car and a receiving coil built into the underside of the vehicle.
Wireless recharging would eliminate the physical cords and connections currently needed to recharge these hybrids. It could also solve the problem of different charging stations for the different makes of vehicles.
Tests of this new technology are not being conducted in R&D labs, but with actual modified Priuses in Japan. Actual owners will evaluate the technology’s performance in reliability, misalignment issues, and quality of charging. After this year long test, Toyota plans to incorporate wireless charging in existing plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Volvo and Audi are also developing wireless charging systems for their hybrids as well, but the difference is the size of the various makes of cars elevates consumers’ concerns that these wireless platforms may not be capable of accommodating more than one make of car. Juiced Hybrid offers numerous accessories and conversions for both Audi and Volvo, and will certainly keep abreast of these research developments.
All of the hybrid, EV auto makers will have to develop car-mounted wireless charging coils that are compatible with the ground-mounted wireless chargers on the in-ground pads.
Qualcomm, a leading wireless technology provider, has also introduced a wireless charging system that they advertise as a superior charging method that will eliminate the plug-in cord used in most electric hybrids today.
The infrastructure of these systems is quite simple: the plate with a coil and an inverter (AC/AC converter) is positioned on a parking spot and connected to the power grid. Alternating magnetic fields on the infrastructure side produces an alternating current across to the secondary coil, built into the vehicle. Charging automatically ends when the battery is fully charged. The wireless charging is as timely as charging with a cable and is not affected by rain or snow. Since the alternating fields are only generated when a car is over the plate, there is no danger for humans or animals.