Wireless charging for electric cars under development

Wireless charging tech for EVs currently under development, will allow vehicle charging while in motion.

Researchers at Cornell University are reported to be developing a new method of charging electric vehicles. According to a media report, the researchers have come up with a wireless charging technology, which will allow owners to charge their electric vehicles while in motion.

The wireless charging infrastructure could be installed on public roads, allowing for EVs to charge on-the-go. The technology can also be used on highways by creating a separate charging lane.

EVs with low charge can enter the lane, charge their batteries and exit when done. The technology will also be able to recognise the vehicle entering the lane and send the bill to its owner.

The technology works by installing special metal plates in the road, which are connected to a powerline and a high-frequency inverter. These plates create an alternating electric field that will either attract or repel a set of similar metal plates fitted on the bottom of an EV.

This new charging infrastructure, if implemented, could potentially offer unlimited range for all kinds of EVs. It will also help EV owners save time by eliminating the need to stop and charge their vehicles, and help in curbing range anxiety. Researchers also predict that given the availability of charging in motion, EVs could also technically come fitted with smaller battery packs, thus reducing their overall weight.

Having said that, the research team at Cornell University mentioned that it would easily take 5 to 10 years for this infrastructure to be put in place. The charging infrastructure will first be introduced in major cities and busy highways in the US, before expanding to other places. This technology could also allow vehicles to get charged while waiting at traffic lights on busy city streets.

Source: Business Insider