Wireless EV Charging: The Next Big Thing?

EVs have come a long way since their inception, and not just in miles. The technology driving them continues to evolve at a pace unprecedented within the history of propulsion. EVs represent the science fiction future that dominated literature and cinema during the 20th century – because not only do these vehicles not operate on gasoline, in some cases they don’t even require a charger in order to refuel! Or, at least, not a conventional one. No more tangled cords or occupied outlets. We’re talking about wireless charging for your EV. Let’s dive in.

Wireless EV Chargers: How They Work

You park your car on top of one. End of article.

Just kidding. Inductive charging – or wireless – uses electromagnetic fields to charge up your ride. There’s an energy transfer between two coils – one in the ground, and one in the vehicle. After all, it already exists for your phone, so why not for your car? Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Charging Pad Installation: Clear a dedicated space in your garage or parking spot. Make sure the neighbors don’t get mad. Then, slap one of these bad boys down on the X.

2. Receiver in the Vehicle: Make sure a receiver coil is installed in your EV and can line up properly with the charging pad on the ground when parked.

3. Electromagnetic Induction: Glide into your parking space, and the charging pad should generate the electromagnetic field. Your EV’s receiver turns this into an electric current, which is stored in your battery. Just like that, your battery’s charging.

4. Smart Charging: Many wireless systems come equipped with smart technology to manage charging schedules, make the most of energy use, and even integrate with renewable energy sources. For example, WiTricity is one of the premier wireless charging solutions that uses their own patented smart tech called Charge Happy. Their systems are for sale right now!

Benefits of Wireless EV Chargers Vs. NACS Charger Ports

Convenience

Wireless charging means just parking and walking away. It’s like having your own personal valet, minus the tipping. And the service. It’s not really like a valet at all, really. But it just feels right. And that’s the primary advantage.

Safety

Tripping over cables? Not anymore. Wear and tear on your charging cord? Nuh uh. Scared to charge in wet and stormy weather? Fear no longer. No more exposed electrical connections. No more shocking experiences.

Efficiency

As with all things technology, modern innovations have also made this thing better. Faster. Stronger. Modern wireless systems can be as efficient as traditional plug-in chargers, meaning you’re not making any sacrifices by installing one over the other.

Aesthetics

Boom goes the dynamite. It’s all about aura, baby. Wireless chargers make you feel like Tony Stark, but instead of a glowy chest thing your car charges via magic. Or, at least that’s what you can tell your gullible friends.

Future-Proofing

Wireless tech will become the norm. It’s poised to become a standard feature in new vehicles and infrastructure projects. It’s simply a matter of getting ahead of the curve – you don’t have to, but it’ll probably boost your vehicle’s resale value.

Impact on the EV Industry

Increased Adoption

When people realize that charging your EV is becoming as easy as parking it, they’re going to pounce on this tech. In fact, they already are. This convenience will push EV adoption through the roof.

Infrastructure Development

Rolling out wireless charging isn’t just about the tech. It’s an economic booster, creating jobs and driving growth in related sectors. It will require significant investment and collaboration, meaning governments, automakers, and tech providers are likely going to see the opportunity and jump on board.

Standardization

We need universal standards, like the NACS charger port, to make sure all this tech works together. No one wants a Betamax vs. VHS situation here. We also need to make sure this tech is compatible with all EV motors and assorted other components.

Innovation in Design

Removing the charging port potentially opens up some crazy possibilities for EV design. Imagine charging lanes, that charge your car while you drive! Sleek, aerodynamic rides that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie—full circle, see what we did there? Anyway, we might be seeing some amazing new designs and concepts come out of wireless tech. We also might not. We shall see.

Wireless EV charging is cool as hell. Not only will EVs have autopilot, but they’ll be able to charge by simply parking or driving. These vehicles are quickly becoming everything we thought the future would hold and more–as this tech becomes mainstream, it’ll drive EV adoption, spark infrastructure development, and fuel further innovation. It will be great for national economies across the board. So, keep your eye on wireless charging tech and get ahead of the curve, before it, well… curves.