Electric vehicles (EVs) offer a sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Building on this eco-friendly innovation, Wireless charging has emerged as a promising technology. It seeks to eliminate the need for physical connectors and cables.

As per recent statistics, the global wireless electric vehicle charging market size was USD 16.5 million in 2020 and is projected to grow to USD 221.0 million in 2028 at a CAGR of 42.4%.

Numerous innovations have been filed in this domain, reflecting the intense research. For instance, Toyota has patented a system for wirelessly charging a battery, particularly for an electric or hybrid electric vehicle. The system includes a charging station and a charge receiver, with the charging station comprising a movable charge transmitter. 

Another patent by the University of Georgia Research Foundation describes a wireless charging system that includes a transmitter pad with a primary coil supplied by a power source.

This article aims to evaluate these breakthroughs in EV wireless charging technology. 

Recent Breakthroughs for EV Wireless Charging

Some of the key innovations shaping the future of EV wireless charging include:

• Faster Charging Speeds: The advent of Quick Charge technology has significantly improved the speed of wireless charging. For instance, modern wireless charging solutions can now deliver power at rates that rival traditional wired charging.
• Extended Charging Range: Innovations in technology have led to the development of wireless charging solutions that work over longer distances.
  
  For example, Resonant Inductive Coupling (RIC) technology allows charging over a distance of up to several inches, significantly improving over previous technologies.
• Multi-device Charging: An example of this is the multi-device charging pads that can power several devices at once, eliminating the need for multiple charging cables.
• Adoption of Qi 1.3: This is a new standard in wireless charging that offers more powerful processors, better protection features, higher power transfer rates, and increased interfaces.

Case Studies of Leading Companies on EV Wireless Charging

Companies around the world are advancing the use of wireless charging as a tool. Some of these companies are:

Tesla

Tesla has developed a wireless charging platform that provides 15W of fast charging power per device for up to three devices simultaneously. The system uses an ultra-thin vehicle receiving coil that accepts inductive power transfer using existing connectors in the Model S. Tesla’s wireless charging system is unaffected by rain, ice, and snow, ensuring charging remains convenient no matter the weather.

BMW

BMW introduced its first wireless charging adapter kit in 2015 and started offering the wireless charging tray as a built-in feature in many of its models in 2017. BMW uses Qi technology for all of its in-car features. Wireless battery charging is made possible with Qi by using inductive transfer, which requires the device to be placed on top of the pad.

Mercedes Benz

In 2016, Mercedes-Benz introduced its latest infotainment system for the E-Class, which included Near Field Communication (NFC) connectivity and wireless charging. With the technology, there is no need for wires or an extra phone holder to charge and connect mobile phones to the outside aerial of the car. 

Patents and Innovations in EV Wireless Charging

While still in development, innovation in EV wireless charging patents is focused on improving efficiency, safety, and real-world applications.  Some of the patents are:

Toyota’s Patents

Toyota has been a significant player in the field of wireless charging for electric vehicles (EVs). One of their key patents describes a system for wirelessly charging a battery, particularly for an electric or hybrid electric vehicle. 

Wireless Charging System Components

• Charging Station: Houses a movable charge transmitter for dynamic positioning.
• Charge Receiver: The component located within the device being charged.

System Functionality

• Sensor: Detects the relative position of the charge receiver, providing data for alignment optimization.
• Processor: Connected to the charge transmitter, it analyzes sensor data and directs adjustments.
• Alignment Optimization: The processor instructs the charge transmitter to reposition for maximum charging efficiency based on the charge receiver’s location.

This patent adds a significant contribution to the field as it addresses the challenge of aligning the charging station with the vehicle, which is a common issue in wireless charging systems.

University of Georgia Research Foundation’s Patents

The University of Georgia Research Foundation has also made notable contributions to the field of wireless charging for EVs. One of their patents provides various examples related to the wireless charging of electric vehicles. 

In one example, a wireless charging system includes a transmitter pad, a primary coil supplied by a power source, and alignment control circuitry configured to determine the alignment condition of the transmitter pad with respect to a receiver pad of an electric vehicle. 

This patent is consequential as it presents a solution for determining the alignment condition between the transmitter and receiver pads, which is crucial for efficient power transfer.

EV Wireless Charging: Some Challenges and Future Directions

As every technology has pros and cons likewise, EV wireless charging also shows some challenges, which are:

1. Health and Safety Risks Associated with EV Wireless Charging

EV wireless charging technology, while convenient, does come with certain health and safety risks. 

• One of the primary concerns is the overheating of devices due to prolonged exposure to the electromagnetic field generated by the wireless charger. This can lead to an increased risk of fire or even permanent damage to the device. 
• Another concern is the potential for electromagnetic interference with other devices, which can cause data loss, slow speeds, and other technical issues.

 Some studies have suggested that wireless charging may expose users to electromagnetic radiation, which could be harmful to health. However, the evidence is inconclusive.

2. Regulations Governing EV Wireless Charging

The Qi standard, maintained by the Wireless Power Consortium, is a set of rules for wireless chargers that ensures everyone is using compatible technology and tests it to make sure it works and is worthy of using the Qi badge. 

In addition, any individual or entity is free to set up public charging stations without the requirement of a license, provided that such stations meet the standards and protocols laid down by the Ministry of Power, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and Central Electricity Authority (CEA) from time to time.

3. Economic Aspects of EV Wireless Charging Technologies

The cost of wireless charging technologies can vary widely depending on the specific technology and its application. 

For instance, the monthly connectivity fees for a wireless charging station network range from $500 to $1,000 per station. 

This includes the cost of conducting research, hiring skilled professionals, and acquiring necessary equipment and materials.

End Note

The future of EV wireless charging technology looks promising, with ongoing research and development driving innovation in this field. Key areas of focus include improving charging speeds, extending charging range, enabling multi-device charging, and developing new standards like Qi 1.3. Toyota has patented a system for wirelessly charging a battery, whereas the University of Georgia Research Foundation describes a wireless charging system that includes a transmitter pad with a primary coil. 

These patents and others like them are shaping the future of EV wireless charging technology.