Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining more and more attention in the world. They are clean, they’re efficient and they help cut pollution. One remaining challenge is how to charge them. That is in stark contrast to today, when most car owners of electric vehicles must plug their cars into home power outlets with heavy cables. This can be time-consuming, and might also be inconvenient. The next big thing that’s been capturing attention is wireless charging for electric cars. It heralds a future in which drivers can recharge their vehicles without plugging them in.
What is Wireless Charging for Electric Vehicle’s?
Wireless charging, also known as inductive charging, transfers power using electromagnetic fields. It works almost like you would charge your smartphone on a wireless charging pad. For EVs, the system is made up of two primary components — a charging pad on the ground and a receiver beneath the vehicle. When the car sits over the pad, electricity travels wirelessly to charge its battery.
Why Wireless Charging Matters
The notion of charging up unencumbered by cables can make EV life that much simpler. Picture your car parked in a garage or parking slot at a mall, charging itself as if it were breathing. Wires dont have to be plugged in. That makes life easy for people and businesses that run their EVs as a fleet.
Some key benefits are:
- Convenience: No cables, no hassle.
- Security: No potential risk of tripping over cables or having ratty wires.
- Efficiency: Some new systems claim to transfer 90–95% of the energy.
- Smart integration: It can be connected to apps, timers and even billing systems.
How It Works in Real Life
Wireless charging in the roads and on public locations is already being tested in some countries including Germany, South Korea, and the USA. And some are even involving dynamic charging, where EVs charge while they drive along specially built roads. That could be one answer to short battery range.
Challenges of Wireless EV Charging
Wireless charging, like all new technology, also has drawbacks:
- Pricey: Despite the relatively low cost of a regular charger, the setup is an expensive one.
- Slow start: Infrastructure doesn’t get built in cities overnight.
- Compatibility concerns: Not all EVs have wireless charging yet.
- Energy: Although getting better, there is still some loss of power transmission.
The Future of EV Charging
See p.46 According to analysts, wireless charging will be prevalent in 5–10 years time. In the early going, it might also be more popular in high-end EVs and fleets of commercial vehicles. As technology declines in price, we might see charging pads in homes, offices, malls and along highways. Governments and car manufacturers are already beginning to invest in pilot projects that will usher in this future.
FAQs:
Q1. Is wireless for EVs charging safe?
Yes, absolutely – safety is built into the product. The system only functions if the car is positioned accurately. It’s also equipped with sensors to stop accidents from happening.
Q2. Is wireless charging slower than wired charging?
For now, wired fast charging is faster. But technology is getting better, with wireless charging speeds projected to one day even outpace them.
Q3. Is it possible to add wireless charging at home?
Yes, already there are companies selling home wireless chargers. But they are pricey relative to normal chargers.
Q4. Will wireless charging be suitable for all EVs?
Not yet. The automakers would have to produce cars with receivers. Sooner or later a common standard could be used by all EVs.
Q5. What is dynamic wireless charging?
It is an infrastructure system in which the EVs are charged while running on a path provided with magnetic charging coils. This can increase the driving distance without pause.
