• • • ELECTRIC VEHICLES • • • Parking space charging pads –
a glimpse into the future One of the most exciting aspects of wireless EV charging is the potential for charging pads embedded directly into parking spaces. These systems allow drivers to simply park their vehicles over the pad and begin charging automatically. With no need for physical connection or cables, this approach eliminates common challenges such as weather-exposed connectors or concerns about tripping over cords in public spaces. Charging pads can be installed in a wide variety of locations, including residential garages, commercial parking lots and even on-street parking spaces. Some developers are also exploring dynamic wireless charging, where EVs can be charged while in motion on roads equipped with charging pads, though this remains experimental at present.
The technology could also be integrated into public transit systems. For example, buses could be charged at designated stops, ensuring they are continuously powered without requiring lengthy recharging stops. This opens up possibilities for more efficient and sustainable urban transit systems.
Rough roads ahead: cost,
installation and standardisation While this promise of wireless EV charging is exciting, significant hurdles remain before it can be widely adopted. Chief among these are the costs of installation, concerns about standardisation, and the challenge of scaling the technology for mass use. Installation costs: Embedding charging pads into streets and parking lots requires substantial infrastructure investment. The installation
process itself is complex, requiring careful alignment between the pads and the vehicle’s receiver to ensure efficient energy transfer. The cost of implementing this technology on a wide scale remains high, though proponents argue that these costs could decrease as the technology matures. Standardisation: As with traditional EV charging infrastructure, standardisation is crucial for the success of wireless charging systems. Different manufacturers may design their vehicles to work with other types of charging pads, which could lead to compatibility issues if there is no agreed- upon standard. Industry players are working toward the development of universal standards for wireless EV charging to ensure that vehicles from all manufacturers can use the same charging infrastructure, similar to what we’ve seen with the Combined Charging System (CCS) in plug-in EV chargers.
Efficiency and power transfer: Though significant advancements have been made in wireless power transfer, energy losses during the transfer process still present a challenge. However, these losses are expected to decrease as the technology improves. For example, future developments in resonant inductive coupling could bring the efficiency of wireless charging closer to that of traditional plug-in systems, making it a more viable option for large-scale adoption.
Making wireless EV charging a reality
A multi-pronged approach will be necessary to overcome these challenges and make wireless EV charging a reality on our streets. Governments, automakers and charging infrastructure companies will all need to collaborate on numerous fronts.
Infrastructure investment: Governments and local municipalities will play a key role in funding the installation of wireless charging infrastructure, particularly in public spaces. Incentives and grants to develop charging pads could encourage early adoption and help offset initial installation costs. Collaboration between automakers: Automakers will need to agree on common standards for wireless charging technology. This could be achieved through partnerships and industry-wide agreements, similar to the evolution of CCS and CHAdeMO standards for traditional EV charging. Research and development: Ongoing research into improving wireless charging systems’ efficiency and power transfer capabilities will be crucial. Early versions may be challenging with any new technology, but continuous improvement will help drive efficiency gains and reduce the gap between wireless and plug-in charging.
The future of EV charging As EV adoption accelerates, the demand for more convenient and efficient charging solutions will grow. Wireless technology has the potential to revolutionise the way we charge electric vehicles, offering a seamless, hands-free experience for drivers and reshaping urban infrastructure in the process. While challenges remain, from installation costs to the need for standardisation, these obstacles are manageable. With collaboration between industry players, ongoing research and development, and public investment in infrastructure, wireless EV charging could become a common feature in our cities in the coming decades. For drivers, this means one less thing to worry about, just park your car, and let the energy flow.
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • NOVEMBER 2024 29
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