By Eric Cohen, WiTricity

What’s the Latest on Wireless EV Charging?

Ever since Tesla teased wireless charging a couple months ago, we’ve received more inquiries about what is going on in the world of wireless EV charging. I wanted to be sure EVA members are informed with the latest news and updates.

Ensuring Interoperability to Reduce Charge Anxiety

We know that one of the biggest issues EV drivers face is … will the charger plug fit into my vehicle? Wireless charging removes the plug, but automotive manufacturers are eager to avoid a repeat of that mess with wireless charging. The SAE standard, ratified in 2020, was critical for unlocking wireless charging, but there is still a need for consistency in testing and certification. That’s why, earlier this month, WiTricity joined forces with Siemens and Mahle to help drive a new CharIN Taskforce focused on interoperability for wireless EV charging. Much like other groups that helped make Wi-Fi and Bluetooth ubiquitous, this work will help accelerate broad commercial adoption of wireless EV charging.

Technology in EVs IS the Luxury Element Consumers Demand

In a recent survey, the vast majority of owners of traditional luxury marques stated that they expected their brands to continually lead in innovation (83%) and to always include the latest technology (86%). EV owners love their cars not just because they save on gas, but also because they offer the latest technology. For EV buyers, technology innovation is the luxury. As more and more EVs come to market, it’s clear that the technology advancements will continue to come, too. What’s next? Wireless EV charging. Consumers want it and expect it – and it’s ready for deployment today.

Bi-Directional Charge is Moving Front and Center

Electric vehicles have large batteries. The energy in those batteries typically is used to power the vehicle. However, at any given time 95% of automobiles in the U.S. sit parked, their energy unused. Put those large batteries, parked cars, and fluctuations in grid availability together and you have a solution: V2G technology can send some of the stored power back to the grid to adjust for fluctuations in other sources. Or V2H (Vehicle-2-Home), where the EV’s battery can provide backup energy to the house in case of a power outage. Check out our video about the V2G experience to learn more. Of course, EVs can only be tapped for V2G or V2H today if they are plugged in – something a user must remember to do. Not so with wireless!

As you know, the EV space is quickly evolving. New vehicles. New technologies. And new opportunities. Stay informed to ensure you are up-to-date with the latest developments.