Similar to wireless charging on phones, brands and manufacturers are working on wireless EV charging.
And while it sounds like a futuristic dream, it actually already exists.
Imagine not having to stop for gas or plug your vehicle in.
Instead, it always has some juice and charges wirelessly anywhere and everywhere you go.
Sounds nice, right?
So how does that work?
Wireless charging uses electromagnetic induction to transmit electrical power.
That electric current can charge a phone or charge the battery to power an EV.
Another term you’ll often see is “inductive charging.”
Related:What Happens When an Electric Vehicle Battery Dies?
you’ve got the option to find them in select locations in London.
Or,PluglessPoweris one of the first production options in Europe.
Or, more realistically, in their garage.
How Efficient Is Wireless EV Charging?
That’s when you factor in the grid, storage, conversion, plugs, and everything else.
It’s also reasonably fast and on par with most home chargers.
Related:How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV?
So the same charging speeds you get at home could work wirelessly.
WiTricity and others could offer fast charging at home, offices, parking lots, and more.
Just don’t expect Tesla-style supercharger speeds anytime soon.
When Could We See Wireless EV Charging in the US?
It’s not a new EV, but it’s laying the groundwork for others.
In fact, WiTricity has licensing agreements and partners scattered throughout the automotive space.
Once EVs become more mainstream, wireless EV charging will be the next big push.
Eventually, we could see wireless EV charging built into the roadways.
Something that major is still a pipedream, but it’s a dream they’re working towards nonetheless.
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Inductive charging built right into the road works similarly to regular wireless EV charging.
Early tests show it working even at speeds upwards of 65+ MPH.
It’s a massively expensive idea, and that’s before you consider ripping up and rebuilding roadways.
It’s a small 1-mile road in Detroit, but it’ll be available to the public.
Another thing you’ll want to think about is autonomous vehicles.
Tesla, GM, Ford, and everyone else wants to create the next wave of self-driving cars.
However, one huge limitation of autonomous EVs is charging.
There’s still a human element for physically plugging in the vehicle.
For now, I’ll just settle for improved range, faster charging, and more affordable EVs.
