Did you know that hopping in and out of electric vehicles (EVs) to plug in a charger may become unnecessary, thanks to the concept of invisible charging? Powerful coils fitted underground will soon be ready to provide energy to vehicles through magnetic resonance or inductive charging.
This means parking to grab groceries or run errands becomes an opportunity to charge the car — without a second thought (or action!). Smart grids can work in conjunction with the vehicle’s smart systems to manage energy distribution automatically.
Waiting for a vehicle to charge could also become a thing of the past, as EVs learn to recharge while in motion. Highways equipped with wireless charging zones would allow cars to top up their batteries during travel, reducing the need for long charging stops and making route planning more flexible.
Will charging cables soon be a thing of the past? Wireless charging systems promise a future where EVs power up automatically — no plugs required.
Understanding wireless charging
The basic principle behind this technology is electromagnetic induction. The use of resonant inductive coupling involves adding a capacitor to each induction coil to create two resonant circuits (LC circuits) with a specific resonance frequency.
A fluctuating magnetic field is created by an alternating current operating at this resonant frequency in the transmitting coil. This magnetic field then induces current in the receiving coil. In this way, the energy transfer is accomplished wirelessly. In some instances, this technology is referred to as “magnetic resonance”, and it’s often contrasted to “induction” for its ability to efficiently transfer power over a range of distances and with positional and orientational offsets.
The wireless charging system consists of three main parts:
- Wallbox
- Ground assembly (GA)
- Vehicle assembly (VA).
The technology behind wireless charging is explored in depth IDTechEx’s latest report, “Wireless Charging Market for Electric Vehicles 2023-2033: Technology, Players and Forecasts.”
IDTechEx research found that about 70% of the cost is associated with the ground assembly, where electricity from the ac mains is first converted to dc using rectifiers and then converted to high frequency ac using inverters. On the vehicle side, a secondary rectifier is needed to convert the transmitted ac into dc for powering the vehicle’s battery.
The report addresses the ground and vehicle-based assemblies with a dive into materials and components. A TCO comparison with plug-in infrastructure alongside overall system efficiency comparisons are some of the highlights.
Wireless EV charging is expected to play a key role in developing the overall network of EV charging infrastructure alongside Level 1 and 2 ac charging and Level 3 dc fast charging. It will be a complementary solution to support the growing population of zero-emission light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles. It offers tremendous opportunities for automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and fleet operators.
The current state of the wireless charging
Wireless charging standards were in development for more than a decade before being finalized and released in 2020. With the SAE J2954 standard now established for consumer EVs, the technology is positioned for broader adoption.
The standard currently covers relatively low-power charging systems, ranging from 3.3 to 11 kW, with a 22 kW level under development. These systems are intended primarily for static charging at homes, workplaces, or depots where light-duty vehicles can charge overnight.
However, wireless charging introduces additional cost to vehicle design, since plug-in charging hardware is already required by default. Installing static pads (particularly those embedded in roads) also adds cost due to the need for grid connections and site preparation.
IDTechEx projects the market will remain divided between low-power, lower-cost systems intended for consumer convenience, and higher-power equipment used for opportunity charging in commercial or fleet settings. Dynamic charging systems integrated into roadways are expected to follow for select applications, with early deployment likely in controlled environments such as shuttle routes.
The publication of the standard served as a significant catalyst and many automotive manufacturers have since been working with their suppliers evaluating, developing, and refining wireless charging technologies. Companies like Hyundai, FAW and BYD are already offering factory-fitted wireless charging hardware from key players on select vehicle models.
The performance of wireless EV charging systems reported by key players. (Source: IDTechEx)
The future of wireless charging
With wireless charging systems integrated into vehicles and installed strategically around cities and at private residences, there’s the promise of never needing to plug in an EV again. Drivers would simply park as usual over a coil placed on or embedded in the ground.
Several companies are competing to lead the wireless EV charging space, including WiTricity, Hevo, Wave, IPT Technology, Momentum Dynamics, and others. In practice, each system is designed for different applications, and the growing demand in this emerging market may support multiple players.
According to IDTechEx, the main development goals for wireless charging include increasing power and efficiency while reducing system costs. Currently, plug-in chargers remain faster and more cost-effective compared to wireless systems.
Wireless EV charging is also expected to play a key role in enabling vehicle autonomy. Concepts from Volkswagen and Hyundai include wireless charging pads embedded in parking spaces, allowing automated valet systems to locate a space and begin charging without human involvement. As production scales up after 2025, the cost of static wireless units is expected to decline.
Looking further ahead, Electreon is developing and testing dynamic wireless charging embedded within roadways. This would allow EVs to charge while driving, potentially reducing the need for large onboard batteries and lowering both vehicle weight and cost.
However, electrifying roads is expensive, and expanding dynamic charging infrastructure over several kilometers remains a significant challenge. Only a small share of current vehicles would be able to benefit. Still, pilot programs are underway, and countries including Sweden, Germany, France, and Italy have announced plans to electrify thousands of kilometers of roadway.
Wireless charging provides a contactless solution for powering EVs. By eliminating the need for physical cables and plugs, it offers greater convenience and could transform how electric vehicles are charged in the future.
However, will it be powerful and efficient enough to charge all types of vehicles? What are the additional components needed? What is the state of commercialization? Is it safe to operate?
Find answers to these questions in the IDTechEx report, with sample pages available here.
Filed Under: Charging, Technology News, Wireless charging