Wireless EV Chargers - The Future Of EV Charging?

According to Bloomberg, the future of electric vehicle (EV) charging may soon phase out plugs entirely. EV drivers can soon envision a scenario in which they simply park in designated areas and charge up their EVs wirelessly.

This novel approach, known as wireless EV charging, relies on the inductive transfer of electrons, eliminating the need for cables. Despite years of development by multiple startups, the technology faces significant obstacles before becoming mainstream, such as slow charging speeds and the need for significant infrastructure and industry-wide adoption.

Wireless EV charging uses magnetic resonance and charging pads to generate a power-transmitting field that is detected by a receiver coil beneath the vehicle. However, current wireless charging speeds, though comparable to Level 2 chargers, still fall short of the speed of DC fast chargers found at public stations.

Furthermore, incorporating wireless charging into EV designs is complicated and expensive for automakers, with installation costs potentially discouraging consumers.

This explains why wireless EV charging is currently available in pilot projects, with notable trials in China and South Korea, especially in commercial vehicle applications due to their predictable routes and overnight charging opportunities.

While some progress is visible, such as WiTricity's upcoming Halo wireless system for golf carts and light vehicles, widespread adoption is dependent on overcoming charging speed limitations and lowering costs.

Tesla's recent interest in wireless charging has piqued industry interest, indicating potential broader acceptance. Standardisation efforts, such as those led by SAE International, seek to streamline technology implementation across light-duty vehicles, paving the way for widespread adoption in a variety of settings, including apartments and parking lots.

Future advancements in autonomous driving and bidirectional charging may strengthen the case for wireless EV charging. Bidirectional charging allows vehicles to return power to the grid, whereas dynamic inductive charging, which is still in its early stages, envisions charging vehicles on the go, potentially transforming streets into charging zones.

At the current juncture, traditional EV chargers would surely remain relevant for decades to come especially in the Malaysian context. However as technology and regulatory frameworks evolve, wireless EV charging possibilities cannot be discounted.