8 Companies Developing EV Wireless Charging Solutions

Wireless charging for electric vehicles (EVs) represents a significant leap in the evolution of EV technology.

At its core, wireless EV charging operates on the principle of inductive charging, where an electromagnetic field transfers energy between two coils - a transmitter on the ground and a receiver mounted on the vehicle. When an alternating current (AC) flows through the transmitter coil, it generates a rapidly changing magnetic field. This field, when intersecting with the receiver coil in the EV, induces a current in the latter. This current is then converted from AC to direct current (DC) to charge the EV's battery. The process, though seemingly straightforward, involves complex electrical engineering principles to maximize efficiency and safety.

For example, the efficiency of wireless charging systems hinges on the alignment and distance between the coils, known as coupling. Engineers have developed sophisticated systems to enhance this alignment, ensuring effective power transfer even when the vehicle is not perfectly positioned over the transmitter. This has been further bolstered by the development of resonant inductive coupling, where both coils resonate at the same frequency, allowing for a larger air gap between the coils and more flexible positioning of the vehicle.

The importance of wireless charging for EVs is that it addresses a significant barrier to EV adoption: the inconvenience of cable-based charging. This technology promises a 'charge-as-you-go' scenario where EVs can be charged at traffic stops or in parking spaces equipped with transmitter pads, reducing range anxiety. Furthermore, wireless charging systems can be embedded in public infrastructure, making EV charging as ubiquitous as Wi-Fi, dramatically changing the landscape of urban transportation.

In this piece, we’ll talk about some companies that are pioneering the field of wireless EV  charging. Read on to learn about eight companies developing wireless charging solutions for EVs.