General Motors has made yet another move as it bets big on electric vehicles in the near future. Electrek reports GM and Boston, Massachusetts startup company “WiTricity” have partnered to collaborate over future wireless charging technology.
The ultimate goal of the partnership is to develop wireless charging pads for EVs, ideally installed beneath a layer of concrete or other flooring materials garages. By parking over the pads, the vehicle would be charged automatically with no plugging required.
“The electric vehicle has been recognized as central to the future of mobility, and GM has been a leader, making EVs accessible to the broader market. The convenience of wireless charging will help accelerate adoption even further,” said Alex Gruzen, CEO of WiTricity, about the alliance. “Wireless charging for EVs, based on industry standards, is inevitable as we move toward a future of self-driving and autonomous vehicles, and this project brings us one step closer to realizing our vision of a world powered wirelessly.”
GM has agreed to lend a 2017 Chevrolet Volt to WiTricity to conduct tests with its wireless charging technology. The company claims it can reach 90 percent efficiency through its wireless charging, which would match traditional plug-in charging systems.
WiTricity has aimed for a 2017 release for the wireless charging pad.
Comments
As long as the charger system follows the new SAE standard, there is good news that GM will eventually offer wireless charging as a factory option in all new EVs (including the Volt), as many buyers wish to have charging methods that is as simple as charging their smartphones while parked. Businesses with parking spaces can install and offer free wireless charging as a perk to potential customers.
Hands-off inductive charging? It has Cadillac written all over it and it would be nice to beat Tesla and others to market with it.
Nice idea, except how many are going to tear up their garage floor to install one?