WATERTOWN, MA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WiTricity, a pioneer in the wireless charging industry over long distances, today announced the automotive industry's most efficient and flexible wireless charging system for high-power electric vehicles (EVs). The system uses WiTricity's magnetic resonance technology to transmit electricity over long distances and through different materials up to 11 kW. The system can also be upgraded to 25 kW or more to meet the higher power requirements of next-generation cars. Last week, wiTricity successfully completed testing and validation of a new 7.7 kW system through a test program hosted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Wireless Charging Working Group at the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory. The system, designed and manufactured by WiTricity, was submitted in collaboration with WiTricity and Nissan, the world's leading supplier of electric vehicles.
Global EV usage continues to grow, with all major automakers implementing wireless charging systems for their all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) platforms. The first wireless-charging cars will be available in 2017, with other models coming out each year thereafter. In order to mass-scale popularize electric vehicles, automakers realized that wireless charging systems must have interoperability between different brands so that all electric vehicles can be charged wirelessly at home and at public charging points. Interoperability requires standardization, and WiTricity is leading its efforts to international standards with its leadership and engagement in industry organizations such as SAE (Global), IEC/ISO (Global), DKE (Germany) and CATARC (China). The new WiTricity high-performance system is designed to provide maximum interoperability for a variety of automotive brands and car types, from sports cars and sedans to off-road vehicles, including all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicle platforms.
WiTricity's new system supports 3.7 kW, 7.7 kW and 11 kW of electrical energy transfer, providing automakers with solutions for a wide range of vehicle models. And the new system can be upgraded to higher power levels to meet the needs of future electric vehicle models. Chargers can be deployed as "floor mats" in user garages and can also be installed under the road to provide wireless charging in public and commercial parking lots. The charging efficiency of the system is as high as 91%-94%, which is superior to the charging efficiency of many wired charging systems on the market. The key is WiTricity's breakthrough TMN™ technology, which delivers the best charging efficiency, flexibility, and interoperability on the market.
Alex Gruzen, CEO of WiTricity, said: "The company is very excited to introduce this new system and we are extremely proud to be a leader in high-power charging. By engaging with automakers to gain insight into their critical needs, I believe WiTricity can have a huge impact on the industry and users. Electric vehicles have the potential to make a huge difference in transportation, and simplifying the charging experience is the basis for increasing the utilization of electric vehicles. The system will help drivers to charge easily and efficiently without having to think about plugging in a charging plug. ”
WiTricity is working with major automakers and Tier 1 suppliers to turn wireless charging of next-generation electric vehicles into a commercial reality. The company has announced licensing agreements with Toyota Motor Corp., Delphi, TDK, IHI and BRUSA. In addition, the company is working directly with leading automakers to push for global standards for wireless charging systems.
About WiTricity
WiTricity Corporation's technology uses magnetic resonance to enable wireless transmission over long distances. Through deep domain expertise, semiconductor products and services, a strong IP portfolio, and an extensive library of reference designs, WiTricity works with innovative companies to integrate WiTricity technologies into their products and solutions. With growing global customers in industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, medical devices, and defense, the company has become a leader in long-range wireless power transmission.