Delphi Automotive, and WiTricity, a wireless energy transfer technology provider, have signed an agreement to develop automatic wireless charging products for hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) to establish a global EV charging infrastructure.
The wireless charging system, which would be integrated into design of the hybrid or electric vehicle, would involve no plugs or charging cords and would automatically transfer power from the wireless energy source to the battery charger on the vehicle.
WiTricity’s existing wireless system, which has the potential to readily transfer over 3,300W of electricity, enough to fully charge an EV at the same rate as most residential plug-in chargers, will be used to create the new product.
The wireless charging system will add to Delphi’s current portfolio of EV charging products, which includes a Portable Electric Vehicle Charger that plugs into any standard 120V outlet to enable EV battery charging at home or away.
Wireless charging technology, however, needs to co-exist with plug-in charging stations to enable electric vehicle drivers to charge their vehicles when they are away from their wireless charging source.
Delphi director of global hybrid vehicle development Randy Sumner said that Delphi’s expertise in global engineering, validation and manufacturing coupled with WiTricity’s patented wireless energy transfer technology uniquely positions the company to make wireless charging of EVs a reality.