Photo: Nissan
The only real problems electric cars have nowadays are their (very) limited range and the bulk of their batteries denting performance and compromising driving dynamics. However, both these problems could be eliminated in one fell swoop with the introduction of wireless charging.
Energy Dynamics Lab, a research organization owned by the Utah State University, is working on a solution to the problem faced by all electric cars. They are developing a system to charge EVs through some sort of electrical grid/network embedded in the roadway. This would make EV ownership and driving a much more pleasurable experience. Currently, they have successfully wirelessly charged an electric car while it’s stationary. One of their next big challenges is figuring out how to implement a system of on-the-go charging into the road network itself as cheaply and as simply as possible in order for it to be easy to integrate into the current road infrastructure.
Thanks to the power supply constantly available for the vehicle, the size of the batteries can be reduced significantly (by up to 80%) and thus handling characteristics and overall performance of electric vehicles can significantly improve - imagine what a Tesla Roadster would perform like, provided it had the same weight as the Elise it’s based on.
EDL hopes to have a live demonstration of wireless charging while moving by the end of 2013, with a system capable of charging the car at speeds up to 70 mph (110 km/h). We look forward to seeing this great idea move forward and we’ll keep you updated on its progress.
Source: Traffic Technology International
Thanks to the power supply constantly available for the vehicle, the size of the batteries can be reduced significantly (by up to 80%) and thus handling characteristics and overall performance of electric vehicles can significantly improve - imagine what a Tesla Roadster would perform like, provided it had the same weight as the Elise it’s based on.
EDL hopes to have a live demonstration of wireless charging while moving by the end of 2013, with a system capable of charging the car at speeds up to 70 mph (110 km/h). We look forward to seeing this great idea move forward and we’ll keep you updated on its progress.
Source: Traffic Technology International
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