JAPAN: WiTricity, IHI and Mitsubishi combine on EV wireless charging
By Simon Warburton | 3 October 2011
WiTricity Corporation, IHI and Mitsubishi Motors (MMC) have joined to research and develop electric vehicle wireless charging systems compatible with electric grids.
Wireless charging systems allow transfer of energy from a source placed on or under the ground to a vehicle equipped with an energy capture device.
Charging occurs automatically when the vehicle is parked, with no physical contact between the vehicle and the charging source. WiTricity has already developed and brought to market its patented magnetic resonance wireless charging system.
WiTricity says it has developed a system that can transfer energy further and more efficiently in comparison to conventional systems such as electromagnetic induction and microwave transmission, by being able to deliver up to 3.3 kW of charging power across distances of 20cm (almost 8 inches) and at an efficiency rate of more than 90%.
The three companies will evaluate ways to incorporate wireless charging systems into EV charging infrastructure as well as clarify legal matters regarding the new technology and create proposals for rules governing the use of such systems. They will also test wireless charging systems with EVs fitted with power charging receptors internally.
"Electric vehicles offer great potential for reducing CO2 emissions and reliance on fossil fuels," said WiTricity CEO Eric Giler. "However, they must be user friendly, and wireless charging is an important feature that greatly improves the user experience.
Kazuaki Kama, IHI president and CEO said: "Wireless charging is strategic to IHI. We believe user-friendly wireless charging will contribute to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
"Working together with Mitsubishi Motors and WiTricity, leaders in electric vehicles and wireless technology, we aim to become a leading world-wide supplier of wireless charging stations for public, commercial, and residential parking environments."
Sectors: Electric drive, Technology/R&D, Vehicle manufacturers
Companies: Mitsubishi
View next/previous articles
3 Oct 2011 -
Currently reading -
JAPAN: WiTricity, IHI and Mitsubishi combine on EV wireless charging
3 Oct 2011 -
Related sector research
Global market review of electric vehicles - forecasts to 2018
Find production volumes for the global electric vehicle passenger car market by OEM from 2000 to 2009 in this latest report. It provides a review of the latest technological developments and market tr...
Related company research
Brampton Mitsubishi - Company Capsule
Synopsis ICD Research's "Brampton Mitsubishi - Company Capsule" contains a company overview, key facts, major products and services and key employees Summary ICD Research's "Brampton Mitsubishi - Company Capsule" is a crucial resource for industry e...
Mitsubishi Electric 2010 company profile edition 2
This latest edition just-auto company profile is part of a major series of reports that will provide you with convenient and concise analysis on the world's largest component and vehicle manufacturers. Each individual company is profiled in a consist...
There are currently no comments on this article
Be the first to comment on this article