A Volvo Car Group study of inductive charging for electric vehicles showed the technology for transferring energy via an electromagnetic field “has a promising future”, the Geely-owned automaker said.
Other EV makers such as Nissan are also eyeing the technology, similar to that already in use for electric toothbrushes and mobile phones.
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“Inductive charging has great potential. Cordless technology is a comfortable and effective way to conveniently transfer energy. The study also indicates that it is safe,” said Volvo’s Electric Propulsion System head Lennart Stegland.
He cautioned: “There is not yet any common standard for inductive charging. We will continue our research and evaluate the feasibility of the technology in our hybrid and electric car projects.”
Cordless charging
Inductive charging uses an electromagnetic field instead of a cord to transfer energy between two objects. An induction coil creates an alternating electromagnetic field from a charging base station. A second induction coil in the portable device picks up power from the electromagnetic field and converts it back into an electrical energy that charges the battery.
“With inductive charging, you simply position the car over a charging device and charging starts automatically. We believe that this is one of the factors that can increase the customer’s acceptance of electrified vehicles,” added Stegland.
Research in Flanders
The completed research project, which included inductive charging for cars and buses, was initiated by Flanders’ Drive, the knowledge centre of the automotive industry in the Flanders region of Belgium. It featured a consortium of companies, including Volvo Car, Bombardier Transportation and coachbuilder Van Hool. The project was partly funded by the Flemish government. Volvo supplied the car for the inductive charging project: a C30 Electric with a power output of 89kW (120hp).
“The tests demonstrated that our C30 Electric can be fully charged without a power cable in about 2.5 hours. In parallel with this, we have also conducted research into slow and regular charging together with Inverto which was also a partner in the project,” said Stegland.
Volvo Cars’ electrification strategy has already produced the V60 diesel-electric plug-in hybrid, in series production since 2012.
The company has a strategic co-operation deal with supplier/appliance maker Siemens to develop electrical drive technology, power electronics and charging technology as well as the integration of these systems into electric vehicles.
