WiTricity says it is working with General Motors to test a wireless charging system prototype for electric vehicles.
The companies are working to test WiTricity's Drive 11 park and charge system, designed for interoperability across vehicle platforms. The prototype testing focuses on wireless charging systems at 7.7 and 11 kW charge rates, capable of charging both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and extended range electric vehicles (EREVs).
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The system design works across plug-in electric vehicle platforms and can be deployed as a "floor pad" in a consumer's garage, as well as installed under pavement to provide wireless charging in public and commercial parking lots.
"Wireless charging is a technology our customers have told us they are interested in," said Pamela Fletcher, GM executive chief engineer – Electrified Vehicles, Pamela Fletcher. "By testing the WiTricity prototype system, we can ensure that wireless charging systems will comply with proposed industry standards, which benefits the entire industry and consumers."
For his part, WiTricity CEO, Alex Gruzen, added: "The electric vehicle has been recognised as central to the future of mobility and GM has been a leader, making EVs accessible to the broader market. The convenience of wireless charging will help accelerate adoption even further."
"Our team is proud to work with GM on this project. Wireless charging for EVs, based on industry standards, is inevitable as we move toward a future of self-driving and autonomous vehicles and this project brings us one step closer to realising our vision of a world powered wirelessly."
Licensing agreements have been announced with Toyota, Delphi, TDK, IHI and BRUSA. WiTricity is also collaborating directly with leading carmakers to drive global standards for wireless charging systems.
Standards initiatives in which the company is involved, include SAE International, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), STILLE and China Automotive Technology & Research Centre (CATARC).
