Wireless power transmission (WPT) is fast becoming a revolutionary technology that is instrumental in the use of electric vehicles (EVs), an emerging technology that is projected to solve such important issues during the widespread use of EVs as charging convenience, range anxiety, and infrastructure development. Next-generation batteries are now utilized in electric vehicles, providing increased storage capacity, efficiency, and safety. According to the Consegic Business Intelligence, the next-generation batteries market is growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2030 to reach over USD 21,143.59 Million by 2030 from a value of USD 13,771.81 Million in 2022. WPT is the technology that will make electric vehicles the future, a technology that will enable the transmission of energy without physical connectors, allowing the vehicles to be charged in a more quiet and efficient manner.
The Need for Wireless Power Transmission in EVs
Wireless power transmission (WPT) has the potential to transform and address some of the major challenges in EV adoption such as charging convenience, range anxiety, and infrastructure development. WPT allows a more convenient and faster way to charge EVs by the power of transmitting without the plugging and unplugging of any physical connectors. It makes the process of charging easier, with EVs being charged wirelessly without the need for physical connectors. It also reduces wear and tear. This will prolong the life of the charging systems and reduce the costs of maintenance.
Key Technologies in Wireless Power Transmission for EVs
Electric vehicles would be charged wirelessly if they used the technology that utilizes inductive charging and resonant inductive coupling. They are both techs that allow the energy to not need to be in the same place as the vehicle that is waiting; they are also very suitable for the transfer of power across an air gap, operate on different principles, and are used for different purposes. Resonant inductive coupling is a modification of the henceforth traditional method of inductive charging that allows for the power to be transferred through the air with a higher percent of efficiency for longer distances.
Advancements in Wireless Charging Infrastructure
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has come up with a standard in this area known as SAE J2954, which is a global standard for wireless power transfer in electric vehicles. This standard will support interoperability across the different wireless charging systems and EV models hence enabling wider adoption of the technology. There are many testbeds in progress to install wireless charging networks in public areas. These are wireless charging pads in parking lots, taxi stands, or residential areas. Dynamic wireless charging, also called in-motion charging, is a new technology that allows electric vehicles to charge while they are on the road which is built with special infrastructure.
Challenges
A prominently encountered issue in wireless power transmission is the efficiency factor. While static wireless charging systems can reach an efficiency level of around 90%, which is very promising, dynamic charging systems pose more obstacles due to power losses over larger air gaps and higher speeds.
Hence, amplifying the throughput of wireless power transmission, especially in the case of fast-moving vehicles, will be an imperative factor in the market.
Conclusion
Wireless power transmission is believed to be a game-changer for the electric vehicle industry, offering a more comfortable, efficient, and user-friendly charging service. Through advances in inductive charging, resonant inductive coupling, and dynamic charging roads, wireless charging technology is on the brink of becoming a proven option for electric vehicles.
Source: Next-Generation Batteries Market
