The Groundbreaking Wireless EV Charger Achieves 100 kW Speeds with Exceptional Efficiency

This Breakthrough Wireless EV Charger Reaches 100 kW Speeds With Near-Perfect Efficiency

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee have made a major breakthrough in wireless charging technology for Electric vehicles. They achieved 96% efficiency in a 100kW wireless charging test, using electromagnetic waves to charge a Hyundai Kona Electric. This new system, called “polyphase electromagnetic coupling coils,” allows for energy to be transferred at a higher density than conventional coils, resulting in faster charging speeds.

Traditional charging setups often waste energy as heat, but the new coil design from Oak Ridge National Laboratory aims to reduce these losses. Charging losses during transmission can be significant, with some EVs consuming more kilowatt-hours during charging than their batteries can actually hold. However, the ORNL test showed charging losses of only around 6%, making this wireless charging technology more efficient than conventional wired charging methods.

ORNL researchers claim to have achieved the highest power density in the world for a wireless charging system of this kind, charging the EV with a five-inch air gap. This new technology is designed to be lightweight and enable higher-density energy flow.

While questions remain about the cost and practicality of implementing this technology on a larger scale, the potential benefits of efficient wireless charging for electric vehicles are evident. Several companies in China and the U.S. are already exploring wireless charging capabilities, with some Electric cars coming equipped with this technology as standard.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the development of wireless charging technology for EVs seems to be gaining momentum and could become a more common feature in the future. Several pilot projects are already underway, showcasing the potential of this innovation to revolutionize the way we charge electric vehicles.