On the road to induction charging for electric vehicles
The “Arena del Futuro” (“Arena of the Future”) circuit, built near Chiari in Lombardy, demonstrates the potential of dynamic induction charging for electric vehicles. It is, in fact, on this circuit that Stellantis is testing this power transfer system with several of its electric models, such as the Fiat New 500.
The Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT) technology can significantly increase the range of electric vehicles, therefore reducing the stress of having to quickly find a charging station when the battery is running low. Stellantis is also seeking to reassure future users about the intensity of the magnetic field, which it says has no impact on the driver or passengers.
DWPT is a technology based on a succession of coils placed under the asphalt that transmit power directly to the vehicles (cars, trucks or even buses) that drive on it. During this time, they do not consume the energy stored in their battery. To work properly, each vehicle simply needs to be equipped with a special “receiver” that transfers the power from the road infrastructure directly to the electric motor.
What has been developed at the “Arena del Futuro” could very well be installed on dedicated road sections in the future. Note that this system works at any speed, so it could one day be deployed on freeways.
On the same theme, a stretch of road measuring over 100 meters in Karlsruhe, Germany, will be equipped with wireless electric charging infrastructure in order to supply power to the city’s electric buses while they are driving.
The concept of induction charging is nothing new. Earlier this year, the Spanish company Premium PSU, for example, unveiled a new wireless charging system for electric vehicles, which should be on the market by 2024. The idea is to be able to charge an EV by positioning it directly on a dedicated charging station. In 2018, BMW also released its own wireless charging solution, aimed at the brand’s plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Find out more about testing at the Arena del Futuro circuit in this video: youtu.be/mFyJg6f9v84
