Wireless power coupling is getting a big push for adoption from a newly announced Toyota and WiTricity partnership. Back in December 2010, via magnetic resonance. As a refresher; unlike traditional magnetic induction, direct contact or even close proximity is not needed with WiTricity's tech. The main benefit of WiTricity's offering is no need for coil alignment or close proximity. One WiTricity charging station, placed on a sidewalk, could charge a whole row of cars. That is a winning feature. The goal of the partnership is to foster widespread use of wireless EV charging stations. The, now, team has stated that this resonating technique is more efficient than electromagnetic-induction charging. The power transfer efficiency still drops with distance, though not as greatly. However some other companies are already offering wireless EV charging options that boast 80% efficiency and more, so Toyota better rush this to market.
Every month or so, a new technology or announcement in EV technology pushes me ever closer to taking the all electric plunge. Once I see a WiTricity charging station somewhere, It will be time to buy an EV.
Anyone out there with an EV, how easy is charging for you?
Cabe
