WiTricity to simplify vehicle integration for its charging systems
US wireless EV charging system developer WiTricity has announced a programme for automotive OEMs to enable initial vehicle integration in just three months. This is designed to significantly accelerate testing for wireless charging on existing and future electric vehicle platforms.
The FastTrack integration programme is designed to help OEMs integrate WiTricity’s ‘Halo’ charging system, according to the company. FastTrack provides a testable and evaluable wireless charging option with a full implementation of hardware and software, WiTricity stated. The Halo system, consisting of the vehicle-side receiver and the infrastructure-side charger, enables 11 kW charging.
“Knowing the challenges of automotive timelines, we are committed to help OEMs move more quickly to adopt the wireless charging technology that customers want,” said Alex Gruzen, CEO of WiTricity. “We have extensive experience upgrading existing vehicles such as the Tesla Model 3 and the Ford Mustang Mach-E to support wireless charging, and in working with early adopters of factory-installed wireless charging. WiTricity can partner with OEMs not just on evaluation, but on delivery from our global supply chain of fully automotive-grade wireless charging solutions for production programs”
In stating that an inductive charging option is “desired by consumers”, Gruzen cites an independent survey conducted by Tidewatch Partners in June 2023. According to the survey, 80 per cent of consumers loyal to one premium car brand said they would switch to another premium car brand if it offered wireless charging. “We know that consumers prefer EVs with wireless charging, and we know that it solves a host of challenges for fleets as well,” Gruzen said. However, the WiTricity CEO had already made similar statements last year, without reference to a survey.
WiTricity presented the retrofit system for the Tesla Model 3 in February 2022. In Europe, for example, the company is working with ABT e-Line to offer a kit for a VW ID.4 from 2024. Siemens has also been involved in WiTricity since last year.
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