Volvo revealed that it is currently testing a new wireless charging technology for EVs. The test will be conducted at the city of Gothenburg in the company’s home country of Sweden. It will run for a period of three years, with the aim to evaluate the technology’s potential for future electric cars.
The Swedish automaker explains that the technology utilises integrated charging pads developed by US tech firm Momentum Dynamics, which also double as parking spots for EVs. Deployed for the test are a fleet of Volvo XC40 Recharge compact SUVs that have been modified to feature wireless charging capability.
The vehicles will be used as taxis in Gothenburg throughout the three-year period, operated by taxi operator Cabonline. The XC40 Recharge SUVs will be used for more than 12 hours a day and drive 100,000 km per year. Volvo notes that this is the first durability test for its EVs conducted in a commercial setting.
In terms of performance, Momentum Dynamics’ technology is claimed to deliver a wireless charging rate of over 40 kW. Which is around four times faster than a wired 11 kW AC charger, but still a bit slower than 50 kW DC fast chargers.
There’s no denying that the wireless charging approach is definitely the next step for the EV scene. For one thing, it bypasses the need for plugs – meaning that owners will not have to worry about different connector types when charging their EVs, which is very convenient.
However, as most of us are aware by now, convenience usually comes with a cost and it wouldn’t be surprising if wireless charging pads are offered at higher subscription rates than its wired counterparts. Furthermore, the technology is still considered to be in its early stages, so it may take some time before we actually get to see it implemented on a larger scale.
(Source: Volvo [Official website])
