Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technologies will enhance the functionality of electric vehicles (EVs) in useable range or hours of use, convenience and even vehicle architecture. Though static WPT charging systems (parked vehicles) are now commercially available in limited numbers, both opportunity (charging at natural stopping points but not parking) and dynamic (charging in motion) systems have also been demonstrated. The deployment of complementary technologies (like self-parking) will invoke new expectations and further development in WPT.
The recent improvements in high power static WPT will change the business model for commercial vehicles, which often require extended daily operating times when compared to light duty vehicles (LDVs). Given the higher power levels and increase in commercial WPT applications, the task also investigated resulting impacts to the electricity grid.
The absence of standards limits WPT commercialization. The lack of international standards has slowed the commercialization of the WPT technologies and limited vehicle product offerings to the public. Even without firm international standards for the technology, research and development (R&D) of high power and dynamic WPT is increasing, as these systems have additional deployment opportunities in the commercial electric vehicle and autonomous vehicle (AV) spaces. The numerous safety and interoperability specifications complicate matters for technology developers because the operating frequencies and power levels may vary by vehicle category, thereby reducing the planned volume for specialized components. By nature, WPT requires ‘wireless’ communications to ensure safe power transfer, therefore cybersecurity and communications protocols and standards are added to the list of nearly a dozen WPT related standards.
WPT technologies are globally recognized. A multitude of national organizations and major OEMs have performed and continue to perform large scale R&D as well as demonstrations of WPT. From earlier deployments like the dynamic Online Electric Vehicle (OLEV) applications from KAIST, through the EU’s FABRIC consortium demonstrations to the planned "Oslo Project" for fleet EV Taxi opportunity charging, the potential benefits of WPT technologies are everywhere. Brief introductions to projects and the findings from each of the member countries as well as substantial projects from other nations are provided in this report.
The scope of this task was very broad, as are the remaining challenges in the WPT field. Previous research and demonstrations conclude that with proper investment, WPT is a viable technology for static, opportunity (quasi-static), and dynamic charging scenarios. Through continued coordinated research, and a balance of negotiated standards and properly integrated technologies, WPT is poised to enable the next phase of e-mobility by advancing the adoption of EVs and AVs as the world looks for sustainable transportation solutions.
