The wireless electric vehicle charging technology company Momentum Dynamics will deliver a 200 kilowatt (kW) wireless (inductive) charging system for the municipal bus market by the end of the year, going by recent comments made by company reps.
The company’s CEO, Andrew Daga, recently commented that 2015 saw the company deliver 25 kilowatt (kW) and 50 kW charging systems to “strategic partners in the automotive industry” — and that the expansion to a 200 kW system offering was an expected and “natural” progression. There are reportedly higher-powered systems in development now as well, according to Daga.
A recent press release provides more: “Daga said the company is planning to deliver two wireless charging systems to municipal agencies this year in Maryland and Washington state. Wireless chargers use resonant magnetic induction to transfer power without the use of cables. They include the transmitter on the ground and a power receiver mounted to the underside of the vehicle. Despite an air gap of up to 12”, the efficiency of inductive charging is equivalent to plug-in charging.”
Green Car Congress adds: “In March, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) reported the successful demonstration of a 20 kW wireless charging system with 90% efficiency. The researchers are already looking ahead to their next target of 50-kilowatt wireless charging, which would match the power levels of commercially available plug-in quick chargers. Standards for wireless charging — eg, SAE J2954 — are still under development.”
Note that I previously wrote about this company in August 2015: “Wireless EV Charging As Fast & Efficient As A Tesla Supercharger?” And Jo Borras wrote about it back in 2013: “Momentum Dynamics Adds Volt Brainpower To Wireless Charging Team.”
It should be remembered here that efficiency losses for wireless charging systems are still pretty high. While it may make sense from the perspective of convenience in some (or many?) situations, I do have to wonder if the technology will ever end up possessing a significant market share.
Aren’t these two statements contradictory?
“Despite an air gap of up to 12”, the efficiency of inductive charging is equivalent to plug-in charging.”
“It should be remembered here that efficiency losses for wireless charging systems are still pretty high.”
I love green progress 🙂 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!