Witricity Corporation, Ihi Corporation & Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Combine To Develop Wireless Charging Systems For Electric Vehicles – Partnership To Take The First Step Toward Making Plugging In Obsolete

The aim of the collaboration is to make EVs remarkably more convenient for owners by accelerating the popularisation (and thus availability) of wireless charging at homes and shopping centre parking lots, etc.



Wireless charging systems allow transfer of energy from a source placed on or under the ground, to a vehicle equipped with an energy capture device. Charging occurs automatically when the vehicle is parked, with no physical contact between the vehicle and the charging source. WiTricity has already developed and brought to market its patented magnetic resonance wireless charging system.1 The system that WiTricity has developed can transfer energy further and more efficiently in comparison to conventional systems such as electromagnetic induction and microwave transmission, pushing the possibilities of wireless charging by being able to deliver up to 3.3 kW of charging power over distance of 20cm (almost 8 inches) at an efficiency rate of more than 90%, in manner that is safe and very user friendly. Systems based on WiTricity technology offer smaller size and lighter weight as compared to conventional systems, and operate with no moving parts.



The three companies will combine state-of-the-art wireless charging technology, electric power infrastructure know-how and over four decades of EV research, development, and technology to make easily deployable wireless charging systems for EVs over three steps: research and development, real-world testing, and commercialisation.



The first step will include:



1. Finding the most appropriate and easiest ways of incorporating wireless charging systems into EV charging infrastructure



2. Clarifying legal matters regarding the new technology and create proposals for rules governing the use of such systems



3. Testing of wireless charging systems with EVs fitted with power charging receptors internally



WiTricity CEO, Eric Giler noted about the new collaboration: Electric vehicles offer great potential for reducing CO2 emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. However, they must be user friendly, and wireless charging is an important feature that greatly improves the user experience. We are excited to work with industry leaders MMC and IHI on this important program.



Mr. Kazuaki Kama, IHI's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated Wireless charging is strategic to IHI. As a supplier of public infrastructure, IHI is deeply motivated to develop systems that are environmentally sound. We believe that user friendly wireless charging will contribute to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles - an important step forward for 21st century society. Working together with Mitsubishi Motors and WiTricity, leaders in electric vehicles and wireless technology, we aim to become a leading world-wide supplier of wireless charging stations for public, commercial, and residential parking environments.



Mr. Osamu Masuko, President of MMC added: Like we have done with promotion and education of electric vehicle infrastructure such as quick-chargers and being involved with smart grid technology, we are happy to enter into a new phase of electric vehicle infrastructure development. I am confident we can be a major contributor along with WiTricity and IHI to quickly make widespread wireless charging for electric vehicles a reality.