Wireless Charging Roads: Driving Towards the Future
Imagine charging your electric vehicle while driving. In Detroit’s 14th Street, a collaboration between Ford, Michigan’s Department of Transportation, and Electreon, an Israel-based tech firm, is making wireless-charging roads a reality. Inductive charging coils beneath the street enable EVs to charge on the go, eliminating the need for stationary charging points.
The technology, initially developed in 2010, prioritizes safety and works seamlessly in various conditions, including ice and snow. This innovative approach aims to redefine the traditional model, where EV drivers currently spend time at charging stations.
Battery Swapping Stations: Nio’s Game-Changing Approach
Chinese startup Nio has popularized battery swapping, allowing EV drivers to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones in under five minutes. As of October 2023, Nio completed an impressive 30 million battery swaps, with plans to expand its unique service across Europe.
Stellantis, the parent company of Fiat and other brands, is also entering the battery swapping arena. Partnering with Ample, a San Francisco-based company, Stellantis aims to offer a battery swapping subscription service, enhancing range and lifespan for customers.
Autonomous Robot Electric Chargers: A Sci-Fi Touch
Lotus and Hyundai are leading the way in autonomous robot electric chargers. Lotus unveiled a device with a robotic arm that autonomously plugs and unplugs the charger, while Volkswagen and EV Safe Charge introduced robots on four-wheel beds that bring mobile EV charging to vehicles.
These robots, summoned through smartphone apps, use advanced sensors and technology to navigate, connect, and disconnect charging cables. This approach revolutionizes the charging infrastructure, bringing it directly to the vehicles.
Pavement Charging Cable Channels: Kerbo’s Urban Solution
Kerbo Charge addresses the challenge of EV charging for urban residents without driveways. Through-pavement channels with self-closing lids provide a safe way to run charging cables, blending seamlessly with the pavement. Pilot schemes are underway in various UK locations, offering a convenient and cost-effective solution for residents.
Extreme Fast Charging: StoreDot’s Game-Changer
Battery developer StoreDot is introducing extreme fast charging (XFC) technology in 2024. Polestar’s Polestar 5 prototype is set to be the world’s first EV equipped with XFC, adding 100 miles of charge in just five minutes. StoreDot’s ‘100inX’ product roadmap aims to deliver even faster charging times, promising a significant reduction in waiting times at charging stations.
These innovations mark a transformative era for electric car charging, addressing concerns and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of sustainable transportation.
Source：dailymail.co.uk
