Delphi Automotive has reached an agreement with WiTricity Corp., a wireless
energy transfer technology provider, to develop automatic wireless charging products for hybrid
and electric vehicles. The collaboration between the two companies will help establish a global
infrastructure of safe and convenient charging options for consumer and commercial electric
vehicles.
“This is groundbreaking technology that could enable automotive manufacturers to
integrate wireless charging directly into the design of their hybrid and electric vehicles,” said Randy
Sumner, director, global hybrid vehicle development, Delphi Packard Electrical/Electronic
Architecture. ”Delphi’s expertise in global engineering, validation and manufacturing coupled with
WiTricity’s patented wireless energy transfer technology uniquely positions us to make wireless
charging of electric vehicles a reality.”
Sumner said the wireless charging system would involve no plugs or charging cords.
Drivers would simply park their electric vehicle over a wireless energy source that sits on the
garage floor, or is embedded in a paved parking spot. The system will automatically transfer power
to the battery charger on the vehicle.
According to Eric Giler, chief executive officer, WiTricity, their wireless system can already
transfer over 3,300 watts - enough to fully charge an electric car at the same rate as most
residential plug-in chargers.
”Charging an electric car should be as easy as parking it in your garage or parking spot,”
Giler said. “WiTricity’s high efficiency wireless energy transfer technology is ideally suited for
electric vehicle charging, and our partnership with Delphi will help to quickly get this technology
deployed in OEM vehicles and infrastructure projects worldwide.”
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“Delphi can bridge the gap between the laboratory and the highway by providing E/E
systems integration expertise, a global manufacturing and engineering footprint and high-voltage,
high-power components specifically engineered for the hybrid and electric vehicles of today and
tomorrow,” Sumner said.
Wireless charging technology will need to co-exist with plug-in charging solutions, Sumner
added, so that electric vehicle drivers have the ability to charge their vehicle when they are away
from their wireless charging source.
Delphi also makes a Portable Electric Vehicle Charger that fits conveniently in the trunk of
an electric vehicle. The user-friendly, UL-listed charging system plugs into any standard 120-volt
outlet to enable safe electric vehicle battery charging at home or away. The charging unit can also
be integrated into stationary charging applications.
For more information visit or
www.witricity.com.
