Japan is testing wireless charging for electric cars. The project is being carried out by Japanese construction group Obayashi and auto parts supplier Denso, with a plan for completion in 2025.
Reporting from Nikkei (21/9/2022), wireless charging is capable of working on a small electric car that runs continuously at a speed of 15 kph on an uninterrupted electric coil path embedded beneath the road surface. Reportedly, driverless buses that operate around the clock are the main targets for implementing this technology.
As is well known, wireless power can eliminate the need for large batteries and extend the driving range of EVs. If this technology is already running, it can become a determining factor in the rate of electrification in the world.
For information, wireless charging uses magnetic field induction. Where the electricity fed to the coil inside the road produces a current in the coil mounted in the EV.
Fiber-reinforced concrete from Obayashi, which increases pavement durability, allows road rolls to be installed near the surface for maximum effect. Meanwhile, Denso is working on coil and power supply performance.
The similar technology is being tested by other car players in Europe. However, installing an electric coil under the road will result in a loss of power transmission.
Making this technology less efficient in EV charging compared to using a power cable. Construction costs also tend to be higher than conventional roads.
Currently, the company is still collecting data from tests at the closed Obayashi facility until next March, to determine how the technology performs on the real road.
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