Wireless charging is the future for electric cars

Last updated on January 23rd, 2020 at 11:59 am

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity, wherein 2019 we saw a huge surge in demand for cars, trucks and vans that emit zero tailpipe emissions. 2020 is going to be a defining year for EVs, namely in charging and battery technology. Connected Kerb, a British-born company, is looking to push the boundaries of what’s possible, as it’s looking to roll out wireless charging pads across the UK.

Much like a wireless charging pad that works with a modern-day smartphone, these EV chargers will eliminate the need of having to plug in your car to a charging point. Instead, an electric car will simply roll onto a designated area and proceed to receive a charge. The technology can be retro-fitted to a modern-day EV, so there’s no need for car manufacturers to redesign their existing vehicles.

If the technology implementation proves to be successful, it won’t be long until we see manufacturers integrate charging pads as an option in new vehicles.

This would solve the issue of having EV charging points littered across public roads and with the right planning, could increase the uptake in EVs. As such, Connected Kerb is looking to roll out its wireless charging pads to private UK car owners in spring later this year. The company is working with its German-based partner Magment to trial its chargers in the UK before looking to roll out the technology on an international scale later in the year. The trials will take place in London, the Midlands and across a few locations in Scotland.

How does it work?

Just like a smartphone, a car would simply roll onto a charging pad, where it’ll start replenishing its battery pack. Unlike a traditional wireless charger, however, the large-scale charging pad will be sunk into the ground, whereby it doesn’t create a lip in the road.

When an EV rolls onto a designated area, it will theoretically start self-charging. There are questions that get raised around the subject: how will you activate the charger; how will you pay for the charge; how fast is the wireless charger; what are the maintenance costs; is it safe to be emitting electromagnetic waves on the street?

We’ve reached out to Connected Kerb for a comment, and will be sure to update this article as and when we hear back from them. What’s your take on wireless charging pads? Is this the future for electric vehicles? Let us know in the comments section, below.