In March 2016, researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Lab unveiled the world's first 20-kilowatt wireless charging system that charged at 90% efficiency. At the time, that was three times more powerful than plug-in electric vehicle systems. Still, a far cry from the 350 to 400 kilowatts that the DOE aspires to today.
On October 19th, Oak Ridge researchers announced that they can do better, about six times better, as they showed off a 120-kilowatt wireless charging system that brings the technology closer to rivaling the time it takes to fill up the gas tank. The new system also achieves 120 kilowatts with 97% efficiency. The power is transferred from two magnetic coils across a six-inch gap to charge the battery pack.
The researchers used simulation software like finite element and circuit analyses to design the coils. The coils are built using silicon carbide power electronic devices, which keep the design compact and lightweight.
If the researchers are able to achieve 350 to 400 kilowatts, it could mean a plug-free and time-savings boon for the industry as it would lower wireless charging times to 15 minutes or less. Still seems like a long time at the pump. Maybe go inside, and take a chance on something cooked on the rollers.
The team will now set its sights on the 200-350 kilowatt level, but the end goal is to recreate how we think about the average fill up. Eventually, the plan is to have wireless charging pads installed under the streets so cars can charge as they fly down the highway.