SAE International has published a new wireless charging standard for light-duty EVs. SAE Standard J2954, Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) for Light-Duty Plug-in/Electric Vehicles and Alignment Methodology describes wireless power transfer at up to 11 kW with efficiency of up to 93 percent.
According to the SAE Wireless Power Taskforce, this new standard enables consistent alignment in an exact parking spot, using the Differential Inductive Positioning System (DIPS). DIPS technology was tested extensively in the lab and field with light-duty vehicles.
DIPS is a low-intensity magnetic field generated from the ground assembly with multiple coils that can be evaluated by the vehicle assembly for positioning. Ground and Vehicle WPT assembly manufacturers can develop and test their systems according to this interoperability specification.
One feature of the DIPS system is that the vehicle assembly seamlessly recognizes multiple ground assemblies and pairs automatically. The system is designed to enable precise alignment in all weather conditions.
“With the great teamwork of the SAE Wireless Power Taskforce together with the DIPS Team, wireless charging with SAE J2954 Standard has become the first standardized automatic charging technology,” said Dr. Mike Böttigheimer of MAHLE, a member of the SAE J2954 Taskforce. “This step marks a significant breakthrough towards achieving scalability and mass production of wireless charging systems.”
“The next models of light-duty EVs can reap the benefits of automated wireless charging with alignment,” said Dr. Andreas Wendt, co-chair of the Dynamic Power Transfer subteam and Director of Electreon Germany. “What is coming next is dynamic wireless power transfer, where DIPS could play a similar role in alignment. With this disruptive technology, electric vehicles could charge while in motion.”
The SAE WPT Taskforce is also specifying high-power wireless charging for heavy-duty vehicles at up to 500 kW for its upcoming recommended practice SAE J2954/2.
Source: SAE International