Charging electric cars without any cables
Scientific support
The initial focus of the approximately two-year project lies on retrofitting the vehicles with prototypes of the inductive charging system and vehicle registration. Later, the use of converted vehicles in e-car sharing is planned. Among other things, Empa is investigating the energy efficiency and reliability of the new system. "We are looking at how charging works under different environmental conditions compared to conventional, conductive charging and analyzing the charging efficiency and the effects of both systems on the power grid," explains Miriam Elser, Group Leader Vehicle Systems at Empa.
While Empa is taking care of the technical analysis, researchers from the Institute for Sustainable Development at the ZHAW School of Engineering are investigating the experiences of vehicle users. The project is being led by the energy supply company Eniwa AG from Buchs. Other partners are the municipal utility alliance Swisspower, Energie Thun AG and BRUGG eConnect AG.
Wanted: Further locations
The project envisages the installation and operation of six to seven charging stations and vehicles - one of them at Empa as part of the "move" mobility demonstrator. The project participants hope that wireless charging will increase convenience for vehicle users and further reduce the barriers to switching to electromobility. At least three stations for use in e-car sharing should prove this. To this end, Eniwa is still looking for further locations and innovative partners who would like to participate in this lighthouse project.