Daimler and BMW have partnered to jointly develop a standardized technology for inductive charging of electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The system will comprise two components, including a secondary coil in the vehicle floor and a base plate with integral primary coil underneath the car.
Arrangement of the coils is based on a design that is said to offer various benefits such as compact and lightweight construction along with effective confinement of the magnetic field.
The alternating magnetic field generated between the coils allows the flow of electrical energy at a charging rate of 3.6kW with an efficiency factor of more than 90%.
This method allows charging the high-voltage batteries in vehicles efficiently, conveniently and safely.
Unlike conventional charging stations, the inductive power supply requires no cable connection between the supply point and the vehicle's high-voltage battery.
Once an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle is positioned above the primary coil, the driver can start the charging process by pushing a button using the vehicle's own operating system.
Through a WiFi connection data is transmitted between vehicle and charging station, to help the driver even with parking.
