Empa researchers test inductive charging of electric cars

(CONNECT) Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) have tested wireless charging of electric cars for the first time in Switzerland as part of the INLADE pilot project. The project was led by the energy supplier Eniwa from Buchs and supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) and the cantons of Zurich and Aargau. Inductive charging has a similar efficiency to wired charging. By automatically connecting to the grid, vehicle batteries could also "serve as electricity storage, cushion fluctuations and thus promote renewable energies", according to a press release.

Empa has developed the inductive charging station for the "move" mobility demonstrator. Inductive charging takes place via a transmitter coil in a base plate, which transmits energy via a magnetic field to a receiver coil in the car. The charging process starts automatically when the car is parked correctly. A screen shows the optimum position.

AMAG and other partners had previously converted existing vehicles for wireless charging. Extensive electromagnetic compatibility measurements and safety tests were then carried out to ensure that inductive charging does not affect other devices or people. The first converted vehicles have already been approved for road use in Switzerland.

The Empa researchers also carried out tests under real conditions to investigate how inductive charging affects the battery and efficiency. With an efficiency of around 90 percent, the technology is very reliable and just as efficient as cable charging. Intelligent charging can also reduce electricity costs. "The big advantage of an inductive system is that the vehicles are connected to the grid much more frequently without you having to actively do anything - a plus for comfort and the energy transition at the same time," adds Mathias Huber from Empa's Chemical Energy Carriers and Vehicle Systems department. ce/nta