Electric vehicles (EVs) have a lot of appeal and are becoming more popular. They're clean, they require zero petrol and as automaker's work to prove they're cool, they offer a fresh, futuristic look. That said, there is something about EVs, which many drivers find unattractive. That is the ever-present inconvenience of charging their power cells.
Happily, given a recent partnership between Toyota and WiTricity, future EV owners might never have to deal with the frustration that comes with the tangled rats nest of cords or having to find a public charging spot.
For those of you maybe not familiar with WiTricity, they are a relatively new company founded in 2007 as an MIT spinoff. As you probably guessed, they specialized in developing wireless power. The alliance with Toyota is their first announced partnership with a car maker.
According to David Schatz, Director of Business Development and Marketing, WiTricity, the company expects to see cars and charging equipment embedded with its technology in two to three years. "Car makers are introducing the first generation of vehicles plugged into the grid now," he says. "In a couple of years, they will be introducing the second-generation of vehicles, and that's our target."1
The success of Toyota and WiTricity's project will essentially enable EVs to be charged simply by parking them within range of a charger equipped with a specially embedded device. Using magnetic resonance, such a device can be conveniently used at a distance, through walls and even for charging multiple devices at one time.
Sounds great, doesn't it?! Unfortunately, there will be a bit of a wait, before this concept becomes a reality. At this time, we don't expect Toyota to offer wireless car charging systems for another couple of years. However, if that changes, you'll be the first to know. Mark Toyota, located at 1765 Park Ave in Plover, WI, is dedicated to keeping you informed.
Source: 1 http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/27/idUS173905656820110427
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