One of the things that will significantly change the electric vehicle market when available is wireless charging. The problem for electric vehicles right now is limited driving range and the need to stop and plug-in to get more power. A group of scientists in Korea have devised a way to get around the problem with two electric buses that are able to wirelessly charge as they drive.
The two buses operate in Gumi city on a specially adapted network of roads spanning 15 miles. The special roads have electric cables lying underneath the surface. The wires magnetically transfer power to the buses known as Online Electric Vehicle (OLEV) coaches. Those cables charge the buses when they are stopped in traffic or driving around their route.
Innovative Wireless Charging Technology
Wireless charging technology was developed at the KAIST Graduate School for Green Transportation. This innovative technology uses a process called Shaped Magnetic Field in Resonance (SMFIR) to transfer power wirelessly from the embedded cables to the buses. The efficiency of this system is quite impressive, with a reported 85% transfer efficiency. This means that a significant portion of the energy from the power cables is successfully transferred to the buses, minimizing energy loss.
Currently, there are only two of these buses in operation, but the city plans to add another 10 within the next two years. This expansion is part of a broader initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable urban transportation. The implementation of this technology is relatively cost-effective, as only about 15% of the road has to be replaced to fit the power cables. This makes it a feasible option for other cities looking to adopt similar systems.
Potential Impact on the Electric Vehicle Market
The introduction of wireless charging for electric buses could have a profound impact on the electric vehicle market. One of the main barriers to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles is the inconvenience of frequent charging stops. With wireless charging, vehicles can be charged continuously while in motion, significantly extending their range and reducing downtime.
For example, imagine a future where electric cars can charge wirelessly on highways and city streets. This would eliminate the need for extensive charging infrastructure and make electric vehicles more appealing to consumers. Additionally, it could lead to the development of smaller batteries, as vehicles would no longer need to store large amounts of energy for long trips. This could reduce the overall cost and weight of electric vehicles, making them more efficient and affordable.
Moreover, the environmental benefits of wireless charging are substantial. By reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and promoting the use of renewable energy sources, wireless charging can help mitigate climate change and improve air quality in urban areas. The success of the Gumi city project could serve as a model for other cities around the world, encouraging them to invest in similar technologies.
The development of wireless charging technology for electric buses in Korea represents a significant advancement in the field of sustainable transportation. The ability to charge vehicles wirelessly while in motion addresses one of the major challenges facing the electric vehicle market today. As more cities adopt this technology, we can expect to see a shift towards more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly transportation systems.
via The Verge
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