Automotive

Bosch and Evatran partner to bring EV wireless charging system to the US

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The Plugless Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging System is the first commercially-available wireless EV charging system in the US
The Plugless Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging System is the first commercially-available wireless EV charging system in the US
The Plugless Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging System
The Plugless Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging System control panel
The Plugless Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging System parking pad
The Plugless Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging System control panel
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Back in 2010, Virginia-based Evatran Group teased with the promise of a wireless charging system for electric vehicles in the United States. Three years later, thanks to a partnering arrangement with Bosch’ Automotive Solutions group, that vision is now a reality.

The Plugless Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging System is the first wireless charging system for EVs to be made commercially available in the US. Similar to pad-based mobile phone charging units like the Wildcharge and Powermat, this system uses electro-magnetic induction to charge the vehicle through a specially developed parking pad.

Installed by Bosch, this floor mounted parking pad measures 22 in wide x 18 in long x 2.5 in deep (56 x 46 x 6 cm) and works in combination with a special vehicle adapter. Charging starts as soon as the driver maneuvers their chosen EV over the pad and the system identifies the vehicle adapter. To ensure proper alignment, a wall-mounted panel that is hardwired to a dedicated 240V 30 Amp supply provides guidance and diagnostic details as well as real-time charging status of the vehicle.

Details for charging times are unavailable but there will be some energy loss during transfer, with Bosch quoting a 3.6 kW input and 3.3 kW power output for the system. Cost of the system ranges from US$2,998 to $3,098 depending on the vehicle. This doesn't include installation of the pad, which will be carried out by a Bosch-certified electrician, or the on-vehicle components, which are carried out at Bosch Car Service centers.

Currently, the website shows the induction system is compatible with both Nissan’s Leaf and the Chevy Volt.

Source: Bosch

Back in 2010, Virginia-based Evatran Group teased with the promise of a wireless charging system for electric vehicles in the United States. Three years later, thanks to a partnering arrangement with Bosch’ Automotive Solutions group, that vision is now a reality.

The Plugless Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging System is the first wireless charging system for EVs to be made commercially available in the US. Similar to pad-based mobile phone charging units like the Wildcharge and Powermat, this system uses electro-magnetic induction to charge the vehicle through a specially developed parking pad.

Installed by Bosch, this floor mounted parking pad measures 22 in wide x 18 in long x 2.5 in deep (56 x 46 x 6 cm) and works in combination with a special vehicle adapter. Charging starts as soon as the driver maneuvers their chosen EV over the pad and the system identifies the vehicle adapter. To ensure proper alignment, a wall-mounted panel that is hardwired to a dedicated 240V 30 Amp supply provides guidance and diagnostic details as well as real-time charging status of the vehicle.

Details for charging times are unavailable but there will be some energy loss during transfer, with Bosch quoting a 3.6 kW input and 3.3 kW power output for the system. Cost of the system ranges from US$2,998 to $3,098 depending on the vehicle. This doesn't include installation of the pad, which will be carried out by a Bosch-certified electrician, or the on-vehicle components, which are carried out at Bosch Car Service centers.

Currently, the website shows the induction system is compatible with both Nissan’s Leaf and the Chevy Volt.

Source: Bosch

View gallery - 5 images
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9 comments
Nigel Quinton
Much as this could be a step change in the ease of use of EVs, the quoted power output is only equivalent to a 13A plug and to charge an 24KwH vehicle will take more than 7 hours to fully charge.
BigGoofyGuy
I think this is good since one does not have to remember to plug it in but just park over it.
yinfu99
I like it! Great steps forward. Sure it make take a little longer, but if your parking overnight, whats the issue? Also, you know they could install something in the roadways, where the car as it passes over can charge itself...just a thought.
Bryan Paschke
now embed something like this in highways and suddenly 100 mile battery range doesn't seem so bad.
Jerry Peavy
Some energy loss? I don't think energy loss in return for convenience is the best idea! Americans will always choose the most convenient method and we are already in a hole energy wise. Plug in may take slightly more work but this should be all about saving energy, not wasting energy.
Matt Rings
Energy loss occurs from the point of creation to the wall socket (transmission line losses) - and I've heard loss rates of about 6%-7% just for what we already create.
It's the cost of doing business, and the cost of inductive charging is a 10% decrease in efficiency for the convenience of never forgetting to recharge overnight. As long as the consumer is aware, then they individually make the personal decision to buy or not to buy this system.
Don Duncan
I would use it when the price comes down along with the charge time.
I am absent minded and might forget to plug or unplug.
I could see this as useful in a mall parking lot.
Taavi
Crossroads could have this kind of charging units. Waiting for green light could add a little bit more range. Plus add a light weight solar array on the roof and You got a car that doesn't have to be extra recharged on daily commutes. For longer trips I do not think that this kind of a solution could help - when thinking of financial viability.
Plugless_rep
Thank you for all of the interest in our Plugless system. We have posted an FAQ section on our website to answer some common questions - please check us out at www.pluglesspower.com!