Date: August 8, 2023
Ford has recently been granted patent for in-drive EV charging technology. This patent on EV charging could pave the way for a new era of EV drive range and comfort for electric vehicle owners.
The Patent
Ford’s patent was titled- ‘Roadway Charging Coil Alignment and Monitoring’. It was submitted on January 20, 2022 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). USPTO published it on July 20, 2023. The new technology proposes to implement wireless inductive charging for moving automobiles.
What is this new patent about?
Ford’s patent is about charging electric vehicles while they are in motion. It involves the installation of specialised charging infrastructure on roadways. These charging units would connect wirelessly with compatible electric vehicles, allowing them to recharge their batteries while traveling. Wirelessly transmitting electricity involves using coils in a transmitter, while mounting a receiver on the vehicle enables wireless inductive charging.
The concept of wireless charging for EVs is not new. The patent on wireless EV charging suggest that the charging infrastructure would use advanced electromagnetic resonance technology. It will enable vehicles to charge even at high speeds. This could eliminate the need for lengthy charging stops. Doing away with EV owner’s range anxiety. Something which has been a concern for EV owners.
Ford, explores the use of inductive charging coils embedded in the road to power moving vehicles in this application. These charging coils in the road surface is lined with the receiver on the vehicle. According to Ford, drivers can stay in alignment by adhering to lane lines. It can also be directed by a camera or other sensor that can interpret lane markings.
Ford continues to work on refining the technology and addressing these challenges. If successfully implemented, this could be turning point in electric vehicle charging. It could also reshape the way we think about charging infrastructure.
