Google is Working on Wireless Charging for Its Self-Driving Cars
Alongside the development of self-driving cars, technology giant Google is looking into wireless charging systems.
Google’s parent company Alphabet has filed documents with the U.S. Federal Communication Commission (FCC) that reveal that company has been testing two different wireless charging systems.
The first was installed at Google’s California HQ in February, 2015 by Hevo Power while the second unit was installed in July by Momentum Dynamics. The address for Momentum’s installation corresponds to secret ‘X division’ self-driving car testing locations.
Hevo’s charger is said to be able to deliver 1.5 kilowatts of power from a charger which is “embedded like a manhole cover” in pavement. Momentum Dynamics claims its chargers can send up to 200 kW, although the filings didn’t confirm this.
SEE ALSO: Ford and Google Want to Build Self-Driving Cars Together
Google’s vision of the self-driving car future includes wireless charging pads where the cars can park for short periods of time between trips and recharge. Ultimately, infrastructure that constantly recharges these cars as they drive is the goal.
The CEO of Momentum Dynamics, Andy Daga, says that his company can already recharge electric bus batteries in a matter of minutes, allowing them to operate for up to 24 hours at a time.
Wireless charging is available currently through aftermarket companies, though next year the Society of Automobile Engineers will issue final standards for wireless charging systems, likely making them more common.
[Source: IEEE Spectrum]
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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