Ford is exploring technology that could revolutionize the way electric vehicles (EVs) are charged. The company has filed a patent application titled “Roadway Charging Coil Alignment and Monitoring” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on July 20, 2023. The application aims to apply wireless inductive charging to vehicles in motion by embedding charging coils in the road.
Wireless inductive charging works by using coils mounted in a transmitter, which is connected to a source of electricity, and a receiver mounted on the vehicle to transmit electricity wirelessly. This technology has been used for stationary applications, with some companies developing wireless-charging systems based on this principle. Ford has also filed a separate patent application for stationary wireless charging.
In this patent application, Ford proposes the idea of embedding inductive-charging coils in the road to charge moving vehicles. To make this technology work, the receiver on the vehicle needs to be aligned with a line of coils in the road surface. Ford suggests that drivers could maintain alignment by following lane markings or be guided by a camera or other sensors designed to read lane markings.
However, Ford recognizes that misalignment between the car and the in-road charging coils can reduce charging efficiency. To overcome this challenge, the company suggests equipping vehicles with ground-penetrating radar technology. This radar would help the vehicle locate the charging coils accurately, allowing for optimal charging. The radar data would be fed into a control system that would automatically adjust the steering for optimal alignment and charging efficiency.
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Although in-motion wireless charging has been tested before, Ford’s radar system could make this type of charging more reliable. In 2017, Renault and Qualcomm claimed to have successfully charged a car at 60 mph on a test track. In 2020, electric trucks were successfully charged while driving down a short stretch of road in Sweden. However, these previous tests did not have the advanced radar system that Ford proposes, which could improve the reliability of in-motion charging.
Implementing this technology on a larger scale would require a significant infrastructure investment. The roads would need to be equipped with the inductive-charging coils, and the vehicles would need to be equipped with the necessary receivers and radar systems. Therefore, careful consideration would need to be given to select the roads where this technology would have the greatest impact.
Despite the challenges, in-motion wireless charging has the potential to revolutionize the EV industry. It would eliminate the need for frequent stops to charge vehicles and provide a more seamless and convenient charging experience for EV owners. This technology could also increase the range of EVs by allowing them to charge continuously while in motion.
Ford’s exploration of in-motion wireless charging technology is just one example of how automakers are innovating to make EV ownership more convenient and accessible. As the demand for EVs continues to grow, advancements in charging technology will play a crucial role in supporting widespread adoption.
In conclusion, Ford’s exploration of in-motion wireless charging technology through its patent application demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation in the EV industry. By embedding charging coils in the road and equipping vehicles with radar systems, Ford aims to make in-motion charging more reliable and efficient. While the implementation of this technology would require significant investment and careful planning, it has the potential to revolutionize the way EVs are charged and provide a more seamless charging experience for EV owners.
