Unplug and Drive: Tesla's Venture into Wireless Charging
Garage time just got easier. Say goodbye to the hassle of plugging in cables and waiting for your electric vehicle (EV) to charge. It's the future, and it's coming to us swiftly, thanks to Tesla’s work on a wireless charging station.
In a revealing interview with Jay Leno, Tesla's design chief, Franz von Holzhausen, dropped a bombshell. Tesla is developing a wireless charging station that requires no cables. Simply park your car over a charging pad, and the vehicle gets charged automatically.
The Future is Now - Thanks to Wiferion
Back in June, some publications, like "Golem," had already shed light on Tesla's plans. What appeared as mere speculation became a fact when Tesla took over German start-up, Wiferion. Wiferion’s entry in the commercial register updated to reflect Tesla Engineering Germany GmbH, officially marking the company's acquisition.
Wiferion is a company that has been working on induction-based charging systems. Their etaLink 1000 system is capable of delivering up to 1 kilowatt of power wirelessly, and it's certified for dust and water resistance (IP65).
But Hold on, Where Are the Robots?
The question now is, does this mean Tesla is abandoning the idea of using robotic arms for EV charging, which they showcased in 2015? Or is Tesla just looking to broaden its options by introducing wireless charging stations alongside existing charging options?
The truth is, both traditional cables and robotic arms remain as mere prototypes, and only a wallbox serves as a working charging solution for vehicle owners.
Not a Replacement for Public Charging Stations
Keep in mind that a wireless charging pad cannot replace charging stations along the road. They simply don't deliver enough power for reasonable charging breaks during long journeys. However, Tesla's wireless charging stations can prove quite useful for garages, underground parking spaces, or private parking lots, providing a convenient and hassle-free way of topping up your electric car without cables.
References:
- Jay Leno's Garage
- Golem
Enrichment Insights
Tesla's acquisition of Wiferion represents a significant step towards advancing wireless charging technology. Wiferion specializes in wireless charging systems, which can potentially become an integral part of Tesla's products. The focus on garage-based wireless charging stations can improve user experience and increase the adoption rates of electric vehicles.
While Tesla is investing in wireless charging, it is still expanding its public charging infrastructure as well. The upcoming public Megacharger station in Los Angeles showcases Tesla's comprehensive approach to catering to the needs of electric vehicle users over a broader spectrum.
