People like the idea of electric vehicles (EVs) because they're clean; they require zero petrol; and as automaker's work to prove their cool, they offer a fresh, futuristic look. There is, however, one thing about EVs that many people aren't crazy about. That is the continuous inconvenience of charging their power cells.
But, drivers interested in EVs might soon cross that off their con list. For, in hoping to eliminate the frustrations that come with having to deal with a snarled bunch of charging chords, Toyota is partnering with WiTricity to develop a wireless electric car charger.
WiTricity, for those of you who don't know, is a relatively new company founded in 2007 as an MIT spinoff. As you probably guessed, they specialized in the wireless power. According to David Schatz, Director of Business Development and Marketing, WiTricity, the company expects to see cars and charging equipment embedded with its technology in two to three years. "Car makers are introducing the first generation of vehicles plugged into the grid now," he says. "In a couple of years, they will be introducing the second-generation of vehicles, and that's our target."1 WiTricity's alliance with Toyota marks the company's first-ever announced partnership with a car maker.
Toyota and WiTricity's goal is essentially to enable EVs to be charged simply by parking them within range of a charger equipped with a specially embedded device. Using magnetic resonance, such a device should be conveniently used at a distance, through walls, and even for charging multiple devices at one time.
When will Toyota's wireless car charging system be available? Likely not for another couple of years. However, if that changes, you'll be the first to know. Marion Toyota, located in Marion, Illinois, is dedicated to keeping you informed. And we invite you to stay tuned for more Toyota news coming soon.
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