Volvo to charge cars wirelessly

Volvo is testing cordless charging technology to boost the popularity of its electric vehicles, with a view to mass production for its electrically propelled cars.

Dubbed 'inductive charging' the system transfers electricity from the charger to the car's batteries via an electromagnetic field - no cords or plugs needed.
Volvo says it takes just two and half hours to fully charge its electric C30 hatchback with the inductive method.

Simplifying the charging process, inductive charging occurs when an electromagnetic field generates power for the car's batteries, as opposed to a traditional plug-in charger.

The driver parks their car over the charger (usually imbedded in the ground) and the charging process commences automatically.

Volvo believes this ease of use will draw prospective customers to electric and hybrid technology who may have been put off by differing power supplies and cabling.

"Inductive charging has great potential. Cordless technology is a comfortable and effective way to conveniently transfer energy," said Lennart Stegland, Vice President, Electric Propulsion System at Volvo Car Group.

There have been concerns that the electromagnetic field generated by inductive charging could be harmful to humans and animals, but Stegland says the latest research puts those qualms to bed.

"The study also indicates that it is safe," stated the Stegland.

The inductive charging study Volvo undertook made use of an electric C30. The research was conducted by the Belgian government and also included Bombardier Technology and Belgian bus maker, Van Hool.

Stegland explained that results of the study were encouraging, with claims of very rapid recharging times.

"The tests demonstrated that our Volvo C30 Electric can be fully charged without a power cable in approximately two and a half hours."

Cordless charging is still a largely untapped domain in the automotive industry and Volvo is striving to be at the forefront of such technology. Volvo was unable to comment at the time of writing and it's unclear when the technology will be commercialised or whether it will be offered in Australia.

We previously reported that Infiniti is also experimenting with wireless charging technology, and the Japanese luxury car maker claims it will have the cordless charging systems available for its electric and hybrid cars by 2015.

It remains to be seen who will be first market with the appealing new technology.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...

Don't forget to register to comment on this article.