Siemens invests USD 25 millions and acquires a minority share in WiTricity, an American wireless charging technology company. Siemens and WiTricity will collaborate to promote innovation in the emerging market of wireless EV charging. According to Siemens, this market will reach USD 2Billion by 2028 in North America and Europe. Both companies aim to address gaps in global standardization for wireless charging for electric passenger vehicles and light-duty commercial vehicles. This will enable interoperability of vehicles and infrastructure and increase market penetration. Both companies will also collaborate in the development of wireless charging technology.
“Combining Siemens global footprint, EV charging portfolio and WiTricity’s innovative tech is the first step in elevating our offering within the wireless charging market. This will accelerate the deployment of wireless charging technology and support standardization. It will also provide interoperable solutions for drivers’ convenience,” stated Markus Mildner CEO of Siemens eMobility.
Siemens will also be a technology partner. WiTricity’s extensive know-how and decade-long partnership with global OEMs has enabled WiTricity to develop reliable, field-tested wireless charging solutions.
Innovative technology that has proven its worth
An electric vehicle charger is a charging pad that is mounted in or on the ground. It provides power and has a coil attached to the underside. There are no moving parts and no physical connectors. When the vehicle is placed over the charging plate, the magnetic field transfers energy from the charging pad to the vehicle coil. Resonant induction is used between the receiver and charger to achieve high efficiency for a range of ground clearances from SUVs to low-slung sports cars.
Cost-effective, global availability, addressing customer demands
This collaboration aims to accelerate the development of wireless charging technologies with OEMs and infrastructure partners, while simultaneously ensuring their availability in a cost-effective manner worldwide. According to a recent survey, wireless charging was rated as a top-rated option and preferred over other amenities such as park-assist, premium audio, and performance in EV buyers who are interested in buying an EV within the next two-years.
Wireless charging allows drivers to simply park their vehicle and then return to it with a fully charged battery. Wireless charging makes EVs attractive for private owners as well as more affordable for commercial operators. Alex Gruzen, CEO at WiTricity, stated that they are thrilled to work with a leader such as Siemens to drive this new world full of compelling solutions. “Siemens is a partner in the improvement of EV ownership and fleet management through the simplicity and reliability that wireless charging offers” Alex Gruzen stated.
Eliminating friction points in autonomous vehicles
To make autonomous vehicles fulfill their promise, key friction points must be eliminated, like charging, which currently requires human intervention. Wireless power transfer is the key technology that will enable contactless automatic charging and minimize maintenance requirements. This will pave the way for an all-electric, fully autonomous future.
