Can you charge an induction car like you charge a smartphone? In theory, yes, since the battery technologies are similar, but in reality, it is much more complicated. This technical barrier does not prevent manufacturers from dreaming of induction charging, and some are even trying it, like Volvo. The Swedish brand (owned by Chinese Geely) has teamed up with the taxi company Cabonline to launch an experiment in Gothenburg.
40 kW in wireless charging
The objective: to test induction charging on Volvo XC40 Recharge, specially equipped for the occasion. Indeed, these are equipped with a system that relies on the cameras of the vehicles to position them perfectly on the charging plate. From then on, the driver only has to open his door for the wireless charging to begin.
The first results are promising. Indeed, the manufacturer indicates that it has reached a power of 40 kW, which makes it possible to recover approximately 100 km of autonomy in 30 min on this type of vehicle. On the other hand, Volvo does not give any indication of the energy efficiency of such a process, which is the most critical part of wireless charging compared to traditional charging.
Also see video:
Also see video:
For the moment, Volvo has not communicated on the integration of induction charging on its future electric vehicles. This life-size test will undoubtedly allow the brand to collect technical data essential to the development of the technology on a large scale.
Indeed, Cabonline explains that its taxis run around 12 hours a day and cover more than 100,000 km per year. Enough to collect tons of data for Volvo and make drivers dream of even more comfortable charging.