December 2023 has been a rollercoaster for Tesla, with over two million vehicle recalls due to Autopilot issues. However, Tesla remains committed to advancing autonomous driving technology, and its latest move hints at a futuristic approach – wireless inductive home charging for electric vehicles (EVs).
Teasing a wireless future
Tesla's interest in wireless charging was hinted at in March during the Investor Day event, where a promotional image showcased what appeared to be a charging mat in a home garage. In a recent episode of "Jay Leno's Garage" featuring the Tesla Cybertruck, Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen and VP of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy confirmed the company's foray into wireless charging technology.
"Oh, we're working on inductive charging," said Von Holzhausen. "So you don't need to plug something in at that point. You just pull in your garage, drive over the pad, and you're charging."
This announcement marks a significant shift for Tesla, which had previously shown little interest in wireless charging. The company had favored an automated robot arm for charging tasks. Earlier this year, Tesla teased a wireless home charging station but provided minimal information.
Now, Tesla has officially acknowledged its focus on a wireless inductive home charger, signaling a commitment to innovation and convenience for its customers.
While plugging in an electric car is not cumbersome, Tesla's move toward wireless charging aligns with its long-term vision of self-driving technology. The idea is that if cars can drive themselves, they should also be able to charge without human intervention.
The cost conundrum
Despite the potential benefits, concerns about the cost of wireless home charging linger. Installing traditional home EV chargers is already pricey, and the addition of wireless charging technology could further elevate these costs. The need for an inductive pad in the garage floor and an inductive receiver in the vehicle could add expense and weight to the overall system.
Nevertheless, wireless charging may appeal to those who prioritize convenience and can afford the technology.
In July, Tesla initiated a $76 million takeover of German wireless EV charging technology company Wiferion, subsequently selling it back. This move is considered strategic, with Tesla acquiring key patents and talent to develop its own wireless charging technology.
The future of wireless charging
Franz von Holzhausen's confirmation about inductive charging in the Cybertruck episode opens up possibilities for everyday users and robotaxi fleet operators. The envisioned scenario involves driving over a pad in the garage to initiate charging, eliminating the need for physical plugs.
Lars Moravy emphasized the integration of inductive charging with PowerWall3, suggesting that this technology could potentially power the vehicle and an entire household when combined with solar energy.
While wireless charging may be a game-changer for regular users, its true potential lies in the robotaxi industry. For Tesla to implement wireless charging pads effectively, they must match the power output of standard outlets and eventually reach fast charging speeds crucial for a constantly moving fleet.
Tesla's strategic steps toward wireless charging unveil a future where EVs seamlessly charge themselves, bringing a new level of convenience and automation to electric vehicle technology. As the company tackles challenges and refines the technology, the automotive industry watches eagerly for the dawn of a new era in home charging.
Originally published on Interesting Engineering : Original article