WATERTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS -- WiTricity is collaborating with Texas Instruments (TI) to use automotive-grade semiconductor components in WiTricity’s DRIVE 11 wireless charging systems and reference designs.
The DRIVE 11 wireless charging system enables drivers to park their electric vehicles (EVs) and be assured of rapid and efficient charging without having to handle charging cables. The technology enables electric vehicles and charging stations to automatically optimize energy transfer between the source and vehicle in a wide range of real-world operating conditions including parking misalignment, differing vehicle ground clearance and varying battery voltage conditions.
“TI has been enabling innovation for decades and working with them to deliver robust WiTricity automotive-grade silicon will give carmakers and Tier 1 suppliers confidence to deploy complete wireless charging solutions. We’re excited to be collaborating with TI to bring our TMN technology to carmakers around the world,” said Alex Gruzen, CEO, WiTricity.
Who Charges a Hybrid Driverless Taxi?
Gruzen is quite frank on EV charging. “It’s a pain in the ass,” he told Fast Company. He also pointed out that driverless taxis will need to be charged, and it can position itself over a charging pad. It can’t plug a wire in.
“We see wireless charging in the same way we see the sensors on the car, the LIDaR system, and the machine learning,” Gruzen said. “We see wireless charging is the other leg in that stool,” he said.
BMW is already on board:
