Co-operation for innovative electric vehicle charging system

The German automobile manufacturers 1233 BMW and 3992 Daimler are co-operating on an innovative electric vehicle charging technology. The two companies are jointly developing inductive charging technology that will be suitable for use in electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The package features two key components, with a coil mounted in the vehicle’s floor and another fitted in a base plate underneath the vehicle. This innovative inductive charging technology could be ready for series production in two to three years if the development phase progresses at its present rate. Inductive charging technology is of key importance to the electric and plug-in hybrid market as it will allow vehicles to benefit from a quick battery boost without having to a charging facility. This inductive technology could even allow vehicles to be recharged as they are being driven, providing significant range extension. Coupled with developments in batteries or efficient new super capacitor technology coming to market, these developments could put paid to concerns over the range of all-electric vehicles.