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In the near future, BMW may introduce wireless charging technology for its 2018 530e iPerformance hybrid model, or it could be mass-produced next year. This innovation is being closely examined by automotive electronics experts, who are excited about the potential of this emerging feature.
According to recent reports, the 2018 530e iPerformance hybrid comes equipped with a wireless charging pad that connects to a standard 220-volt power supply. The system can fully charge the 9.4 kWh battery in just 3.5 hours. Once the driver stops the vehicle on the charging pad and turns off the car, the system automatically docks with the pad, enabling wireless charging without any manual intervention.
Industry experts believe that wireless charging eliminates the need for physical cables, making the process more convenient and reducing wear and tear on charging ports. Additionally, since the charging pad can be embedded underground, it’s not affected by weather conditions. However, despite these benefits, wireless charging still faces challenges such as technological bottlenecks, high production costs, and limited scalability.
The BMW wireless charging system includes an integrated primary coil base installed in the garage and a secondary coil mounted on the vehicle. These two coils generate an alternating magnetic field, allowing power to be transferred wirelessly at a rate of up to 3.2 kW. This performance is comparable to traditional wired charging methods.
BMW claims that with a 3.2 kW charging rate, the 9.4 kWh battery in the 530e can be fully charged in 3.5 hours. However, the electric-only range of the 530e is only about 16 miles (26 kilometers), which highlights the current limitations of hybrid vehicles.
A spokesperson from BMW North America mentioned that the goal of wireless charging is to make the charging experience more seamless and user-friendly. Currently, the technology is still in the testing phase, with evaluations taking place in the U.S. and Canada. The system must also receive approval from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) before it can be widely adopted.
It is expected that BMW will launch the wireless charging feature early next year, initially applying it to the 530e iPerformance model. Other automakers are also exploring similar technologies. At the Frankfurt International Motor Show, Audi demonstrated its wireless charging system for the new A8 hybrid. When the vehicle approaches the charging base, the system automatically raises the secondary coil, allowing the car to receive energy through a magnetic field. The efficiency of this system is reported to be as high as 90%.
Qualcomm’s senior business development manager in China, Liu Yong, explained that wireless charging technology can be divided into three main categories: static, semi-dynamic, and full dynamic. Static charging involves placing wireless charging pads in existing parking spaces, while semi-dynamic charging allows vehicles to charge at low speeds. Full dynamic charging, the most advanced form, would enable vehicles to charge while driving at full speed, eliminating the need for large batteries and reducing vehicle weight and cost.
Static wireless charging is already becoming a reality. In Nanning, Guangxi, a trial run of wireless charging buses has begun. Ten 18-meter BRT buses have been equipped with six wireless charging devices, marking a significant step forward in public transportation.
ZTE New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd.'s after-sales engineer, Shen Yanglin, explained that wireless charging works through magnetic field interaction. The system boosts, inverts, and rectifies the current required by the battery to complete the charging process. Once the bus is parked in the designated area, it can be charged by pressing a button on the ground or even remotely via a mobile app. This makes the process completely hands-free and suitable for all weather conditions.
Despite its advantages, wireless charging still faces several challenges. According to the China Energy News, issues such as the refinement of transmission coils, foreign object detection, and lack of industry standards remain unresolved. Additionally, key components are not yet mass-produced, leading to high costs. ZTE’s Hu Chao noted that widespread adoption is necessary to reduce costs, and he believes a cost of 2 yuan per watt is acceptable.
Liu Yong remains optimistic about the future of wireless charging. He predicts that in the next two to three years, more mass-produced models will come equipped with wireless charging systems. While the Chinese market may adopt the technology slightly later, he believes it will become widespread by 2020 due to China's position as the world’s largest electric vehicle market.
Wireless charging is no longer just a concept—it’s becoming a real and practical solution for the future of electric mobility. As technology advances and costs decrease, it’s only a matter of time before wireless charging becomes the norm. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development in the automotive industry.