Wireless charging of electric vehicles, Siemens and Mahle sign LoI to cooperate in the near future

Energy and automotive giants Siemens and Mahle signed a letter intent to cooperate in view of wireless charging of electric vehicles. According to the news released by the companies, joint plans include technical collaboration and joint interoperability tests. “Wireless charging of electric vehicles is emerging as a major market for the future. In addition to making life considerably easier for drivers, who no longer have to fiddle with cables and connectors, it is a crucial requirement for the autonomous mobility of tomorrow. The transfer efficiency of wireless, inductive charging is comparable to plug-in systems”, stated Stefan Perras, Head of Pre-development and Innovation for Charging Infrastructure at Siemens AG.

“We are very pleased to have found a strong partner in Siemens in order to make major advances in inductive charging. The combined experience of both companies will give us a clear competitive advantage”, added Harald Straky, Vice President for Global Development in Mechatronics and Electronics at MAHLE.

Wireless charging projects include standardization

One aspect of the planned cooperation includes coordinated standardization efforts in the relevant pre-standardization and standardization bodies. The goal is to close gaps to ensure full interoperability between vehicles and the charging infrastructure. In addition, there are plans for a close exchange of ideas to develop a complete inductive charging system for electric vehicles.

Both parties are also planning extensive interoperability and cross-testing between the charging equipment on the vehicle (secondary coil) and the charging infrastructure (primary coil). This will allow for technical improvements and validation of inductive charging systems for electric vehicles and ensure interoperability. Some of the testing will be performed as part of publicly funded projects.