Patent filings reveal Tesla’s plans for a wireless home EV charging station.
The automaker initially overlooked the possibility of wireless charging for its electric vehicles.
The problem that wi-fi charging solves simply isn’t a major concern. Without the need to physically plug your vehicle into a charging station, this innovation significantly reduces the inconvenience and hassle associated with recharging. Despite this, Tesla had previously discussed automating the task in preparation for autonomous driving capabilities. If self-driving cars become a reality, it’s logical that they should also have the capacity to recharge autonomously without requiring human intervention to plug them in.
Additionally, there’s the challenge of achieving effectiveness. While traditional Wi-Fi charging typically incurred greater losses than its cable-based counterpart, newer technologies such as magnetic resonance now claim comparable efficiencies of around 95%, rivaling those of wired charging methods.
Despite this, Tesla has increasingly turned to automated robotic arms as a substitute for wireless charging to complete the process, but circumstances have changed recently?
In the final 12 months, Tesla has been teasing its new wireless home charging station, as seen in the image above. The automaker remained silent on the matter, merely publishing an accompanying image within a presentation.
Notwithstanding, the image unequivocally displays a Wi-Fi charging station; prior to selling the startup it had acquired, Tesla briefly owned one focused on wireless charging, albeit for a brief period before integrating some of its personnel and then divesting the company.
Moreover, Tesla’s Chief Designer, Franz von Holzhausen, recently confirmed the company is working on a wireless charging pad.
Last year, we discovered another significant innovation: the Cybertruck features inductive charging connectors, suggesting the possibility of future wireless charging pad integration.
Worldwide patent offices reveal that Tesla has filed applications for four new patents related to wireless charging.
The drawings accompanying this patent application illustrate the invention.
Many patent purposes revolve around optimizing the efficiency of wireless EV charging systems, a key factor that has hindered widespread adoption of such technology.
Tesla’s plans for unveiling its wireless charging technology remain unclear, but it wouldn’t be surprising if it makes an appearance alongside the Robotaxi reveal next month, given the expertise’ potential to enable self-driving cars to operate independently without the need for recharging.
Electrek’s Take
I’m not extremely enthusiastic about this product, especially considering its limitations for residential use. While it may not eliminate a substantial drawback, it’s unlikely to be inexpensive either. Installing a charging pad in your vehicle can significantly enhance the overall driving experience by providing a convenient and practical way to keep your devices charged on the go.
It is generally recommended to establish a dedicated charging system within your storage facility, which may require a higher upfront investment compared to using a standard power connection.
I will consider additional alternatives. For those willing to invest in superior quality and willing to pay a premium, it’s satisfying to know they’ll have the option.
While this technology will undoubtedly prove highly beneficial for autonomous vehicles, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the real challenge lies in developing the self-driving cars themselves.
