A city near Tokyo has started the first-ever test in Japan to explore the possibilities of wirelessly charging electric vehicles while they are driven on public roads. The experiment, currently taking place in Kashiwa, is a collaborative effort involving the University of Tokyo, Bridgestone (a tire manufacturer), NSK and Denso (auto parts makers), Mitsui Fudosan (a real estate group), and Chiba University.
Wireless charging technology for electric vehicles has been a topic of interest for a while, as it offers the convenience of eliminating the need for traditional charging stations and cables. The aim of this experiment in Kashiwa is to advance this technology and explore its feasibility for future implementation.
The test involves electric vehicles equipped with special technology that allows them to recharge wirelessly as they are being driven on the city’s public roads. This technology uses electromagnetic resonance to transfer energy from the road surface to the vehicle’s onboard batteries. The charging process occurs automatically when the vehicle comes into proximity with the charging infrastructure embedded in the road.
The participating organizations hope that this wireless charging technology can eventually be integrated into the existing road infrastructure, making it easier and more efficient for electric vehicle owners to recharge their vehicles while driving. This would significantly increase the range and convenience of electric vehicles, making them a more viable option for everyday transportation.
The potential benefits of wireless charging technology for electric vehicles are numerous. It would reduce the need for traditional charging stations and could help alleviate the issue of limited charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Moreover, it would offer a more seamless charging experience for vehicle owners and potentially encourage wider adoption of electric vehicles.
Although still in the experimental phase, this initiative in Kashiwa is a significant step toward advancing the technology for wireless charging of electric vehicles. If successful, it could pave the way for its future implementation on a larger scale in Japan and other countries around the world.
Sources: The University of Tokyo, Bridgestone, NSK, Denso, Mitsui Fudosan, Chiba University.
Definitions:
– Electric vehicle: A vehicle that is powered by an electric motor rather than a traditional internal combustion engine.
– Wireless charging: The process of recharging an electric vehicle’s batteries without the need for physical cables or charging stations. It uses electromagnetic resonance to transfer energy wirelessly.
– Road infrastructure: The physical structures and systems that support the operation and maintenance of roads, including signage, lighting, bridges, and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
– Electromagnetic resonance: The ability of two objects to exchange energy wirelessly when they are tuned to the same resonant frequency. In the case of wireless charging for electric vehicles, it enables the transfer of energy from the road surface to the vehicle’s batteries.
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