Nissan unveils wireless charging

NISSAN is looking to introduce a wireless charging system in Japan by the middle of 2013 as an easier and more attractive means of topping up EV electric vehicles.

Still in the development stage, a working prototype of the coil and circuit design inductive battery charger was demonstrated near Tokyo late last month, with Nissan claiming efficiency losses of as little as five per cent.

No pricing or export plans were announced, though one spokesman believes that the indirect magnetic induction mat and charger might cost somewhere upwards of $1000 to install.

Others believe the figure to be much more, though the price of the new technology will undoubtedly tumble as it becomes more popular.

Tested for weather and temperature variations worldwide, and with potentially universal applications beyond Renault-Nissan Alliance vehicles, the wireless system is activated once the vehicle is backed directly onto the correct spot on the mat with the aid of a guidance device.

A special receiver located on the lithium-ion battery pack then starts the charge, which takes roughly the same amount of time as with a regular cable device – up to eight hours on Australia’s 240V system.

Incorrect vehicle positioning means the mat will either not operate or recharge inefficiently.

Inadvertently stepping on the wireless recharge mat is harmless, even while it is in operation, but it cannot be moved once installed.

There is a 10mm ground-height adjustability to cater to different models’ needs and some structural modifications to a Leaf’s battery pack, for example, is necessary for the interface to begin.

Nissan envisages women being especially attracted to the wireless technology, particularly as the existing charge cords are heavy and cumbersome.