Siemens Partners up on Wireless EV Charging

he company has signed a letter of intent with German automotive producer MAHLE to drive home wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging. Plans include technical collaboration and joint interoperability tests.

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Wireless chargers. Image: MAHLE

Siemens and MAHLE intend to collaborate in the field of inductive charging of EVs. Both companies have signed a letter of intent to this effect.

“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.

One aspect of the planned cooperation between the German companies includes coordinated standardisation efforts in the relevant pre-standardisation and standardisation 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. MAHLE aims to contribute its many years of experience as an automotive supplier and Siemens its expertise in the field of charging infrastructure.

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 EVs and ensure interoperability. Some of the testing will be performed as part of publicly funded projects.

The announcement is the latest from MAHLE, which has reinforced its development activities in the field of wireless charging in recent years. This includes two projects funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).

One project aims to develop a cross-manufacturer inductive charging system for vehicles. In the second; a standardised measurement method for the electromagnetic compatibility of inductive systems is being developed.