Qualcomm Inc., through its subsidiary, Qualcomm Technologies Inc., has demonstrated dynamic electric vehicle charging (DEVC), which allows vehicles to charge while driving.
Based on the Qualcomm Halo wireless electric vehicle charging technology, Qualcomm Technologies designed and built a wireless DEVC system capable of charging an electric vehicle (EV) at up to 20 kilowatts at highway speeds.
Qualcomm Technologies has also demonstrated simultaneous charging, in which two vehicles on the same track can charge dynamically at the same time. The vehicles can pick up charge in both directions along the track and in reverse, showcasing how the Qualcomm Halo DEVC system has been designed to support real-world implementation of dynamic charging.
According to the company, the dynamic charging demonstrations took place at the 100-meter FABRIC test track, which has been built by VEDECOM at Satory Versailles. Qualcomm Technologies and VEDECOM integrated the source part of the Qualcomm Halo DEVC system in the test track, while VEDECOM and Renault integrated the receiving part onto two Renault Kangoo vehicles.
Following the demonstration, the Qualcomm Halo DEVC system was handed over to VEDECOM to perform tests for FABRIC. These tests will evaluate the operation, safety and efficiency of energy transfer to the vehicles for a wide range of practical scenarios, including vehicle identification and authorization on entering the track; power level agreement between the track and vehicle; speed; and alignment of the vehicle along the track.
FABRIC is a EUR 9 million project, mostly funded by the European Commission, addressing the technological feasibility, economic viability and socio-environmental sustainability of wireless DEVC. The project began in January 2014 and will continue through December 2017 and is being undertaken by a consortium of 25 organizations, including automotive manufacturers, suppliers, service providers and research organizations from automotive, road and energy infrastructure domains.
As reported, VEDECOM is one of the FABRIC collaborators and is responsible for providing the demonstration of the charging solution at Satory using the Qualcomm Halo DEVC system. FABRIC’s main goal is to conduct feasibility analysis of wireless DEVC as a means of EV range extension.
“Our engineers and management have fully supported this project since the very beginning, as it aligns perfectly with our focus on EVs, charging systems and mobility services,” says Luc Marbach, CEO of VEDECOM.
“Being part of this exciting project has enabled us to test and further research dynamic charging on our Kangoo Z.E. vehicles,” says Eric Feunteun, EV program director for Groupe Renault. “Our engineers have worked very closely with the Qualcomm Technologies and VEDECOM teams to complete the DEVC system integration demonstration as part of FABRIC. We see dynamic charging as a great vision to further enhance the ease of use of EVs, thus the accessibility of EVs for all.”