Plugless Power
Encyclopedia
Plugless Power is a type of Electric Vehicle
Supply Equipment (EVSE) based on inductive charging
. Plugless Power, a charging system for the electric vehicle (EV)
, connects the on-board EV battery charger inductively
to the electrical power source, without physical connection. In simple terms, the two halves of the electric transformer
are separated – one installed on the vehicle and one installed on the floor of a garage or in a parking lot. When the two pieces are brought together in close proximity, electrical current flowing in the station from the electrical grid causes current to flow into the vehicle adapter, charging the battery
. The vehicle is charged by parking over the inductive equipment, eliminating the active step of plugging the vehicle in, or need for a plug at that location. Proponents say it offers a means of minimizing costly EV recharging infrastructures and providing industry standardization, increases user convenience and will promote EV
adoption; opponents claim there is a minor loss of power in inductive transmission and suggest the convenience is an excessive luxury.
The Plugless Power product is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2010, the same time frame as new EVs
from Chevrolet, Nissan and others are expected to be available. Resulting from Electric Vehicle
technological advances and market growth, the application of inductive charging
technology continues gaining notability and industry attention.
, discovered in the early 1830's by Michael Faraday
, the basis of transformer
technology and most other electrical machines, is Plugless Power's transfer method of electric
power to an Electric Vehicle
's charging system. The equipment consists of two components: (1) a vehicle adapter permanently mounted onto the vehicle and (2) a fixed base unit, housed in a garage or in an equipped parking space, which automatically aligns with the vehicle adapter and energizes to start charging the electric vehicle. With the Plugless Power dual-component EVSE (Electric Vehicle
Supply Equipment), current flows from one source to another without using a plug and a cord, enabling “hands-free” charging. Currently undergoing field testing, it is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Claimed to be the world’s first hands-free plugless, proximity charging system for electric vehicles, it is a clean technology product project of Evatran, formally begun in 2009. Most competing technological EV
charging development appears to be focused on speed of charge rather than convenience and ease. Some industry people point to standardized inductive charging as a means of minimizing problematic infrastructure.
• Technologies being developed now are not the final product. Just like the more than century-old [internal combustion engine], electric vehicle technology will steadily improve. Engineers are still studying designs to mitigate environmental conditions such as changes in temperature, altitude, and terrain.
• Electric cars alone cannot stop climate change. Although cars and trucks are a growing contributor to greenhouses gases worldwide (because the population is growing), vehicles are only one contributor. Coal power plants are the biggest problem, and their population is growing, too. Drivers of electric vehicles who aim to maximize the ecological benefits of EVs should use a renewable energy provider to ensure environmentally-responsible charging.
• Areas that would benefit most from zero-emission electric vehicles are congested cities. And yet, personal, privately-owned, off-street parking is not common in high-density metropolitan areas. Some people can purchase parking spots, and parking garage owners will add charging facilities as these cars gain popularity, but many city dwellers will forgo electric vehicles until ultra-fast charging becomes available (charging as fast as a gasoline fill-up) or the battery swap concept takes off.
• Electric vehicles are perhaps too quiet. Blind pedestrians need vehicular noise to be alerted to their vicinity.
• One of the main consumer complaints regarding full-electric vehicles is hesitation surrounding “range anxiety.” With maximum ranges around 100 miles (160.9 km) in a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
, many consumers hesitate to use the full range and worry about being stranded with an empty battery. Despite the US Department of Transportation reporting the average daily commute around 50 to 60 miles (roundtrip), consumers struggle with seeing a BEV
as their primary vehicle. One issue bolstering this problem is the lack of nationwide EV
infrastructure. Just like with the ICE being dependent on the gas station, BEVs owners need to have the confidence of knowing a charging station is just around the corner to encourage them to purchase and use electric vehicles. One answer to this problem has come in the form of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV or EREV), which quells hesitation around range-anxiety with a backup gasoline powered gerenator. Even with owning a PHEV, however, EV infrastructure is needed to encourage consumers to recharge their EV batteries from the electrical grid whenever possible to avoid using the gasoline.
• Congruent to the issue of range anxiety is the current problem of recharging time. With consumers used to a five minute gas station stop every 300 miles (482.8 km), asking consumers to stop for a 6 to 8 hour recharge break every 100 miles (160.9 km) is a monumental hurdle to overcome. In daily life, with commutes staying around 60 miles (96.6 km), it is simple for a consumer to plug in his vehicle while he sleeps each night to awake to a full charge the following morning.
• Long distance travel, however, poses a much more difficult challenge. Charging electric vehicles can be inconvenient or repetitive. Consumers may run into issues related to forgetting to plug in their vehicle, safety hesitations, or not understanding the technical requirements and restrictions of their vehicles.
. Evatran is utilizing over a century combined engineer's experience to innovate Electric Vehicle
inductive charging with Plugless Power. The need for frequent charging of Electric Vehicles (EVs)
and the means are a concern for inhibiting popular adoption of EVs
that the inductive charger attempts to address, providing the infrastructure required to make electric vehicles widely viable. Evatran claims Plugless Power to be the world’s first hands-free, plugless, proximity charging system for electric vehicles and extended-range hybrids.
Utilizing a dual-component system based on inductive technology, Evatran’s Plugless Power streamlines the charging of electric vehicles and extended-range hybrids by eliminating the physical connection and cable. The company claims a resultant automatic electric-vehicle charging system that is convenient, fast, safe, affordable, and potentially universal. Evatran’s customers are manufacturers, dealers, and drivers of electric or extended-range hybrid vehicles. Other customers utilizing Plugless Power may include corporations, municipal governments, utilities, residential developers, new homebuilders, retailers, and small businesses.
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle , also referred to as an electric drive vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion...
Supply Equipment (EVSE) based on inductive charging
Inductive charging
Inductive charging uses an electromagnetic field to transfer energy between two objects. This is usually done with a charging station. Energy is sent through inductive coupling to an electrical device, which then can use that energy to charge batteries....
. Plugless Power, a charging system for the electric vehicle (EV)
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle , also referred to as an electric drive vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion...
, connects the on-board EV battery charger inductively
Electromagnetic induction
Electromagnetic induction is the production of an electric current across a conductor moving through a magnetic field. It underlies the operation of generators, transformers, induction motors, electric motors, synchronous motors, and solenoids....
to the electrical power source, without physical connection. In simple terms, the two halves of the electric transformer
Transformer
A transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another through inductively coupled conductors—the transformer's coils. A varying current in the first or primary winding creates a varying magnetic flux in the transformer's core and thus a varying magnetic field...
are separated – one installed on the vehicle and one installed on the floor of a garage or in a parking lot. When the two pieces are brought together in close proximity, electrical current flowing in the station from the electrical grid causes current to flow into the vehicle adapter, charging the battery
Battery (electricity)
An electrical battery is one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Since the invention of the first battery in 1800 by Alessandro Volta and especially since the technically improved Daniell cell in 1836, batteries have become a common power...
. The vehicle is charged by parking over the inductive equipment, eliminating the active step of plugging the vehicle in, or need for a plug at that location. Proponents say it offers a means of minimizing costly EV recharging infrastructures and providing industry standardization, increases user convenience and will promote EV
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle , also referred to as an electric drive vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion...
adoption; opponents claim there is a minor loss of power in inductive transmission and suggest the convenience is an excessive luxury.
The Plugless Power product is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2010, the same time frame as new EVs
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle , also referred to as an electric drive vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion...
from Chevrolet, Nissan and others are expected to be available. Resulting from Electric Vehicle
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle , also referred to as an electric drive vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion...
technological advances and market growth, the application of inductive charging
Inductive charging
Inductive charging uses an electromagnetic field to transfer energy between two objects. This is usually done with a charging station. Energy is sent through inductive coupling to an electrical device, which then can use that energy to charge batteries....
technology continues gaining notability and industry attention.
History & Development
Electromagnetic inductionElectromagnetic induction
Electromagnetic induction is the production of an electric current across a conductor moving through a magnetic field. It underlies the operation of generators, transformers, induction motors, electric motors, synchronous motors, and solenoids....
, discovered in the early 1830's by Michael Faraday
Michael Faraday
Michael Faraday, FRS was an English chemist and physicist who contributed to the fields of electromagnetism and electrochemistry....
, the basis of transformer
Transformer
A transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another through inductively coupled conductors—the transformer's coils. A varying current in the first or primary winding creates a varying magnetic flux in the transformer's core and thus a varying magnetic field...
technology and most other electrical machines, is Plugless Power's transfer method of electric
Electricity
Electricity is a general term encompassing a variety of phenomena resulting from the presence and flow of electric charge. These include many easily recognizable phenomena, such as lightning, static electricity, and the flow of electrical current in an electrical wire...
power to an Electric Vehicle
Electric Vehicle
The Electric Vehicle was an American automobile manufactured only in 1899. An electric cab, it was widely used in New York City; the company pioneered the use of pressed steel for wheels, and its cars featured front-wheel drive and brakes and rear wheel steering.-See also:* Battery electric...
's charging system. The equipment consists of two components: (1) a vehicle adapter permanently mounted onto the vehicle and (2) a fixed base unit, housed in a garage or in an equipped parking space, which automatically aligns with the vehicle adapter and energizes to start charging the electric vehicle. With the Plugless Power dual-component EVSE (Electric Vehicle
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle , also referred to as an electric drive vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion...
Supply Equipment), current flows from one source to another without using a plug and a cord, enabling “hands-free” charging. Currently undergoing field testing, it is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Claimed to be the world’s first hands-free plugless, proximity charging system for electric vehicles, it is a clean technology product project of Evatran, formally begun in 2009. Most competing technological EV
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle , also referred to as an electric drive vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion...
charging development appears to be focused on speed of charge rather than convenience and ease. Some industry people point to standardized inductive charging as a means of minimizing problematic infrastructure.
Electric Vehicle Charging-Related Challenges
Electric vehicles are perceived as a necessary solution to the global transportation/pollution dilemma, but there are significant challenges. Some issues include:• Technologies being developed now are not the final product. Just like the more than century-old [internal combustion engine], electric vehicle technology will steadily improve. Engineers are still studying designs to mitigate environmental conditions such as changes in temperature, altitude, and terrain.
• Electric cars alone cannot stop climate change. Although cars and trucks are a growing contributor to greenhouses gases worldwide (because the population is growing), vehicles are only one contributor. Coal power plants are the biggest problem, and their population is growing, too. Drivers of electric vehicles who aim to maximize the ecological benefits of EVs should use a renewable energy provider to ensure environmentally-responsible charging.
• Areas that would benefit most from zero-emission electric vehicles are congested cities. And yet, personal, privately-owned, off-street parking is not common in high-density metropolitan areas. Some people can purchase parking spots, and parking garage owners will add charging facilities as these cars gain popularity, but many city dwellers will forgo electric vehicles until ultra-fast charging becomes available (charging as fast as a gasoline fill-up) or the battery swap concept takes off.
• Electric vehicles are perhaps too quiet. Blind pedestrians need vehicular noise to be alerted to their vicinity.
• One of the main consumer complaints regarding full-electric vehicles is hesitation surrounding “range anxiety.” With maximum ranges around 100 miles (160.9 km) in a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Battery electric vehicle
A battery electric vehicle, or BEV, is a type of electric vehicle that uses chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs. BEVs use electric motors and motor controllers instead of, or in addition to, internal combustion engines for propulsion.A battery-only electric vehicle or...
, many consumers hesitate to use the full range and worry about being stranded with an empty battery. Despite the US Department of Transportation reporting the average daily commute around 50 to 60 miles (roundtrip), consumers struggle with seeing a BEV
Battery electric vehicle
A battery electric vehicle, or BEV, is a type of electric vehicle that uses chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs. BEVs use electric motors and motor controllers instead of, or in addition to, internal combustion engines for propulsion.A battery-only electric vehicle or...
as their primary vehicle. One issue bolstering this problem is the lack of nationwide EV
Electric Vehicle
The Electric Vehicle was an American automobile manufactured only in 1899. An electric cab, it was widely used in New York City; the company pioneered the use of pressed steel for wheels, and its cars featured front-wheel drive and brakes and rear wheel steering.-See also:* Battery electric...
infrastructure. Just like with the ICE being dependent on the gas station, BEVs owners need to have the confidence of knowing a charging station is just around the corner to encourage them to purchase and use electric vehicles. One answer to this problem has come in the form of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV or EREV), which quells hesitation around range-anxiety with a backup gasoline powered gerenator. Even with owning a PHEV, however, EV infrastructure is needed to encourage consumers to recharge their EV batteries from the electrical grid whenever possible to avoid using the gasoline.
• Congruent to the issue of range anxiety is the current problem of recharging time. With consumers used to a five minute gas station stop every 300 miles (482.8 km), asking consumers to stop for a 6 to 8 hour recharge break every 100 miles (160.9 km) is a monumental hurdle to overcome. In daily life, with commutes staying around 60 miles (96.6 km), it is simple for a consumer to plug in his vehicle while he sleeps each night to awake to a full charge the following morning.
• Long distance travel, however, poses a much more difficult challenge. Charging electric vehicles can be inconvenient or repetitive. Consumers may run into issues related to forgetting to plug in their vehicle, safety hesitations, or not understanding the technical requirements and restrictions of their vehicles.
Manufacturer
Founded in 2009, Evatran was formed as a clean technology subsidiary of MTC Transformers, an award winning American manufacturer of high-quality, precision-engineered transformers and rewind services based in Wytheville, VirginiaWytheville, Virginia
Wytheville is a town in Wythe County, Virginia, United States. The population was 8,211 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Wythe County. The town is home to a Chautauqua Festival, held the third weekend in June every year since 1985...
. Evatran is utilizing over a century combined engineer's experience to innovate Electric Vehicle
Electric Vehicle
The Electric Vehicle was an American automobile manufactured only in 1899. An electric cab, it was widely used in New York City; the company pioneered the use of pressed steel for wheels, and its cars featured front-wheel drive and brakes and rear wheel steering.-See also:* Battery electric...
inductive charging with Plugless Power. The need for frequent charging of Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle , also referred to as an electric drive vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion...
and the means are a concern for inhibiting popular adoption of EVs
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle , also referred to as an electric drive vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion...
that the inductive charger attempts to address, providing the infrastructure required to make electric vehicles widely viable. Evatran claims Plugless Power to be the world’s first hands-free, plugless, proximity charging system for electric vehicles and extended-range hybrids.
Utilizing a dual-component system based on inductive technology, Evatran’s Plugless Power streamlines the charging of electric vehicles and extended-range hybrids by eliminating the physical connection and cable. The company claims a resultant automatic electric-vehicle charging system that is convenient, fast, safe, affordable, and potentially universal. Evatran’s customers are manufacturers, dealers, and drivers of electric or extended-range hybrid vehicles. Other customers utilizing Plugless Power may include corporations, municipal governments, utilities, residential developers, new homebuilders, retailers, and small businesses.