Tuesday, September 27, 2011

WiTricity wireless car charger advances with Mitsubishi, IHI deal

By James M. Connolly

WiTricity Corp.’s wireless electrical charging technology took a step closer to commercial application when the Watertown company signed a partnership with Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and IHI Corp. to develop wireless charging systems for electric vehicles.

WiTricity, founded in 2007 to commercialize technology developed at MIT, already offers a demonstration and development kit that includes ground pads that transfer electricity to an electric vehicle. With the new partnership, the three companies want to develop charging systems that are easily deployable for use “right out of the box” by individuals, governments and other entities including power companies, according to a joint press release.

Car maker Mitsubishi of Japan introduced its i-MiEV electric vehicle in Japan in 2009 before rolling it out in several other countries in 2010. It plans to introduce the vehicle in the U.S. before the end of the year. Also based in Japan, IHI would manufacture the charging systems based on WiTricity’s technology.

The first phase of the development plan includes finding the most appropriate ways of incorporating wireless charging systems into the EV charging infrastructure, clarifying legal matters regarding the new technology and creating proposals for rules governing the use of such systems, and testing wireless charging systems with EVs fitted with power charging receptors.

WiTricity CEO Eric Giler, a 2009 Mass High Tech All-Star honoree, said in the press release, “Electric vehicles offer great potential for reducing CO2 emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. However, they must be user friendly, and wireless charging is an important feature that greatly improves the user experience. We are excited to work with industry leaders MMC and IHI on this important program.” Giler was a 2009 Mass High Tech All-Star honoree .

Witricity has had development agreements in place with several partners for other applications, including LED lighting, General Motors vehicles and medical devices.