Testing of electric vehicles (EVs) applying a non-contact power supply system that enables recharging without cables has begun in Japan. The start of the testing was announced by IHI Corporation on November 22. The plan is to conduct the testing for about one year in order to collect data required for commercialization.
The non-contact power supply system consists of a transmission unit and reception unit. IHI installed the transmission unit on its grounds in the city of Yokohama and built EVs mounted with a reception unit. When the two units come into proximity with each other, power is transmitted by magnetic resonance. The arrangement consequently eliminates the need for attaching cables or plugging in and unplugging EVs in order to recharge them.
This technology was patented by the U.S. firm WiTricity Corporation (headquartered in Massachusetts). Demonstration tests have already shown that it can send more than 3 kW of power across a separation distance of 20 centimeters with a transmission efficiency of more than 90%.
In March 2011, IHI concluded a partnership agreement with WiTricity for joint development of non-contact power supply systems. The project was joined by Mitsubishi Motor Company in September, when the three parties announced their intention to pursue research and development for non-contact power supply technology of the magnetic resonance type.
