ORNL licenses wireless charging technology to HEVO Inc.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has licensed its wireless charging technology for electric vehicles to Brooklyn-based HEVO Inc.
According to this week’s news release, the system provides the world’s highest power levels in the smallest package and could one day enable electric vehicles to be charged as they are driven at highway speeds.
HEVO intends to work with ORNL to continue development of this critical technology to increase power levels and efficiency of existing charging techniques and also make the technology ready for commercial manufacturing.
The license covers:
- ORNL’s unique polyphase electromagnetic coil that delivers the highest surface power density available, 1.5 megawatts (1,500 kilowatts) per square meter — eight to 10 times higher than currently available technology. This surface power density supports higher power levels in a thinner, lighter coil, resolving the issue of adding range-sapping weight to electric vehicles.
- The license also includes ORNL’s Oak Ridge Converter, which eliminates one of the power conversion stages needed for wireless power transfer, resulting in more compact and less costly stationary infrastructure.
The ORNL technology enables very fast hands-free charging and even in-motion charging so vehicles could be reenergized as they’re driven at interstate speeds over specially equipped roadways.
