WiTricity Hotspot

Mitsubishi has joined forces with IHI and WiTricity to develop wireless charging systems that will be readily compatible with national electric grids. The collaboration of these three major players will help accelerate the integration of wireless charging into the Electric Vehicle market.

The trio are due to develop systems that will be available “out of the box” for individuals, power companies and governments to easily roll out. The vision is to make the life of the electric car owner easier by making wireless charging available at homes, shopping centers, hotels, parking lots and more.

The companies will combine state-of-the-art wireless charging technology, electric power infrastructure know-how and over four decades of EV research, development, and technology to make easily deployable wireless charging systems for Electric Vehicles. They plan to achieve this through research and development, real-world testing, and commercialization.

The first step will include:

1. Finding the most appropriate and easiest ways of incorporating wireless charging systems into Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure.

2. Clarifying legal matters regarding the new technology and create proposals for rules governing the use of such systems.

3. Testing of wireless charging systems with Electric Vehicles fitted with power charging receptors internally.

WiTricity CEO, Eric Giler noted about the new collaboration: "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."

Mr. Kazuaki Kama, IHI's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Wireless charging is strategic to IHI. As a supplier of public infrastructure, IHI is deeply motivated to develop systems that are environmentally sound. We believe that user friendly wireless charging will contribute to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles -- an important step forward for 21st century society. Working together with Mitsubishi Motors and WiTricity, leaders in electric vehicles and wireless technology, we aim to become a leading world-wide supplier of wireless charging stations for public, commercial, and residential parking environments."

Mr. Osamu Masuko, President of MMC added "Like we have done with promotion and education of electric vehicle infrastructure such as quick-chargers and being involved with "smart grid" technology, we are happy to enter into a new phase of electric vehicle infrastructure development. I am confident we can be a major contributor along with WiTricity and IHI to quickly make widespread wireless charging for electric vehicles a reality."

So, in essence the reality of WiTricity Hotspots for the Electric Vehicle market is beginning to take shape. We'll be keeping close tabs on their progress and will continue to bring you latest on this exciting partnership.