Siemens and Mahle are to collaborate on the development of inductive charging for electric vehicles. Both companies have signed a letter of intent to this effect.
“Wireless charging of electric vehicles is emerging as a major market for the future. In addition to making life considerably easier for drivers, who no longer have to fiddle with cables and connectors, it is a crucial requirement for the autonomous mobility of tomorrow. The transfer efficiency of wireless, inductive charging is comparable to plug-in systems,” said Stefan Perras, head of Pre-development and Innovation for Charging Infrastructure at Siemens AG.
The planned cooperation will include coordinated standardization efforts with the relevant pre-standardization and standardization bodies, the companies’ goal being to ensure full interoperability between vehicles and the charging infrastructure. In addition, the pair plan to exchange ideas relating to development of a complete inductive charging system for electric vehicles.
“We are very pleased to have found a strong partner in Siemens in order to make major advances in inductive charging. The combined experience of both companies will give us a clear competitive advantage,” said Harald Straky, VP for Global Development in Mechatronics and Electronics at Mahle.
Both parties are also planning extensive interoperability and cross-testing between the charging equipment on the vehicle (secondary coil) and the charging infrastructure (primary coil). This, they state, will allow for technical improvements and validation of inductive charging systems for electric vehicles and ensure interoperability.