According to the companies, the first project involves testing ORNL’s wireless EV charging technology with a Porsche Taycan electrics sportscar. Plans are to develop a higher-power wireless charger using focus electromagnetic waves to eliminate interference and increase efficiency. Volkswagen says that a prototype system has shown that up to 98% of the energy used (coil-to-coil) could reach the vehicle battery. The team has also been able to build from a charging power level of 6.6 kW up to 120 kW, with a goal of 300 kW.
“Our unique polyphase electromagnetic coil design and power electronics provide high power transfer levels in a compact system, with the potential to alleviate electric vehicle range anxiety and speed the decarbonization of the U.S. transportation sector,” claimed Xin Sun, associate lab director at ORNL.
“Volkswagen is focused to push electric mobility and new technologies for ever-more sustainable transportation,’ said Scott Keogh, CEO. “Expanding our research collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee will help drive these efforts.”
The team is also working on new recycling concepts for materials often deemed non-recyclable, such as fiber reinforced composites.
