Volkswagen and ORNL Break New Ground with 270 kW Wireless Charging for EVs

Volkswagen, in collaboration with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), has taken a significant step forward in the evolution of electric vehicle (EV) technology by achieving the first-ever 270 kW wireless power transfer. This landmark development represents a leap in wireless charging capabilities, setting the stage for faster and more efficient EV charging without the need for cumbersome plug-in systems.

For drivers and the industry alike, this advancement could be a game-changer in how electric vehicles are charged, bringing us closer to a future where EVs can charge rapidly and seamlessly.

The Breakthrough in Wireless Charging

The 270 kW wireless charging system developed by Volkswagen and ORNL employs high-frequency magnetic fields to transfer energy between a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is embedded in the ground, while the receiver is located on the vehicle.

This method eliminates the need for physical contact between the charger and the vehicle, making charging as simple as parking in the right spot. The power transfer at such a high rate means that an electric vehicle could theoretically be fully charged in under 15 minutes, putting wireless charging on par with some of the fastest plug-in DC fast chargers available today.

This breakthrough holds substantial implications for the future of EV infrastructure. Currently, one of the biggest hurdles to wider EV adoption is the inconvenience of long charging times and the necessity of plugging in.

A wireless system capable of 270 kW addresses both of these issues, providing fast, easy charging that could eventually be installed in everyday locations like homes, public parking lots, and commercial garages. This level of convenience will likely be a significant selling point for both consumers and businesses alike.

Volkswagen and ORNL’s achievement builds on previous work in the field of wireless charging, which has typically been limited to much lower power levels. Traditional wireless systems have maxed out at around 11 kW, suitable for overnight charging but impractical for drivers looking to “fill up” quickly.

By pushing the boundaries to 270 kW, the project takes a crucial step toward making wireless charging a viable solution for mass adoption.

The Role of New Charging Technologies in EV Growth

The development of wireless charging technology is part of a broader push in the automotive industry to improve the infrastructure around electric vehicles. According to ASME, a range of new charging technologies is being developed that could reshape the EV landscape.

One of the most exciting innovations is dynamic charging, which allows vehicles to charge while in motion. This would involve embedding charging infrastructure within the road itself, allowing EVs to recharge as they drive.

If realized, this technology could eliminate range anxiety entirely, as cars could constantly replenish their batteries during a journey.

Another emerging technology is bi-directional charging, which enables electric vehicles to act as energy storage units, feeding power back to the grid during peak demand periods. This capability would make EVs not only transportation tools but also integral components of a more sustainable energy ecosystem.

With bi-directional charging, EV owners could even earn money by selling excess power back to the grid, further incentivizing EV ownership.

In conjunction with wireless charging, these advancements are poised to accelerate the transition to electric mobility by making the ownership experience more convenient and cost-effective. They have the potential to reduce strain on the power grid by enabling smarter, more efficient energy use.

Wireless Charging for Public Transportation

While much of the focus is on personal EVs, wireless charging technology also has enormous potential for public transportation. In fact, wireless charging for buses and other forms of public transit could be a transformative solution for cities looking to electrify their fleets.

According to ASME, the application of wireless charging in public transportation would allow buses to recharge while they stop at designated stations, such as bus stops or depots. These charging systems could be embedded in the road at bus stops or along the route, meaning buses could “top off” their batteries at regular intervals without needing to return to a centralized charging station.

This system offers several benefits.

First, it reduces downtime for public transportation vehicles, allowing them to stay on the road longer.

Second, it reduces the total cost of ownership for public transit agencies by minimizing the need for expensive, large-scale charging infrastructure.

Finally, it supports the widespread electrification of public transportation, which is a key goal for many cities looking to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

Cities like Los Angeles and Berlin have already begun experimenting with wireless charging systems for public buses, demonstrating that the technology is not only feasible but also practical. As more cities push toward net-zero emissions goals, the adoption of wireless charging in public transportation could accelerate rapidly.

The Future of Wireless EV Charging

The success of Volkswagen and ORNL’s 270 kW wireless power transfer is just the beginning. As this technology continues to be refined and scaled, the possibilities are vast. In the future, we could see wireless charging stations built into highways, allowing cars to charge as they drive.

Urban centers might implement wireless charging zones in parking lots and streets, making it possible to charge EVs while running errands or enjoying a meal at a restaurant. Public transit systems could integrate wireless charging as a standard feature, allowing electric buses to operate continuously without the need for lengthy charging breaks.

While there are still hurdles to overcome, such as ensuring the cost-effectiveness of implementing large-scale wireless charging infrastructure, the benefits of this technology are clear. It offers a level of convenience that could make electric vehicles more attractive to consumers and businesses alike.

Wireless charging could help reduce the environmental impact of transportation by making it easier and faster to charge EVs, thus encouraging more widespread adoption.

As we look toward a future of smarter, more sustainable transportation, wireless charging stands out as one of the most promising developments. With companies like Volkswagen and research institutions like ORNL leading the way, the path to a fully electric future is becoming clearer.

With the ongoing development of complementary technologies like dynamic and bi-directional charging, the EV landscape is set for a rapid and profound transformation.

The road ahead for electric vehicles just got a lot more exciting—and it’s increasingly looking like it will be wireless.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a federally funded research and development center in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States. Founded in 1943, the laboratory is now sponsored by the United States Department of Energy and administered by UT–Battelle, LLC.

Volkswagen AG, known internationally as the Volkswagen Group, is a German public multinational conglomerate manufacturer of passenger and commercial vehicles, motorcycles, engines and turbomachinery. Headquartered in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany, and since the late 2000s is a publicly-traded family business owned by Porsche SE, which in turn is half-owned but fully controlled by the Austrian-German Porsche and Piëch family.