As the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) gains momentum in the transportation sector, challenges related to cold weather are increasingly pertinent. Ideanomics, through its subsidiary WAVE (Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification), is making significant strides in addressing these challenges. In cold climates, battery efficiency in EVs becomes a critical issue due to reduced chemical activity in lithium-ion batteries, resulting in decreased capacity and vehicle range.
WAVE has developed a 500 kW ultra-fast wireless charging system that aims to combat these cold weather challenges. The system, capable of fully charging a Class 8 electric truck in less than 15 minutes, utilizes a charging plate installed beneath the road surface paired with a corresponding plate on the vehicle’s underside. This wireless charging method, based on induction principles, provides a safer and more convenient alternative to traditional cable-based charging, particularly in icy and snowy conditions.
One of the notable advantages of WAVE’s wireless charging solution is its effectiveness in low-negative temperatures, crucial for overcoming the derating of EVs in winter climates. Traditional charging methods can become cumbersome and hazardous in such conditions, making the wireless system a valuable innovation. Venture Logistics plans to deploy a WAVE charger in a midwestern facility, where it will be exposed to low and sub-zero temperatures regularly.
By offering a solution that circumvents the challenges of handling charging cables in icy conditions and ensuring effective functionality in cold weather, WAVE’s 500 kW wireless charging system represents a positive step forward in facilitating the adoption of electric transportation, especially in regions where cold weather poses a significant concern.