WiTricity has completed a research and development laboratory in Stuart, Florida, following its relocation to the city. The site handles design engineering, prototyping, electromagnetic simulation, testing and vehicle-integration work on the firm’s wireless charging systems for passenger cars, robotaxis and last-mile fleets.

Its medium-power range runs from 7.2 kW to 50 kW, with a receiver on the vehicle undercarriage drawing power from a ground pad through resonant magnetic coupling. Capability extends to 75 kW and above for heavy-duty uses including buses, forklifts and port equipment.

Hands-free charging matters most to driverless fleets, where a cable would otherwise require a person present at the end of every shift. WiTricity is aiming the lab at OEM and Tier 1 integration work rather than at its own product development.

Removing cables also takes away trip hazards and connectors that suffer handling damage. The charging interface has no moving parts, which the company says suits repeated top-ups whenever a vehicle stops.

Joe Benz, Chief Executive of WiTricity, said: “The future of electric mobility will not be defined by a single vehicle class or power level. From passenger cars and robotaxis to the heavy-duty fleets that keep commerce moving, charging must become an automatic part of the vehicle’s normal routine. Our Stuart lab is built to help make that future practical.”

Source: WiTricity