Infinite battery? “Arena of the Future” charges electric vehicles induction

This is the dream of every tram driver: a car with (almost) infinite autonomy, without numerous stops and unforeseen battery problems. This new “arena of the future” lives up to its name and could be the first step towards the future of electric charging.

This arena of the future has been designed by A35 Brebemi in collaboration with Stellantis.

A few days ago Stellaris showed the world the project he had been working on in recent months: "The Arena of the Future". A demonstration of DWPT (Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer) technology for wireless charging of electric vehicles while driving on specially equipped roads took place in Chiari, Italy, driving a new electric FIAT 500.

according to one Press release released by Stellantis, DWPT is a coil system placed under asphalt. It transmits energy directly to cars, trucks and buses without stopping at charging stations to recharge the battery.

According to the same statement, the technology aims to "simplify the customer's approach to electric mobility" and furthermore respond to the decarbonization of the mobility sector.

Our long-term strategic plan for Dare Forward 2030 is based on the premise of delivering “forward mobility freedom” to all, and this project is at the very core of our journey as a company.

These Ann-Lise RichardHead of Global e-Mobility Business Unit Stellantis.

Roads That Guarantee (Nearly) Infinite Battery

Cooperation with Stellantis A35 Brebemi, a company owned by global transport infrastructure operator Aleatica, focused on sustainable and innovative mobility solutions. Together, the two companies have developed a technology that can be adapted to any electric vehicle, as long as it is equipped with a special receiver that guarantees the transfer of energy from the road infrastructure to the electric motor. In this way, drivers see an increase in the range of their vehicle and savings in the battery of the tram.

Working with this incredible group of partners, we have proven that induction charging technology can power our electrified future.

These joint projects are exciting steps towards increasing battery life, reducing vehicle range, improving energy efficiency, downsizing batteries, outstanding performance and reducing weight and cost.

Ann-Lise Richard explained.

Findings are encouraging for the future of electric charging

Tests conducted by the companies show that “the efficiency of the energy flow from the asphalt to the vehicle is comparable to the efficiency of fast charging stations, so the driver does not need to stop to recharge,” says the press service of Stellantis. release. .

In addition, the electric FIAT 500 has shown that it is possible to drive at normal speed on highways without using up the energy stored in the battery. This conclusion confirms what Anne-Lise Richard said, since the battery of trams can be saved in this way.

According to Stellantis, this "arena of the future" is powered by direct current, which guarantees a number of advantages:

• Reduce power losses in the process of energy distribution;
• Ensure direct integration with renewable energy sources;
• Allows the use of thinner cables than AC distribution cables, with clear advantages in terms of packaging, weight and current harmonics;
• Using aluminum cables for power distribution, which are easier to obtain and cost half as much as copper, and are easier and more easily recycled in a circular economy business model.

For Times magazine, the induction charging system that Stellantis and its partners have been working on to create the Arena of the Future is one of the 100 most important inventions of 2021.

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