2018 Mercedes-Benz S550e to feature wireless charging
With an increasing focus on cleaner and more efficient technologies, multiple car manufacturers are working on hybrids and plug-in hybrid options. It is believed that the same will help reduce the carbon footprint left by conventional fuels. However, in addition to the premium costs involved with plug-in hybrids, the more challenging bit is to provide better plugging options. And now there seems to be a solution to this. The 2018 Mercerdes-Benz S550e plug-in hybrid, that will sold in the U.S. markets, will be offered with wireless charging.
The Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging (WEVC) technology has been developed by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. According to the Qualcomm, the S550e's 13.5kWh battery can be charged overnight with 3.6kW of power. Instead of connecting the car with conventional cable, it has to be driven over a special pad and parked. This saves the hassle of opening the charging lid or carrying special bulky charging cables.This will be first time that WECV will be used on a commercial car and it is likely that will also be offered in other models in the future.
"Qualcomm Halo uses resonant magnetic induction to transfer energy, wirelessly, from a ground-based pad to another pad integrated in the vehicle. Energy is transferred quickly and safely to an automobile's battery" states the company in an official release. The system provides 90 per cent efficiency compared to the regular plug-in charging. The company also mentions that WECV has already been tested in the FIA Formula E Safety Car and has been further refined to make it suitable for commercial introduction.
