Now charge your car without wires; BMW i series to get one

In order to make its i brand more feasible, the Bavarian manufacturer BMW has started developing a system for inductive charging of electric and plug-in hybrids. Recently, the company has initiated global promotion of its all electric i3 and i8 vehicles in different auto markets. With the introduction of new convenient, efficient and cable-free charging system, the manufacturer looks to develop a new cutting edge technology that will charge the ongoing and upcoming models.

Both BMW i3 and i8 use high-voltage batteries which can now be charged by using BMW i Wallbox- a part of 360° ELECTRIC portfolio. The system can be easily used in the office parking lot or in the basement of your garage. With the use of inductive power supply one need not to worry about the lengthy coiled wires and connection points.

Recently, Daimler and BMW Group signed an agreement on the joint development and implementation of a standardized technology for inductive charging of electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles.The inductive system consists of two components- a secondary coil placed in the vehicle floor and an integral primary coil located on the garage floor.

The electrical energy produced in the system is transferred via an alternating magnetic field generated between the coil. With no wires and physical contact, the car is charged at a rate of 3.6kW with an efficiency factor of more than 90 per cent. With this method, the high-voltage batteries are charged more efficiently and safely. The automakers are also working to further minimize the charging time.

With the charging rate of 3.6 kilowatts, the high-voltage batteries in most of the plug-in hybrid vehicles can be fully charged in under three hours, while in the BMW i8, it takes less than two hours to fully charge the car using working prototype of an inductive charging station. Moreover, the automakers also sees a possibility of charging the vehicle at a rate of 7kW.