Calling All Auto Service Advisors, Wireless Charging Technology for Electric Vehicles Is Here!
Imagine a world where drivers never had to touch a gas pump again. When they arrived home, they would simply drive into their garage or onto their driveway and park their car—never having to give a second thought to when they would have to ‘fuel’ up next. With wireless hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) charging technology entering the market, this futuristic idea is slowly becoming a reality.
Interested in the automotive industry? Check out this progressive new concept and the technology behind it!
A Look Into Wireless Charging Technology for Auto Service Advisor Students
Wireless car charging technology—otherwise known as inductive charging—may seem highly advanced, but we’ve already been using similar technology for years. For example, many people use wireless chargers to charge their cell phones and electric toothbrushes.
Until recently, hybrids or EVs have been charged using heavy chords that plug into the side of the vehicle. However, new wireless chargers will work slightly differently. Wireless chargers will run electricity through a coil of wire in a pad on the ground under the car, which will create a magnetic field. Then, the electrical current will be transferred to a receiver coil installed within the vehicle without any physical connection required.
Pros With Automotive Service Advisor Careers Understand the Convenience of Wireless Charging
As an auto service advisor in training, you can likely understand that visiting the gas pump might not be the preferred activity of most drivers. Many drivers have even opted for EVs to avoid the pump altogether. But with charging stations sometimes few and far between, finding another option will offer more convenience to EV and hybrid owners. By allowing drivers to recharge their cars at home simply by parking it over a wireless charger, car owners will be able to head out each morning knowing that their car is fully recharged and ready to go.
Auto Service Advisor Students May See These Companies Involved
Wireless charging technologies are still going through the early stages of development. So far, only some vehicles are equipped to offer wireless charging options, but that number is growing steadily. In fact, according to recent announcements, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550e plug-in hybrid might offer wireless charging capabilities.
In terms of charger providers, several companies are leading the pack with Plugless chief among them. Plugless’ technology can be paired with the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan LEAF, Cadillac ELR, and it is currently developing systems to charge the Tesla Model S as well. Professionals with an automotive service advisor career likely know that car owners can be extremely price sensitive when it comes to after-market additions for their cars. That’s why the relatively small price tag of a Plugless charging station—running from $1,260 USD to $1,940 USD depending on the car model—is so appealing.
How Does Wireless Charging Technology Compare?
Convenience is great, but performance is also important for new auto technology. Fortunately, the Plugless model is keeping up with its chord charger counterparts. It’s only about 7 per cent less energy efficient than corded Level 1 charging systems and 12 per cent less efficient than corded L2 charging systems.
Plugless can charge a Nissan LEAF in 6-8 hours, while the Chevrolet Volt and Candillac ELR only take an impressive 3-4 hours. These numbers are worth noting, and comparable to a professionally installed 240-volt chord charging system, which takes about 4.5 hours to fully charge a vehicle.
Do you love learning about cars and the newest auto technology? Automotive service advisor training may be right for you!
Contact Automotive Training Centres today to find out more!
