Advantages of Wireless Power Systems in Automotive Applications

With the increasing adoption of embedded modems, telematics devices, and wireless connectivity, more and more vehicles are beginning to feature wireless networking capabilities. However, currently, in-vehicle components such as sensors, cameras, and computing control units are still connected via complex cable harnesses. The use of wireless power systems can significantly simplify cable usage, optimize vehicle design, and enable a greater number of onboard functions.

Fewer vehicle cables

Vehicle information processing devices, sensors, and other types of in-vehicle instruments typically each require two power cables and two data cables.

The use of wireless power systems will greatly reduce the number of cables required to connect in-vehicle devices—allowing all onboard equipment to be interconnected using just a single cable that serves both data and power transmission and runs throughout the vehicle body. Wireless power transfer primarily relies on resonant electromagnetic induction, enabling the transmission of power and data information at frequencies ranging from 50 milliwatts to 1 kilowatt.

General Motors recently announced that it will offer wireless charging devices in its vehicle models, enabling the charging of mobile devices inside the car.

In addition to simplifying cable usage, wireless power systems will also bring improvements in other areas, such as reducing material production and assembly costs, and enabling more flexible and efficient automotive designs.

More flexible design

The single-wire automotive cable system enabled by wireless power will give automakers greater flexibility in designing vehicle electrical systems and body structures, and will also make it possible to integrate more onboard features.

For example, with the support of this system, car doors no longer need to rely on cumbersome cables for support; the rear-seat display screen doesn't have to be connected to the vehicle’s central control interface, and movable components such as the front seats or headrests can be repositioned more flexibly. Moreover, in situations requiring towing services, vehicles equipped with wireless power do not need to rely on cables with signal connectors to link up with the tow truck anymore.

Possible challenges

There are some unavoidable challenges in applying in-vehicle wireless power systems. For example, automakers need to modify certain components and devices in vehicles to make them compatible with wireless power systems, a process that could take several years.

Before wireless power transfer is widely adopted, automakers might first try deploying standalone subsystems—such as parking assistance systems—that are better suited for wireless power connections.