Photo from japanesesportcars.com
Electrocar will charge like plug-free toothbrush
Published 22 July, 2009, 11:59
Nissan has scaled up the plug-free battery charging technology used in electric toothbrushes and some powered razors to fit their upcoming electrocar.
The technology is based on inductive charging, where energy is transferred wirelessly via electromagnetic induction. The Japanese car producer, which is preparing to roll off its first dedicated Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) next year, has adapted the technology so that owners would not have to worry about a mains plug, reports British newspaper The Guardian.
With this technology an electric car can refill its battery while parked on a lot fitted with special recharge bays. So while you are shopping in a mall and watching a new blockbuster in the theatre, your vehicle gets the extra juice you’ll need when you’ve finished.
The producer envisions more ambitious plans of building recharge lanes fitted with series of plates under the surface, so that cars could recharge even while driving. While the approach is scientifically feasible, the cost of building enough such lanes, however, could make it impractical. It’s also not yet clear how fast the batteries can recharge with the new technology.
Nissan’s move is an answer to a recent consumer poll which showed that 61% of potential electric car owners were worried about the inconvenience of lengthy recharging from mains electricity. Another possible solution is building a network of service stations and parks with fast-charging facilities.
Nissan’s ZEV is a five-seater family-sized car. It has top speed of 145 kph and a full charge will allow for a journey of approximately 160 km, although the battery’s capacity is likely to be significantly extended in the next few years. Its pricing is yet to be announced.
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