Daimler testing wireless charging on a Mercedes Benz in a home from the longer term

07 December 2011 | JDavis
Incredibly, 2012 is sort of upon us, and in contrast to the visions of the longer term dreamed up within the ’80′s, flying cars and routine jaunts around space have not begun to materialize. Something that’s getting closer, however, is the concept of charging electric cars while driving, minus a cable. That’s right kids, Daimler is looking for to bring you charging at the go.

Called inductive charging, the concept that is comparatively straightforward. An electrical car is fitted with a different charging coil that then must be positioned (or for that reason driven) over a charging coil within the ground, which can then automatically start the charging process without no use for cable contact.

“We’re keen to determine how the inductive charging process proves in daily use,” says Herbert Kohler, head of e-drive & future mobility within the Research and Advance Development department at Daimler AG. “We’ve got already demonstrated the fundamental feasibility of the technology. The experience in day-to-day use will now provide important pointers for the further process development. various technical and fiscal issues also must be resolved before we will really assess the marketability of this technology.”

The electrical car might be deployed in March 2012 within the project “Effizienzhaus-Plus mit Elektromobilität”, which was inaugurated in Berlin Wednesday by Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel and Dr. Peter Ramsauer, Member of the Bundestag and Federal Minister of Transport, Building and concrete Affairs.

The “Effizienzhaus-Plus mit Elektromobilität” uses cutting-edge technology to create an energy-efficient house with the intention to generate more electricity than it needs, leaving a surplus of energy behind. This surplus electricity can then be used to recharge battery-powered electric vehicles, hence, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL. In essence turing your place into your own gas station – clearly BP is probably not happy about this.

The total building have been designed along energy-efficient lines, seamlessly incorporating the realm of electrical mobility. Both the inductive and the cable-based charging devices are harmonically integrated within the house’s architecture, as an instance. A family of 4 will live on the house on an experimental basis for 15 months, beginning in March 2012. During their stay on the house they’ll use various electric vehicles to explore and demonstrate how a brand new generation of buildings and electric mobility interact in lifestyle. Except for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL with inductive charging option, Daimler AG shall be providing the “Effizienzhaus-Plus mit Elektromobilität” project from the beginning in March 2012 with two other battery-powered electric vehicles for around three months: the second one-generation smart fortwo electric drive and the smart ebike. The family will thus have a broad spectrum of battery-powered local emission-free electric vehicles from Daimler at its disposal to hide the foremost diverse uses. From the 2-seater tailored perfectly to urban needs during the 5-seater family car to the electrical bike which opens the door to electric mobility with none need for a driving licence. Daimler can even attend to installation of the mandatory charging infrastructure on the house, providing a wallbox for conductive charging with a cable and a charging coil for inductive charging within the carport. Alternatively, the family can also be capable of charge all of the vehicles at public charging stations or by plugging them right into a standard domestic power outlet.

Ultimately, the project “Effizienzhaus-Plus mit Elektromobilität” will hopefully show that sustainable living and driving is feasible without compromising on one’s quality of life. Scientific evaluation of the information on usage of the vehicle that are collected during the project might also provide important insights into customers’ wishes – and show how electric cars can become yet more sustainable and together more well-off and convenient sooner or later.

Charging with out a cable

As well as charging with a cable, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL to be deployed on this project may also be charged inductively. This involves non-contact transmission of the charging current via an electromagnetic field. For this purpose, both the vehicle and the automobile parking space on the energy-efficient house are fitted with corresponding coils. a distinct display system helps the motive force to manoeuvre the vehicle into the suitable position over the charging coil.

In cooperation with Conductix-Wampfler and Röchling Automotive KG, Daimler has already developed a prototype version of this technology and demonstrated its functional effectiveness in a project sponsored by the Federal Ministry of our surroundings. The technology’s suitability for everyday use is now to be sounded out thoroughly during the practical trial.

an excellent match: energy-efficient house and electric vehicle in coordinated design

So as to highlight the close functional relationship between house and vehicle, a unique edition was developed for the “Effizienzhaus-Plus” project in close consultation between the Mercedes-Benz Design department and “Effizienzhaus-Plus” architect Prof. Werner Sobek. Based on the design and colour concept for the home, white and natural tones are predominant inside the exterior and interior design of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL and the second one-generation smart fortwo electric drive. A specially developed pearl coat in platinum white metallic lends the vehicles a sturdy presence and reflects heat, thereby helping to maintain the inside cool. The combined use of natural textiles along with wool, linen and nappa leather provides for a good looking contrast.

The coordinated design signifies that the family will feel totally at home inside the cars, thus communicating the theory of integrated sustainable home living and motoring on a visible and an emotional level.