Japanese Developing Wireless Chargers for Electric Cars

Japan's government broadcasting company, NHK, reported today that the Japanese government is sponsoring a research project to develop wireless chargers for electric cars. The government project will involve all of the Japanese auto makers, including Toyota Motor

, Nissan Motor

and Honda Motor

and aims to have a wireless charger ready for practical use by 2015. A video accompanying the article shows a Chevy Volt

being parked over a charger placed in a parking space and charging its batteries without attaching a cable. The vehicle's batteries are charged wirelessly through magnetic induction, the same principle used in wireless chargers for smartphones and electric toothbrushes. It is thought that wireless chargers could promote the use of electric cars if they can be charged anywhere with no effort on the part of the driver. The research project is also looking at installing wireless chargers in roadways so that electric vehicles could be charged while in motion. There are still many technical hurdles to overcome including eliminating interference with other wireless devices.