Toyota to Begin Test of Wireless Inductive Charging

Toyota is ready to launch the final verification test of a new wireless charging system in Japan that allows a hybrid- or electric-vehicle battery to be replenished simply by parking the vehicle in alignment with a coil set into the surface of the ground.

The automaker is employing magnetic resonance methodology, using two coils tuned to resonate at the same frequency in order to conduct electrical energy wirelessly. The Toyota system works at 85kHz frequency, charging at 200V and 2 kW. Charging time is said to take about 90 minutes.

At this stage the program calls for testing of plug-in hybrid Priuses by consumers living in Japan’s Aichi prefecture.

“We will use the test results to develop the technology further, with the ultimate aim of bringing the system to market,” the automaker says.