All season long, the Formula E safety car (a BMW i8) and medical car (a BMW i3) can be seen using this hassle-free and easily portable wireless charging system. Qualcomm now hopes to roll out the technology to the consumer market in collaboration with major names in the automotive industry.
This wireless charging solution works by fitting vehicles with a compatible receiver. Cars can then simply be driven into position over a charging pad measuring around one metre across and just a few centimetres thick. Charging pads can be portable or fixed permanently in place, depending on requirements. Once parked over the charging pad, the driver launches the charge cycle via an accompanying mobile application. As well as monitoring the process, the app helps guide drivers into position when aligning the vehicle over the charging pad, ensuring optimal results.
Unlike most inductive charging technologies, Halo allows for energy transfer through a relatively large volume of air. Charge times obviously depend on the size and type of battery fitted in specific vehicles. Note that the system has a safety cut-out function that instantly shuts down charging when any kind of presence is detected between the two pads such as a child or an animal.
Halo can be configured to meet various different electrical, communications or operating standards currently used around the world.
Charging hardware is made by Chargemaster, a company that specialises in making infrastructure for electric vehicles. The firm can produce up to 2,000 new charging units per month, each of which fits neatly into a large equipment case. The firm's latest-generation charging pads offer 7.2 kWh wireless charging.
Bolstered by this Formula E partnership and by agreements with various vehicle makers (including Daimler and Rolls-Royce), Qualcomm Halo technology could be set to equip many consumer electric vehicles in the coming years, first of all as a premium feature. Ultimately, Qualcomm's aim is to roll out Halo technology more widely among consumers and professionals using electric vehicles. Taxis, for example, could recharge automatically when returning to a rank.
