Electric cars are the future, but some teething problems still need to be solved. Hyundai is bringing the end of a major problem closer.
Electric cars require less maintenance than gasoline cars, accelerate faster and make less noise. Yet there are drawbacks: they are still expensive, some models have a limited range, and charging takes longer than refueling. For the latter, Hyundai now has a possible solution.
Hyundai has in fact filed a patent for a technique that allows electric cars to charge while driving. This means no more standing next to a charging station for minutes at a time.
Hyundai’s innovative patent
Hyundai’s patent is about road charging for electric cars. While this idea is not entirely new – some tests are already being conducted – Hyundai stands out with a unique approach.
First, current technology is expensive. Roads have to be specially equipped for wireless charging, which is expensive. In addition, the roads must be constantly maintained and perfectly even, because the coils under the road surface must stay at a specific distance from the car. As a result, maintenance costs are enormous.
The Hyundai Kona. (Image: Hyundai)
Hyundai’s patent, however, offers a smarter solution. Inside the electric car will be a height-adjustable induction system that automatically adjusts while driving. This ensures that the perfect distance between the car and the coils in the road surface is maintained, even when the road is uneven. As a result, charging interruptions can be avoided even on less ideal roads.
Smart technology for optimal charging
To make this system work optimally, Hyundai plans to use cameras that monitor the road surface. This technology is similar to Mercedes, which uses cameras to adjust the car’s suspension for a more comfortable ride. Hyundai, however, uses the camera images to adjust the height of its wireless induction charging system.
This new patent brings wireless charging of electric cars one step closer. Although there are already tests of wireless charging, they mainly focus on buses and trucks. Hyundai’s technology now offers prospects for passenger cars as well.
While Hyundai’s solution is an important step forward, challenges remain. The cost of wireless road charging remains high, and the road network will have to undergo major changes to make it possible on a large scale. Still, this technology brings us closer to a future where wireless electric car charging can become a reality.
