Principal Challenges for Designing an Efficient Wireless Power Transfer for Electric Vehicles

In recent years, the demand for a safe and convenient method of charging batteries has led researchers and industries to focus on wireless power transfer (WPT) technology. As electric cars become the forefront of reducing CO2 emissions, they rely heavily on Li-ion batteries. WPT has emerged as a reliable and user-friendly approach for charging these batteries, addressing the concerns of customers who worry about access to charging stations. Inductive power transfer technology has played a significant role in the development of electric cars, buses, and trains, thereby presenting new opportunities in wireless charging. Nonetheless, there are still technical challenges that demand thorough research efforts, such as power losses during system operation and low power transfer efficiency. This paper primarily focuses on explaining the fundamental design of a resonant inductive wireless power transfer system. Secondly, it highlights the key challenges in designing an efficient wireless power transfer system for electric vehicles. The insights provided in this paper aim to propel the advancement of driverless electric vehicles through continued research and development.