SAE selects Mahle tech as wireless EV charging standard

SAE International has chosen Mahle’s Differential Inductive Positioning System (DIPS) as the preferred alignment method for wireless EV charging standard the SAE J2954, concluding a 10-year effort to establish a standardised solution.

Mahle chair and CEO said the decision “confirms the systems expertise of Mahle in electrification”.

In 2018, BMW made a breakthrough in wireless energy transfer for vehicle battery charging with the 530e hybrid production model using a proprietary system but a lack of standardisation at the time prevented mass adoption. 

The SAE J2954 standard, along with the standardised DIPS alignment method, will enable effortless and automated wireless charging and parking for all automotive brands, a crucial step in making the technology mainstream.

SAE J2954 Alignment and Controls sub-team co-chair Ky Sealy hailed the standard update as ensuring “wireless automatic charging will soon be accessible to public infrastructure”.

Advantages of inductive charging include elimination of wear and tear on cables, getting rid of messy dangling wires, and reduced risk of incorrect usage. SAE Wireless Power Transfer Task Force chair Jesse Schneider said charging a vehicle “should be as simple as parking in the right spot and walking away”.

Mahle’s DIPS uses a magnetic field to establish a connection with the charging coil embedded in the ground assembly. When a compatible EV approaches, the system automatically aligns, establishes the connection and initiates the charging process. Even in difficult weather conditions like snow or rain, the system is designed to provide a reliable, hassle-free experience.

It also supports autonomous parking by providing vehicles with positioning instructions and initiating charging. 

Mahle will license the DIPS tech to guarantee broad accessibility across vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure providers and component suppliers to ensure universal compatibility. 

An interoperability specification will also enable manufacturers to develop and test of ground and vehicle wireless power transfer assemblies.

In partnership with Electreon Wireless, Mahle has also successfully established a standard for charging EVs through induction coils while they are in motion.

This has the potential to revolutionise charging by enabling EVs to maintain or even increase battery levels on the go and eliminate range anxiety. Imagine stretches of country road where EVs can charge without stopping.