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Canadian Researchers Create Wireless Charger For Electric Cars

Posted by samzenpus on from the power-up dept.

An anonymous reader writes "University of British Columbia researchers have developed a wireless charging system for electric cars. It involves a spinning magnet beneath the parked vehicle which turns another magnet in the underside of the car. Charging takes four hours and is about 90% as efficient as plugging in. From the article: '"One of the major challenges of electric vehicles is the need to connect cords and sockets in often cramped conditions and in bad weather," says David Woodson, managing director of UBC Building Operations. "Since we began testing the system, the feedback from drivers has been overwhelmingly positive." Four wireless charging stations have been installed at UBC's building operations parking lot. Tests show the system is more than 90 per cent efficient compared to a cable charge. A full charge takes four hours and enables the vehicle to run throughout an eight-hour shift.'"

6 of 179 comments (clear)

  1. Spinning magnet in the car? by HornWumpus · · Score: -1, Troll

    Seriously is that the best that these engineers can come up with?

    Coils should be much lighter and can accomplish the same end result. Also not new, see electric toothbrushes.

    These engineers must be hacks. Wireless charging does not require turning a generator on the thing to be charged.

    --
    John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
    1. Re:Spinning magnet in the car? by HornWumpus · · Score: -1, Troll

      Actually RTFA, it's worse then I thought.

      These morons are aware of how to do it right. They are doing it wrong to placate the 'dangerous EMF' idiots.

      --
      John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
    2. Re:Spinning magnet in the car? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

      I think the "moron" and the "idiot" is you. Just because you can build a directional 100kW microwave, does not mean that it is safe. Even the smart people in the army know not to walk in front of a radar emitter when it is ON. I guess they must be "morons" and "idiots" too!!

    3. Re:Spinning magnet in the car? by HornWumpus · · Score: -1, Troll

      WTF are you doing on /.?

      --
      John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
    4. Re:Spinning magnet in the car? by HornWumpus · · Score: -1, Troll

      Who modded up this moron?

      The only person mentioning 100kW microwaves is the AC, who apparently thinks 100kW spinning magnetic fields is better. Please come back after you pass a physics course.

      --
      John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
    5. Re:Spinning magnet in the car? by HornWumpus · · Score: 1, Troll

      How many pounds of pig iron did you just add to the weight of the car? It will still leak, alignment will be imperfect etc.

      It's a dumb idea.

      --
      John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'