SAE International has published a new Recommended Practice (RP), SAE J2954, which provides the first worldwide specification for wireless power transfer (WPT) up to power levels of 11 kW (WPT 3). This follows the organization’s previous Technical Information Report J2954, which dealt with power levels up to 7.7 kW (WPT 2).

The new RP also provides a standardized test stand that gives EV manufacturers and infrastructure companies a means for testing performance and validation of products.

The RP establishes a new methodology using magnetic triangulation for vehicle alignment to assist manual as well as autonomous parking. Coupled with communications, SAE J2954 can enable EV drivers to seamlessly park their vehicles, establish payment and charge, without customer interaction.

“The SAE J2954 RP establishes the methodology for designs and testing of wireless power transfer for EVs up to 11 kW,” said Jesse Schneider, Chair of the SAE Wireless Power Transfer and Alignment Taskforce.  “It does much more than that, by enabling an automated and seamless ‘charge-and-park’ experience for the customer. Wireless power transfer using J2954 also gives the soon-to-be commercialized autonomous vehicle a way to align itself and charge automatically, even during inclement weather. Thus, it enables customers and taxi fleets a way to charge without the need for human interaction. This disruptive technology changes the game for EVs by removing the need for the customer to plug in – making the act of charging not about the plug, but parking in the right spot.”

Source: SAE International via Green Car Congress