Wireless EV charging pioneer WiTricity has announced that it will be one of the founding members of the Japanese EV Wireless Power Transfer Council.

The organization, which was created to encourage the adoption of wireless EV charging in Japan, also includes Daihen, Sinanen, Kansai Electric Power, and the Mitsubishi Research Institute.

WiTricity is also establishing a local subsidiary, WiTricity Japan KK, as it grows its staff in Japan to support Japanese customers and wireless power transfer projects in the country.

WiTricity notes that Japan has challenges that make wireless EV charging particularly valuable. Space constraints in densely populated cities make the plug-in stations familiar in the US challenging to accommodate, whereas wireless charging requires less real estate. Automated parking garages can provide charging without the need for a person to plug in their vehicle.

On the commercial side, wireless charging brings operational cost advantages to fleet electrification, which is well underway.

“The formation of the EV Wireless Power Transfer Council is a key step in the development of the wireless charging industry in Japan,” said Alex Gruzen, CEO of WiTricity. “Together with these Japanese industry leaders, WiTricity will help promote wireless charging and vehicle-to-grid technology, prove business models, and drive deployment.”

“In establishing WiTricity KK, we can help Japan leapfrog current technology and deliver the next-generation EV ownership experience,” added Gruzen.  “Given the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the Japanese auto market, the physical presence of WiTricity staff will help us anticipate customer needs for the rapid adoption of wireless charging for EVs in Japan.”

Source: WiTricity