
WiTricity, Delphi sign in-car wireless charging deal
Delphi has already licensed WiTricity’s high-power technology for wireless charging of electric vehicles (EVs), but the new deal opens up wireless charging of smartphones in the vehicle. Delphi will license WiTricity’s intellectual property (IP) for magnetic resonance technology to commercialize wireless charging systems for in-vehicle charging of smartphones that use the AirFuel Alliance specification.
Formerly the Alliance for Wireless Power, the AirFuel resonant specification is based on WiTricity IP, and the Alliance has nearly 200 member companies working on the technology, including Intel, Dell, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Broadcom, IDT, MediaTek and Samsung.
“As smartphones have become the preferred method of accessing the Internet and communicating, the number one concern for consumers is keeping their mobile devices charged and ready,” said Alex Gruzen, CEO of WiTricity. “Smart, fast, efficient wireless charging will become a ‘must have’ option for new vehicle buyers, and as a result of this agreement, Delphi will enable automakers to deliver the best user experience for in-vehicle wireless charging.”
The magnetic resonance technology licensed by WiTricity allows simultaneous wireless charging of multiple devices with differing power requirements and “spatial freedom” that eliminates the hassle of precise alignment and adds additional reach in three dimensions.
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