Technology ConnectionsAug 12, 2023

Is there a name for the phenomenon where the general public won't stop mentioning a solution that they /imagine/ will be standard one day without knowing the details behind it?

That's a word salad but like, "plug type won't matter once wireless charging becomes the norm" is, uh, a sentiment few people who know much about electricity transmission and electric vehicles will agree with, yet it's repeated ad nauseum.

Show threadragrumAug 12, 2023
@TechConnectify wireless car charging tech would be a cool Technology Connections video. TeslaBjorn did a few videos on it a while ago but I'd like a more detailed explanation of the science behind it - particularly contrasting it against the kind of wireless charging used for phones.
Show threadBernard R&RAug 12, 2023
@ragrum @TechConnectify that was a good video, which dispelled some myths repeated here. Wireless was slightly more efficient, as measured by calibrated utility-grade equipment. However it is also limited to 50KW (because of floor space), so it's a limited use case. That's to much for home charging, too slow for trip charging. Perhaps it's just right for mall charging? Is there a business case, given the added cost?
https://youtu.be/AE1gaNO9nj0
Wireless vs wired DC fast charging efficiency test

YouTube
Show threadTechnology ConnectionsAug 12, 2023

@BernardRR @ragrum for clarity, I'm aware that there have been demonstrations that have efficiency on par with wired installations.

But I can't see a world in which wireless inductive pickups on cars is a truly reasonable cost to add to the vehicle, and charging infrastructure is a lot more expensive, too.

In the real-world, I can't see it as practical. Another solution in search of a problem, imo

Show threadragrum
@TechConnectify @BernardRR
I think the best use case I've seen for wireless charging is for buses (especially shuttle buses on short loops) which could top up their batteries in short charging sessions while they're on their route throughout the day, rather than needing to go offline to recharge their battery from empty.
Aug 12, 2023 at 2:34pmWeb
Show threadTechnology ConnectionsAug 12, 2023

@ragrum @BernardRR I honestly still see wireless charging as more of a hassle in that case. Overhead contact points with retracting charging paddles on the bus is, at least on a gut -level, the simpler, more powerful, and more robust option.

Ultimately wireless charging is simply trying to remove the need for operator action to charge, and it's by no means the only avenue to that end.

Show threadmiawgogo  Aug 12, 2023
@TechConnectify @ragrum i kind of wish cities would look at other ways of suspending wires as i still think Trams and Trolley busses are better than battery buses in cities(although i do think they should have batteries too, like incase of diversion for trolley buses or power loss for both.)