Study of a Dynamic Charging System for Achievement of Unlimited Cruising Range in EV

One of the greatest challenges facing the electric vehicle (EV) is its very short cruising range compared to gasoline-powered vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). In addition to cruising range, two other major challenges faced by EVs are charging and on-road acceleration.

To resolve these challenges, this paper proposes a new way of thinking about how to extend the cruising range of EVs. The goal of this research is to extend the cruising range for EVs by enabling unlimited cruising range through simultaneous energy supply and charging while running.

As a result, the following benefits can be realized:

• Unlimited EV cruising range
• Zero charging time
• Reduced battery load (1/2 or less)
• More enjoyable driving thanks to a lifting of the power limitations on EVs

The paper describes a prototype system that achieves unlimited travel distance, then describes the results of real-world testing of the system, and finally discusses future prospects.

• An infrastructure and vehicle system were developed that can simultaneously supply power and charge during vehicle operation.
• Real-world test results in an actual production vehicle confirmed that the system achieves unlimited EV cruising range, eliminates inconvenience of charging, and improves EV motion performance.
• Using the contact-type, high-power charge-while-driving system proposed in this study, the ratio of distance traveled to charging lane was about 25:1. The cost of installing this infrastructure is estimated to be about 1/20 of the cost of a non-contact system.