Inductive power transfer for electric vehicle charging: Technical challenges and tradeoffs

TLDR

IPT is a contactless alternative to conventional EV chargers, yet achieving competitiveness is challenged by comparisons to state‑of‑the‑art conductive systems. The article analyzes trade‑offs in power‑electronics design for IPT systems to satisfy high efficiency, compactness, and low cost. The authors examine IPT design trade‑offs, compare IPT to conductive chargers, and review current technology barriers and future prospects. Pareto analysis shows physical limits severely constrain compact, cost‑effective IPT coil design, underscoring significant technology barriers.

Abstract

Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) is widely considered as an alternative to conventional conductive Electric Vehicle (EV) battery chargers for the unique advantages of the contactless power supply. In this article, the power electronics design trade-offs between the automotive requirements of high efficiency, high compactness, and low cost are analyzed for IPT systems. Pareto fronts show that physical limits severely restrict a compact and cost-effective design of the IPT coils. The challenge of realizing a competitive contactless solution is emphasized by a comparison of existing IPT systems to state-of-the-art conductive chargers. An overview of today's technology barriers is provided and the future perspectives for IPT are critically discussed.