WiTricity's Halo Upgrade is an Aftermarket, Wireless EV Charging Solution

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【Summary】Massachusetts-based wireless charging technology company WiTricity recently announced an aftermarket wireless charging upgrade for select EVs, including the Tesla Model 3 sedan and Ford Mach-E SUV. The new solution is called “WiTricity Halo”. According to its research, WiTricity says there is a huge demand for wireless charging solutions from EV owners.

Manish Kharinta Mar 08, 2022 9:00 AM PT

WiTricity's Halo Upgrade is an Aftermarket, Wireless EV Charging Solution

WiTricity's wireless EV charging technology works with the Tesla Model 3.

In 2021, electric vehicle sales were up by 109% worldwide, according to market analysis firm Canalys. With the fast-growing number of EVs on the road, companies are introducing new charging solutions for electric vehicles, including wireless charging technology.

One company is Watertown, Massachusetts-based wireless charging technology company WiTricity. The startup recently announced that it will soon introduce an aftermarket wireless charging upgrade for select EVs. The new solution is called "WiTricity Halo".

According to its research, WiTricity says there is a huge demand for wireless charging solutions from EV owners.

So far, WiTricity has been working on factory-installed wireless charging setups, which will soon make their debut in the Asian markets. Later this year, WiTricity will launch a limited beta program in the United States.

By next year, WiTricity intends to issue a broader release of its wireless charging program. Initially, WiTricity will offer its charging solutions for homes and businesses. The WiTricity Halo upgrade offers 11 kW wireless charging.

The WiTricity Halo program is designed to be a hassle-free end-to-end charging experience. The company hopes to accelerate EV adoption with its easy park and charge setup.

WiTricity claims that with its wireless 11 kW charging rate, customers can gain 35 to 40 miles of driving range per hour with their compatible EVs. This wireless charging rate will be on par with current Level 2 AC plug-in chargers.

The company will offer three key components as part of the WiTricity Halo upgrade. This includes a wall box that hooks up to electric power and a charging pad that is installed either in or on the ground. The setup also includes a power receiver installed on the vehicle.

In Oct 2021, WiTricity demonstrated the capabilities of its aftermarket wireless charging solution with the help of a Tesla Model 3 demo vehicle.

The company claims that its Tesla Model 3 demo prototype was just a preliminary step in developing the Halo upgrade. WiTricity has already confirmed that it is developing wireless charging systems for other battery-powered offerings, including Ford's Mustang Mach-E electric SUV.

Since the company already has a charging interface for the Model 3, developing a similar setup for the Model Y shouldn't be a big challenge as both vehicles are similar.

However, WiTricity has revealed that in addition to customer demand for wireless charging solutions, support from automakers will play a key role in helping the company develop its upgrades for popular EV models, as the power receiver mounted on the vehicle needs to work with different electric vehicle architectures.