US Level 3 EV Plug Standard Defined:

[randyd]

Originally Posted by SEGsby

Ugly cables are just cheaper. *shrugs*

Yes, even after you add the adapters needed to charge when/where you want.

[kerbe]

Originally Posted by SEGsby

Higher Cost , lack of any standards, and lost efficiencies transmitting power, are typically issues for inductive charging. The EV's also need to be outfitted with compatible receivers.

Ugly cables are just cheaper. *shrugs*

But what if the vehicle had a "shoe" that dropped to contact the induction plate? I'm not talking live electrical contacts - just a better induction connection.

[SEGsby]

Same deal. That shoe would have to be a standard that every EV used.

A shoe would need to be able to transfer charge data to the car, just like an L2 or L3 charging station does. Today's EV actually initiate the charging process, so the "connection" would have to be data reliable as well. And lowered shoes could drag on the ground, so they would get damaged (snow, debris, etc.). You need a reliable way to raise and lower them to prevent mishaps, so you have added an engineering challenge to solve that you didn't have with a simple plug. Don't think many people would use them, unless they were built into the vehicle's they bought. Would auto makers warranty the vehicle with add-on 3rd party charging hardware? Doubtful.

I DO like the idea of an induction system, for things like interstate freeway driving--but no one is thinking that far ahead and pushing for it.

[randyd]

Qualcomm is making some noise in London, running an inductive charging trial with Renault and Delta Motorsports vehicles:

Originally Posted by Qualcomm Marketing

Inductive charging - which involves using an electromagnetic field to transfer energy between two objects - is less power-efficient than alternatives such as charging posts or battery-swapping stations, but Qualcomm says the difference is only "marginal."

If properly designed and implemented, the losses can be minimal. And that trial in London should reveal how minimal the losses will be. The article says similar tests are underway in Germany with Daimler, BMW, and Volkswagen with a "competing" system.

Sorry SEGsby. The Qualcomm system will not charge vehicles that are moving.

[kerbe]

Take a look at this week's FULLY CHARGED...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b71wC4z8its

It's all about the Qualcomm Halo system.

[SEGsby]

How many other competing wireless formats are there? When will there be a single standard? When will they be built into new vehicles? *shrugs*

[kerbe]

When a big corporate player like Qualcomm gets involved, things might just happen!

As to your other question, where are the electric vehicles to use ANY charging system?

Early days, my friend - early days. At least we know that, in the chill of winter, we can all huddle around a blazing Fisker for warmth!