Use of inductive power transfer for electric vehicles

This paper proposes powering electric vehicles while in motion using inductive power transfer as means to address the inherent compromise that on-board electrical energy storage imposes on electric vehicle range and usage availability. Electric vehicles have been in the forefront of efforts to create transportation strategies that promise both energy-efficiency and long-term sustainability, but they suffer from compromises that energy storage technologies inherently impose. This paper begins with a description of the limitations of battery-powered vehicles that require a stationary recharging process. It then presents opportunities that inductive power transfer can offer to overcome these limitations. Case study calculations show the relative viability of achieving a range target of 483km (300 miles) for three different vehicle types across three different driving cycles. Case study calculations include optimization for the cost of powered tracks and battery life expectancy.