US Evatran, founded in 2009 in Richmond, Virginia, will soon launch the wireless charging systems for Tesla Model S owners.
Called Plugless, it will begin its market rollout in the next few weeks, for a retail price of $2,500 (with installation), and a three-year warranty.The charging pad is rated for both indoor and outdoor use, meaning it could theoretically be placed in both enclosed garages or driveways. The wireless charger is designed to withstand extreme temperatures between Celsius -18 degrees and 50 degrees.
The system uses wireless inductive charging, in which a magnetic field is created by running electricity through a coil. This allows allows the current to be transferred between two coils without any physical connection. In the Evatran Plugless system one coil is housed in a pad on the ground, and the other in a receiver mounted to the underside of the car. The Plugless system can charge at 7.2 kilowatts, which Evatran claims is enough to add 20 miles of range per hour to a Model S.
Evatran offers already Plugless Power systems for Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf plug-in EV. Prices for these systems varies between 1,300 and 1,500 dollars, while a model Cadillac ELR system costs about $ 2,000.
However, the Plugless unit is currently compatible only with rear-wheel drive Model S electric cars.
Tesla itself has not discussed plans to offer wireless charging on its electric cars. It did, however, demonstrate a robotic charging cable that could automatically plug into a car’s charge port. Mercedes-Benz will likely be the first carmaker to offer wireless charging as a factory-installed option. Its S550e plug-in hybrid luxury sedan will get optional wireless charging next year as part of an upcoming set of changes and upgrades to the current-generation car.