SAE’s alignment method for wireless EV charging

SAE International recently announced that the SAE Wireless Power Transfer & Alignment Taskforce has completed a lengthy consensus process and decided upon Differential Inductive Positioning System (DIPS) as the technology alignment methodology for the SAE J2954 standard. The taskforce, consisting of automakers (OEMs), Tier 1s and wireless charging suppliers, were surveyed to determine minimum common methods for alignment (fine alignment, pairing, and alignment check) to be standardized and agreed upon DIPS as the alignment technology for the upcoming revision for SAE J2954, Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) for Light-Duty Plug-in/Electric Vehicles and Alignment Methodology. 

“EV charging should be as simple as parking in the right spot and walking away, SAE J2954 Standard enables this,” stated Jesse Schneider, chair of the SAE Wireless Power Transfer Task Force (ZEV Station). “The SAE J2954 Taskforce decided on the standardized alignment method DIPS, completing the standard, making a seamless and automated, all-weather wireless charging & parking. With this, the team has solved the missing link for wireless charging commercialization for EVs.”

Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) following SAE J2954 enables fully automatic wireless charging solutions for electric vehicles and promises highly efficient charging (up to 93%) of electric and plug-in-hybrid vehicles. The missing piece of standardization of light duty WPT has been finding an alignment methodology which works in all weather conditions and environments and is interoperable between many different types of applications. The next revision of SAE J2954 with DIPS enables automated parking and charging also for autonomous vehicles.