WiTricity Opens Wireless EV Charging Lab in Florida
The new Stuart facility supports medium-power systems ranging from 7.2 kW to 50 kW for OEM integration.
WiTricity has completed a new research and development laboratory in Stuart, Florida, following the company’s recent relocation to the area. The facility is designed to enhance support for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and Tier 1 integration programs for wireless charging technology.
What Happened
The new lab expands WiTricity’s capacity for design engineering, application-specific prototyping, electromagnetic and system simulation, testing, validation, and vehicle-integration support. The company states that its medium-power wireless charging systems, which transfer power through highly resonant magnetic coupling, are currently proven, operational, and available. These systems support power levels from 7.2 kW to 50 kW, though WiTricity notes its capabilities extend to 75 kW and higher for heavy-duty vehicles and equipment. At the facility, the company will work with automakers, suppliers, fleet operators, licensees, and technology partners to tailor and deploy existing wireless charging systems across specific vehicle platforms.
Why It Matters
WiTricity positions automatic wireless charging as an enabling technology for autonomous vehicles, arguing that autonomy cannot be achieved if a human is required to connect a charging cable. CEO Joe Benz stated that the lab provides an environment to assist partners with integrating wireless charging into current and next-generation vehicle platforms. The technology eliminates exposed cords and connectors, which can create trip hazards or suffer handling damage, and features no moving parts at the charging interface for rugged, low-maintenance operation. This supports frequent opportunity charging, potentially improving safety and reducing downtime in industrial settings such as airports, marine ports, transit operations, drayage, and yard operations.
The Bottom Line
WiTricity’s new Stuart lab aims to accelerate the integration of wireless charging into passenger and autonomous vehicle applications by providing dedicated resources for engineering, testing, and partner collaboration.
