Qualcomm and Ricardo have announced they have entered into a Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging (WEVC) technology license agreement. Ricardo, a global engineering, strategic, technical and environmental consultancy business, with world-renowned expertise in powertrain and vehicle engineering – including the niche manufacture and assembly of high-performance products – has licensed Qualcomm Halo technology to commercialize WEVC systems for Plug-In Hybrid (PHEVs) and Electric Vehicles (EVs). Under the terms of the agreement, Qualcomm has granted to Ricardo a royalty-bearing technology license to develop, make and supply WEVC systems for automobile manufacturers. Qualcomm subsidiaries will provide technical expertise and engineering support.
There is an increasing focus from automakers on hybrid and electric vehicles as they look to reduce tail pipe emissions. Ricardo sees WEVC as an enabling technology for automakers to drive mass adoption of EV/PHEVs by simplifying the charging challenge. Ricardo views Qualcomm Halo technology as an advanced WEVC solution that has the potential to encourage more widespread adoption of EVs, meeting the requirements of automakers and drivers for simple and convenient EV charging.
Working with Qualcomm will enable Ricardo to design and build WEVC systems that meet automakers’ requirements for wireless charging today and in the future, as demand becomes more prevalent for higher power, faster charging, different deployment methods such as buried charging pads, and for WEVC systems which charge SUVs, taxis and autonomous vehicles.
The increasing electrification of transportation is important in enabling society to reduce its reliance upon CO2 emitting fossil fuels while also improving the quality of air in our towns and cities. Wireless charging is a potentially very promising enabler for more widespread adoption of pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, with consequent environmental benefits.
Ricardo will benefit from comprehensive engineering support provided by Qualcomm subsidiaries which aims to enhance their ability to develop commercially viable and technically advanced WEVC systems and will support the future design of evolving WEVC systems. Qualcomm Halo WEVC technology has been developed with a focus on cost and package optimization, power, interoperability, and co-existence with vehicles systems. An advanced technology pipeline delivers ongoing improvements, supporting standardized and interoperable WEVC technology suitable for stationary and, eventually, dynamic charging.
Qualcomm continues to expand commercial relationships across the EV ecosystem, reinforcing the value of its technology, and its engineering and collaborative approach.
