Google has extended its efforts concerning the self-driving car project. Since the project was given approval by California’s Governor in 2012, the cars have been tested in Austin, Texas, and Kirkland, and have driven 1.4 million miles. However, Google wants to take it to the next level. The tech giant has plans to incorporate wireless charging in its self-driving cars, so that it functions without being dependent on a driver.
Google may conduct more tests and researches for its autonomous cars, as it still wants to improve the battery capacity. With fewer charging stations available, the cars are limited to a certain area with the a limited battery. According to a filing submitted to US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Google is working to make its self-driving cars charge wirelessly.
Google has collaborated with two companies, Hevo Power and Momentum Dynamics, to incorporate a wireless charger in these cars. FCC granted permission to the companies to install experimental chargers last year.
The process to set up experimental chargers is difficult; the charging speed is too slow as compared to the traditional charging method. Hevo’s Alpha can charge only 1.5 kilowatts from circular transmitter, while Momentum Dynamics boasts up to 200 Kilowatts through its wireless transmitters.
If Google can pull off the idea of wireless charging, it will be a power boost in its effort to make driverless cars reach a new level of success. Wireless autonomous cars will be ideal for children and old age people with physical disability or vision issues. They won’t even have to handle any wire to charge their cars.
While Google aims to go wireless for its cars, the company has its plans for its driverless cars beyond the US as well. Deputy Mayor of London, Isabel Dedring, may invite Google to London to test the self-driving cars. Since the project initiated in 2009, this will be the first time Google will test its cars outside the US. The UK’s government announced earlier this week that it will invest $29 million in eight driverless car projects.
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