Wireless charging of electric vehicles is coming. The Mahle Differential Inductive Positioning System (DIPS) ensures that a vehicle can be easily and reliably positioned over the charging coil in the ground. This has caught the attention of SAE International. The organization has chosen the DIPS system as the global standard solution for wireless charging.

What is SAE International?

SAE International, formerly known as the Society of Automobile Engineers and Society of Automotive Engineers, can trace its roots to 1905. SAE is a worldwide association that contains over 128,000 engineers and related technical experts in the aerospace, automotive, and commercial vehicle industries. The SAE develops global technology standards. This includes the standardization of the vehicle identification number. The company’s mission: “To advance mobility knowledge and solutions for the benefit of humanity.” SAE now creates and manages more aerospace and ground vehicle standards than any other entity in the world.

EV charging cables may be replaced by wireless charging sooner than later.

About Mahle

Mahle’s focus includes electrification and thermal management. On the electrification side, the company is focused on electric drives and intelligent charging. Goal: to help e-mobility become affordable, simple, and reliable. On the thermal management side of things, Mahle is the largest supplier of modular and efficient thermal management systems for batteries, drives, and cabin comfort. By choosing Mahle’s positioning system SAE International is closing the final gap in the standardization of wireless charging that has been open for 10 years. Mahle’s positioning system now clears the way for the widespread and rapid market launch of this alternative to wired charging of the batteries of electric and hybrid vehicles. Arnd Franz, Chairman of the MAHLE Group Management Board and CEO, says, “MAHLE sets standards. The decision of the renowned SAE in favor of our technology confirms MAHLE’s system expertise in electrification. This will be a strong impetus for e-mobility.”

How the Differential Inductive Positioning System Works

Mahle’s DIPS is a game-changer in wireless EV charging. As an EV approaches, DIPS, driven by a magnetic field, connects to the controlled charging point. A vehicle display guides the driver to the ideal spot and charging begins automatically. And the system works even if the vehicle has autonomous parking capability. In this case, DIPS provides positioning instructions to the vehicle’s parking system. DIPS unique positioning process also ensures that it works even if the base plate is covered by a blanket of snow or damp leaves. It’s important to note that when wirelessly charging electric vehicles, all components that affect the infrastructure and vehicle must be standardized. Only then can both vehicle manufacturers and infrastructure providers bring a product onto the market that ensures manufacturer-independent compatibility. That’s where SAE International making DIPS the global standard solution comes into play.

Wireless EV Charging

It’s likely that wireless charging will have a major impact on EV adoption. Imagine not having to mess with cables or hunt for a charging station that has a suitable plug. And Mahle’s DIPS is a big step in that direction. The fact that an EV can be aligned easily, precisely, and reliably over a charging coil in the ground is a big deal. Furthermore, Mahle notes that the broad applicability of DIPS will enable future charging via induction coils while driving. In fact, Mahle and Electreon Wireless have formulated a standard for this. Mahle is invested in wireless charging for electric vehicles. Dr. Harald Straky, Head of Central Corporate Research and Advanced Development at Mahle, says, “With Siemens and Witricity, we have two strong partners at our side with whom we can jointly advance the overall system of charging infrastructure and vehicle technology.”