- Press Release
ENECHANGE announces intent to begin wireless EV charging trials
ENECHANGE Ltd. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & CEO: Yohei Kiguchi) announces its intent to explore the integration of wireless EV charging solutions in Japan in collaboration with WiTricity. Through these trials, ENECHANGE seeks to redefine the future of electrified mobility and induce a step-change in a rapidly evolving industry.
Background
Japan’s EV uptake is increasing, and together with the growth of electrified fleets, EV charging infrastructure is also being rolled out across the nation. As we prepare for rapid electrification of mobility, the ability to wirelessly charge will eventually become a necessity, especially in a near-future of autonomous vehicles. WiTricity’s technology not only provides a superior user experience, but also fully automates the charging process, lowers maintenance cost by eliminating cords and plugs, and increases safety and space optimization. ENECHANGE plans to leverage its experience of rolling out and implementing EV charging ports (6,482 cumulative total of orders to date*1) across Japan to support the rapid adoption of WiTricity’s technology.
WiTricity revolutionizes the way we think about charging electric vehicles. Its technology transfers energy over distance without wires. Charging works through a connection between two magnetic resonators: one source and one receiver. The source charging pads can be installed on-ground, such as in a private residence, driveway, or parking garage; or in-ground, buried in the pavement of a parking lot or curbside as public charging infrastructure. The charging pad’s flatness and resonance range also means it is suitable for a wide range of vehicles, from passenger vehicles to public transportation fleets, which can benefit from ‘power snacking’ when idling. Moreover, customers do not have to perfectly align their vehicles to charge, as the charging pad’s range allows for position allowance of the receiver.
Through Japan Energy Fund’s (JEF) Decarbonized Tech Fund, ENECHANGE invested in WiTricity in July 2022 alongside investors Siemens AG and Mirae Asset Capital read the press release here). Under its ENECHANGE EV Charge service, ENECHANGE currently has Japan’s largest network of Level 2 destination charging ports*2 and has set a goal to invest up to 30 billion JPY to install 30,000 EV charging ports in Japan by 2027. The ENECHANGE EV Charge service is focused on convenience for EV drivers, and the Company envisions that the future integration of wireless charging will make the charging experience seamless. As an investor in WiTricity via its associated Japan Energy Fund, ENECHANGE plans to support demonstration of WiTricity’s charging technology in existing and new installations, and jointly enable the wireless electrification of vehicles.
Image: WiTricity
*1 ENECHANGE FY23 2nd Quarter. Changes to the charging port order count are possible due to the results of on-site surveys, etc.
*2 ENECHANGE EV Charge is an all-in-one service that allows installation of charging facilities for electric vehicles at commercial facilities, lodging facilities, and other destination locations, as well as condominiums, with minimal installation and operation costs starting at 0 yen per month. It currently has the highest number of installed EV charging ports in Japan. Number of installed EV charging ports (6kW) by a secure app-based service provider (as of May 2023, according to GoGoEV).
About WiTricity’s technology
WiTricity is the trailblazer in wireless charging for electric vehicles, leading the development and implementation of magnetic resonance technology across passenger and commercial vehicles alike. The company’s technology is backed by an extensive patent portfolio and is the foundation for ratified global EV wireless charging standards including SAE, ISO, and GB. Automakers and Tier 1 suppliers turn to WiTricity to help accelerate the adoption of EVs by eliminating the hassle of plug-in charging, setting the stage for future autonomy.
Comment from Yohei Kiguchi, CEO of ENECHANGE Ltd.
The ENECHANGE EV Charge service is already a leader in Level 2 charging across Japan, but we will continue to push the boundaries of adopting the latest technology to ensure we can deliver the best charging experience for our users. Wireless charging is the next step in EV charging, and beginning to embrace this now will ensure the ENECHANGE EV Charge network is ready for the future.
ENECHANGE EV Charge
ENECHANGE EV Charge is an all-in-one service that allows installation of charging facilities for electric vehicles at commercial facilities, lodging facilities, and other destination locations, as well as condominiums, with minimal installation and operation costs starting at 0 yen per month. It currently has the highest number* of installed EV charging ports in Japan. ENECHANGE EV Charge also offers a full range of services for EV drivers. In addition to searching for charging spots, anyone can use the charging ports at any time, with an appealing pay-as-you-go system without monthly fees. ENECHANGE EV Charge charging ports are now also compatible with e-Mobility Power-linked charging cards issued by various automotive OEM, further increasing convenience.
URL: https://ev-charge.enechange.jp/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/enechange_ev
*Number of installed EV charging ports (6kW) by a secure app-based service provider (as of May 2023, according to GoGoEV).
ENECHANGE Ltd.
ENECHANGE is an energy technology company that promotes a net zero society through digital technology with the mission of Changing Energy For A Better World. We offer services based on data utilization in the field of the 4Ds of Energy: Deregulation, Digitalization, Decarbonization, and Decentralization. Our company’s roots come from an energy data lab at the University of Cambridge, U.K., a country where liberalization is mature. ENECHANGE has a British subsidiary, SMAP Energy Limited, as well as a global network and analytical technology for energy data.
URL: https://enechange.co.jp/en/
■For inquiries
ENECHANGE Ltd.
pr@enechange.co.jp
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