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\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\insurance\wwwallstatecom\google+is+testing+a+new+electric+car+charging+pad+produced+by+a+company+called+plugless+power_16000325_800475012_0_0_7070388_300.jpg "Google is testing a new electric car charging pad produced by a company called Plugless Power.")
Google has become the first company to test a new wireless electric vehicle charger that may be the next step in green energy technology, according to Wired magazine.
Plugless Power
The charger was developed by the Virginia-based company Plugless Power and was installed in Google's Mountain View headquarters in California, reported the magazine. The device replaces an electrical outlet with a charging pad that a vehicle can park over top of to recharge - however, as of now only specialty-built cars have the technology to use the wireless device.
The magazine said the pad system is based on a principle known as inductive charging, where an electrical transformer is split between the vehicle and the charger. When the two objects come together the current flows and charges the car's battery. The same system is used to charge devices such as phones and electric toothbrushes, reported the source.
While Plugless Power developed the first wireless prototype in 2009, the station installed at Google is the first time the technology has been released to the public. The company has not said how much the charger may cost, according to Wired, although it did say it will be installing more wireless chargers later this year.
One company, Halo IPT, already plans on expanding on Plugless Power's creation. The source reports that the New Zealand startup is working on a system that will allow a vehicle to charge itself while in motion.
Growth of charging stations
As more consumers purchase hybrid and electrical cars, both home and public charging stations are becoming more widespread. California's Bay Area recently received $3.9 million toward the installation of 27,750 home chargers, in addition to 30 fast-charging stations throughout the city. Los Angeles officials announced the city will soon introduce charging stations, while the city of Phoenix is set to install about 1,000 chargers across the Valley and Tucson by the end of the year.
Energy efficient vehicles are becoming more common on U.S. roads are more automakers unveil electric and hybrid models. In addition to the Nissan Leaf, General Motors has introduced its own electric model - the Chevrolet Volt. To keep up with the demand, Nissan has taken out a $1.6 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy to modify a factory
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