BMW and Partners Tested Wireless EV Charging Technology
A new research program explores whether polyphase wireless charging could make EV power transfer more efficient.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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HEVO, BMW, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have evaluated a new polyphase wireless charging technology. The collaborative program examines hardware designed to transfer power wirelessly to electric vehicles.
Why it matters
This collaboration explores potential improvements to the power density, efficiency, and packaging of wireless charging systems. If successful, these advancements could eventually streamline vehicle charging for everyday owners and fleet operations.
The program evaluates hardware used to transfer power wirelessly using circular coil topologies. Bench testing is underway to confirm compatibility with proprietary polyphase technology.
The players
HEVO
An engineering firm specializing in wireless charging hardware and coil topology designs.
BMW
A global automotive manufacturer known for developing luxury electric vehicles and proprietary charging solutions.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
A U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that conducts large-scale research on energy, power electronics, and transportation technology.
The details
The program leverages circular coil topologies designed to increase energy transfer density. BMW conducts bench testing of this hardware to ensure compatibility with their proprietary polyphase coil technology, while HEVO contributes specialized engineering expertise to the effort. This design aims to make the physical components of wireless charging more compact and capable than current industry standards.
Timeline
The program status was reported on September 22, 2026.
The Home Front
This development follows a long-standing trend of public-private partnerships focused on improving charging efficiency for electric vehicles. It builds upon established Department of Energy research into power density standards for modern automotive charging.
For now, readers should keep an eye on how wireless charging technology matures as a convenience feature for future electric vehicle models. No immediate action is required at home as these systems are currently in the laboratory testing phase.
The takeaway
Advancements in wireless charging could eventually make home and depot vehicle charging significantly more efficient and less intrusive. Homeowners with electric vehicles should track these developments as potential indicators of future improvements in vehicle interoperability and charging convenience.
Further reading
For more on the future of how we power our vehicles, explore our Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Clean the Sky.
Live Poll
Would you prefer using wireless charging for your electric vehicle over traditional plug-in systems?
