WiTricity is working on integrating inductive charging.

Charging specialist WiTricity has opened a new development and testing laboratory for inductive charging systems in the U.S. state of Florida. The focus there is on passenger cars, autonomous vehicles, and fleets.

WiTricity has opened a new development and testing laboratory in Stuart.

Image: WiTricity / Newsroom

In Stuart, the company will adapt, test, and validate existing inductive charging systems for specific vehicle platforms and application areas. The focus is on systems with charging capacities ranging from 7.2 to 50 kW. These systems are intended for use in electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and robotaxis, as well as last-mile delivery fleets and integration projects involving automakers and suppliers. In this setup, a receiver is located under the vehicle’s chassis, while energy is transferred via magnetic coupling through a charging pad on the ground.

WiTricity sees particular advantages in this for autonomous vehicles. Robot taxis could charge at specially equipped parking spots without anyone needing to plug in a cable. Otherwise, WiTricity remains rather vague in its statement: it does not mention specific robot taxi customers or new series projects. Information on the investment amount, size, or additional capacity of the new lab is also missing.

WiTricity has been developing inductive charging systems for years. The company demonstrated a Tesla Model 3 and a Ford Mustang Mach-E equipped with such systems, capable of charging at up to 11 kW. In 2024, the firm also presented a solution for electric light vehicles. Thus, the new lab is primarily intended to adapt existing technology for further applications and integrate it into vehicles.

WiTricity claims to offer systems with 75 kW or more for heavy commercial vehicles and machinery. The company cites buses, as well as vehicles used in port, airport, and logistics operations, as potential applications. It remains unclear whether a stronger focus on autonomous vehicles and fleets will lead to any specific large-scale production projects.