Qualcomm and Ricardo ink commercial wireless EV charging licence agreement

Ricardo of the UK has licensed Qualcomm Halo technology to commercialise WEVC systems for Plug-In Hybrid (PHEVs) and Electric Vehicles (EVs).

Under the terms of the agreement, Qualcomm has granted to Ricardo a royalty-bearing technology license to develop, make and supply WEVC systems for automobile manufacturers. Qualcomm subsidiaries will provide technical expertise and engineering support.

There is an increasing focus from automakers on hybrid and electric vehicles as they look to reduce tail pipe emissions. Ricardo sees WEVC as an enabling technology for automakers to drive mass adoption of EV/PHEVs by simplifying the charging challenge. Ricardo views Qualcomm Halo technology as an advanced WEVC solution that has the potential to encourage more widespread adoption of EVs, meeting the requirements of automakers and drivers for simple and convenient EV charging.

Working with Qualcomm will enable Ricardo to design and build WEVC systems that meet automakers’ requirements for wireless charging today and in the future, as demand becomes more prevalent for higher power, faster charging, different deployment methods such as buried charging pads, and for WEVC systems which charge SUVs, taxis and autonomous vehicles.

“The increasing electrification of transportation is important in enabling society to reduce its reliance upon CO2 emitting fossil fuels while also improving the quality of air in our towns and cities,” said Dave Shemmans, CEO of Ricardo.

“Wireless charging is a potentially very promising enabler for more widespread adoption of pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, with consequent environmental benefits. I am extremely pleased, therefore, that through the agreement announced today, Ricardo is now able to engineer solutions based on Qualcomm Halo technology, as an integral part of our own portfolio of low and zero emission vehicle and transportation technologies,” he added.

“Ricardo brings a wealth of automotive engineering expertise and a real focus on performance, advanced engineering solutions, and a deep understanding of the direction the automobile industry is headed,” said Steve Pazol, vice-president and general manager, wireless charging, Qualcomm Incorporated. “We are pleased to be working with Ricardo. This collaboration further strengthens the Qualcomm Halo automotive supply chain, providing options for WEVC both to the traditional automakers and the burgeoning EV entrants.”

Ricardo will benefit from comprehensive engineering support provided by Qualcomm subsidiaries which aims to enhance their ability to develop commercially viable and technically advanced WEVC systems and will support the future design of evolving WEVC systems. Qualcomm Halo WEVC technology has been developed with a focus on cost and package optimisation, power, interoperability, and co-existence with vehicles systems. An advanced technology pipeline delivers ongoing improvements, supporting standardized and interoperable WEVC technology suitable for stationary and, eventually, dynamic charging.