German Tier-1 giant Mahle, which has developed a vehicle positioning system that allows an electric vehicle (EV) to be simply, reliably, and precisely aligned above a wireless EV charger’s charging coil in the floor, has seen SAE International, formerly Society of Automotive Engineers, choose this solution as the global standard for wireless EV charging.

The internationally renowned non-profit association that brings together mobility professionals to enable safe, clean, and accessible mobility solutions, has thus closed the last gap in the standardisation of inductive EV charging, that was left unfulfilled for over a decade. Mahle’s cross-manufacturer solution promises the way for the comprehensive and rapid market launch of this attractive alternative to wired charging for batteries and electric and hybrid vehicles.

“The SAE International’s decision in favour of our technology confirms the systems expertise of Mahle in the domain of electrification. This will be a strong impetus for e-mobility,” said Arnd Franz, Chairman of the Management Board, and CEO, Mahle.

The Differential Inductive Positioning System (DIPS)

The MAHLE positioning system, christened DIPS or Differential Inductive Positioning System, represents is based on a magnetic field and automatically establishes a connection with the controlled charging point as the electric vehicle approaches. A special navigation system in the vehicle display supports the driver, and the car is soon in the ideal position. The charging process begins automatically.

This DIPS also works with an autonomous parking vehicle, where the parking system receives the necessary positioning instructions instead of the driver. Thanks to the unique Mahle positioning system, the parking process can be carried out very easily and reproducibly in one go. And this also applies to unfavourable environmental conditions such as snow cover, or wet leaves on the bottom plate.

According to experts, for the wireless charging of EVs, all components relating to both the infrastructure and vehicle must be standardised, to enable vehicle manufacturers and infrastructure providers to bring a solution to the market that ensures compatibility regardless of the manufacturer. According to Mahle, the company will make its solution accessible to the entire industry through a license model under FRAND (fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory) conditions.

Furthermore, the broad applicability of the DIPS is being claimed to also enable mobile applications in the future, such as charging via induction coils while driving. Mahle has also formulated the standard for this application together with Electreon Wireless.

In terms of charging infrastructure, Mahle has long relied on wireless charging, which is a convenient and promising alternative for electric vehicles.

“Siemens and Witricity are two strong partners at our side with whom we are jointly advancing the complete system of charging infrastructure and automotive engineering,” said Dr Harald Straky, Head of Corporate Research and Advanced Engineering, Mahle.