Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) are defined in the US as street legal, four-wheeled vehicles with a top speed of up to 25 mph (40 km/h) with a gross weight of less than 3000 pounds (1400 kg). WiTricity, a pioneering company in wireless charging technology for electric vehicles, has announced a new wireless charging technology for select E-Z-GO products, including the Liberty LSV. E-Z-GO is a leader in sustainable electric-vehicle technology based in Georgia, US.
The wireless charging system operates at speeds comparable to traditional plug-in methods. The system consists of the WiTricity Halo™ Receiver being installed into the vehicle, this can be done at the factory or at the dealer as an optional extra, and the WiTricity Halo™ Power Hub, which plugs into a standard household outlet. Charging can be initiated by parking the vehicle over the Power Hub. Wireless charging options will be integrated into select E-Z-GO products, including the innovative Liberty, starting in the summer of 2024.
The announcement, made at CES, emphasizes the user-friendly experience and convenience of wireless charging for E-Z-GO users. Adam Harris, E-Z-GO’s Vice President, expressed pride in providing industry-leading technology, emphasizing the company’s commitment to improving customer experiences:
“At E-Z-GO, we’re proud to offer industry-leading technology to continuously improve the experience for our customers, Convenience is one reason why users opt for our vehicles in the first place, so it’s an obvious choice for us to improve that user experience with WiTricity’s wireless charging.”
WiTricity’s CEO, Alex Gruzen, highlights the freedom to “simply park and charge,” catering to the growing preference for personal vehicles in the US:
“No matter the size of the vehicle, owners of EVs are ready to ditch the plug, with this new solution, E-Z-GO users will soon be able to enjoy a seamless and convenient charging experience and the freedom to simply park and charge.”
The wireless charging of vehicles is still in the very early stages and only a minimal number of vehicles with wireless charging have entered the market. The installation required for the system employed in the E-Z-GO vehicles will be minimal as they can be powered by a standard wall outlet. Easier installation will overcome one of the potential hurdles to adoption. LSVs may well be a good entry point into the market for wireless vehicle charging as well as exposing the consumer base to the technology, potentially driving interest in wireless charging for larger classes of vehicle such as passenger cars.
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