Qualcomm wireless charging to power Formula E racing

Qualcomm has announced that it will be backing Formula E, a new motor sport from the FIA featuring cars powered by electrical energy, according to Tech Week Europe. The company, using the event as a platform, wants to promote its wireless changing technology for electric cars. DHL, which also sponsors Formula One, will serve as the logistical partner for this event.

The company, as part of the event, will be advising the championship on how to bring in new and sustainable forms of technology to the series, and promote awareness for electric vehicles. Qualcomm, according to the report, wishes to see the championship used as a platform for research and development, similar to how Formula One serves as a testing ground for many mainstream vehicular technologies. With Formula E, ten teams (each with two drivers) will race open-wheel cars designed keeping in mind the technical specifications of the FIA. The electric innovations that each team will incorporate into their vehicles will also be focused on.
 
Qualcomm, building on the platform, will incorporate its Halo Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging (WEVC) customised for safety cars in the year 2014 and 2015. The technology is based on resonant magnetic induction that transfers several kilowatts of energy between a ground-based pad and a charging pad on the vehicle. All a driver needs to do is park on the base pad to automatically start charging their vehicle. The biggest drawback about Formula E so far is the limited battery life seen in cars that forces drivers to switch cars in the middle of the race. The championship hopes that Qualcomm’s involvement in the championship will help spur development in this field.

Qualcomm will be backing Formula E, an electrical car championship (Image credit: Engadget)

The company reportedly tested its Halo technology for the first time in London and said that it would incorporate existing street furniture and transmit energy even in snowy conditions. While the earlier showcase raised some safety questions, the company hopes that integrating the same into a high profile motorsport will help to alleviate those worries.

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While talking about the deal, Anand Chandrasekher, senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Qualcomm said, “Our collaboration with the FIA Formula E Championship is not just a great opportunity to showcase Qualcomm technologies, such as our Halo WEVC system, but to evaluate and improve wireless connectivity and EV technology across the globe, especially in the host cities. We hope this arrangement will leverage mobile technology to enhance the fan experience and impact the global movement toward more sustainable living.”