BMW file new design for wireless charging of bikes

[TheTwoOfUs]

A new patent application filed by BMW has revealed that the German automotive giant is exploring mobile phone-style wireless charging for electric motorcycles using the bike’s stand.

While wireless ‘inductive’ charging through a pad is usually slower than charging through a socket, it is a convenient option and one that could potentially be built into garages, parking spaces and even street parking areas.

However, previous efforts to develop inductive charging have generally focused on electric cars and they have been complicated by the body of the car being too far off the ground for the current to reach. Rubber tyres rule out charging through the wheels.

However, the humble motorcycle stand can help solve this problem for electric motorcycles because it is naturally in contact with the ground. By building a receiver into the stand, wireless charging could occur whenever the bike is parked over a charging pad.

 

[Figaro]

and how many electric motorcycles are there on the road ?

 

[Falcon 269]

My understanding is that wireless charging consumes far more power than cable-connected charging. If we're going electric for the sake of the environment, wasteful, inefficient charging is a counterproductive step IMHO.

 

[hilldweller]

A new patent application filed by BMW has revealed that the German automotive giant is exploring mobile phone-style wireless charging for electric motorcycles

They can can patent it but I recon it will never be satisfactory. Far too much power needed for charging and too inefficient. You would thinking in terms of a powerful induction hob in the ground and that would be a slow charger.

 

[thebriars]

and how many electric motorcycles are there on the road ?

Quite a lot apparently:
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/advice/best/electric-motorbikes/

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[tonyidle]

I don't know about efficiency but mobile phone contactless charging is as quick as hard wired in my (very limited) experience.

 

[jongood]

and how many electric motorcycles are there on the road ?

At the MCN bikefest there was a large test fleet of Zero's and they were kept really busy. I couldnt get a go but I think bigtwin did.

 

[tuscancouple]

Quite a lot apparently:

Just had a look at the Harley LiveWire, nice bike with a different sound . We could get away without waking everybody up when onsite somewhere! Not in a hurry though as priced at £29k, times two so £58k! Won't be doing that soon

Mick

 

[jongood]

Just had a look at the Harley LiveWire, nice bike with a different sound . We could get away without waking everybody up when onsite somewhere! Not in a hurry though as priced at £29k, times two so £58k! Won't be doing that soon

Mick

Hmm so for those who have a spare £30k and fancy a bike, an electric Harley or one of these:

 

[Jaws]

Hmm so for those who have a spare £30k and fancy a bike, an electric Harley or one of these:

View attachment 356292

Is there a third option please

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[jongood]

Is there a third option please

Have you got a bit more money?
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=283648025238

 

[Bonkers the Dog]

Perhaps they are obtaining the patent to stop the competition doing it?

 

[pappajohn]

At the MCN bikefest there was a large test fleet of Zero's and they were kept really busy. I couldnt get a go but I think bigtwin did.

Being kept busy out of curiosity and actual bikes sold are worlds apart.

 

[PhilG]

My mate has been doing some testing in the US, on Electric bikes. Range is a big issue.. by the time he gets to somewhere decent to ride , he has to turn round and go home.