BMW i8 Wireless Charging Explained – Video

 

How does wireless charging work? How does the BMW i8 Formula E pace car wirelessly charge? Wireless charging works by taking advantage of the fact that if you put a current through a wire coil, then that coil will create a magnetic field. If you then place another coil set directly over that coil, the magnetic field created by the first coil will induce a current in the second coil. Typically this will be done with an alternating current, so the magnetic field of the first coil will switch back and forth, inducing an alternating current in the second coil. With no physical connection, you’re able to supply a current to charge a device.

BMW i8 Specs:

PRICE AS TESTED: $148,250 (base price: $137,450)

ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled inline-3, aluminum block and head; permanent-magnet synchronous AC

ENGINE AND MID MOTOR:
Displacement: 91 cu in, 1499 cc
Combined Power: 228 hp @ 5800 rpm
Combined Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm

FRONT MOTOR:
Power: 129 hp @ 4900 rpm
Torque: 184 lb-ft @ 0 rpm

Total System Power: 357 hp
Total System Torque: 420 lb-ft

FRONT TRANSMISSION: 2-speed automatic
MID TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 110.2 in
Length: 184.9 in
Width: 76.5 in Height: 50.8 in
SAE interior volume: F: 55 cu ft R: 26 cu ft
Trunk: 5 cu ft
Curb weight: 3394 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS (Hybrid/Electric):
Zero to 60 mph: 3.6/9.2 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 9.0/- sec
Zero to 150 mph: 24.6/- sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 4.6 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 2.6 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 3.1 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.1 sec @ 116 mph/ 17.2 sec @ 74 mph
Top speed (gov limited): 155/75 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 166 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.93 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 28/29 mpg
EPA electricity combined: 76 MPGe
EPA electric range: 15 mi
C/D observed: 26 mpg