Mahle positioning system becomes global standard

For the inductive charging of electric vehicles, Mahle developed a positioning system with which an electric vehicle can be precisely aligned above the charging coil in the floor. SAE International has now selected the Mahle positioning system as the global standard solution for wireless charging.

SAE International, a non-profit, internationally recognized association for the advancement of mobility technologies based in the USA, is thus closing the last gap in the standardization of inductive charging, which has been open for ten years. Mahle's cross-manufacturer solution paves the way for the market launch of this attractive alternative to wired charging of electric and hybrid vehicle batteries.

»Mahle sets standards. The renowned SAE's decision in favor of our technology confirms Mahle's system expertise in electrification as well. This will be a strong impetus for e-mobility,« says Arnd Franz, Chairman of the Mahle Group Management Board and CEO.

The Mahle DIPS positioning system

The Mahle positioning system DIPS (Differential Inductive Positioning System) could represent a paradigm shift in the field of e-mobility. It is based on a magnetic field and automatically establishes a connection with the controlled charging point as the e-vehicle approaches.

A special navigation system in the vehicle display assists the driver to bring the car into the ideal position. The charging process starts automatically. This also works with an autonomous parking vehicle, where the parking system receives the necessary positioning instructions instead of the driver.

Thanks to the Mahle positioning process, the parking process can be carried out very easily and reproducibly in one go - even in unfavorable environmental conditions such as a thick layer of snow or damp leaves on the base plate.

Standardization is absolutely essential

When it comes to wireless charging of electric vehicles, all components relating to both the infrastructure and the vehicle side must be standardized. Only then can both vehicle manufacturers and infrastructure providers bring a solution to the market that ensures manufacturer-independent compatibility.

Mahle will make its solution available to the entire industry via a license model under FRAND conditions (fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory).

Charging while driving

The broad applicability of the system will also enable dynamic applications in the future: charging via induction coils while driving. Mahle - together with Electreon Wireless - has also formulated the standard for this.

When it comes to charging infrastructure, Mahle has long been focusing on wireless charging as a convenient and promising alternative for electric vehicles. »With Siemens and Witricity, we have two strong partners at our side with whom we are jointly advancing the overall system of charging infrastructure and vehicle technology,« emphasizes Dr. Harald Straky, Head of Central Group Research and Advanced Engineering at Mahle.

Development of global technology standards

Over 128,000 engineers and technology experts from the aerospace, automotive and commercial vehicle industries are organized in SAE International. The SAE develops global technology standards, including the standardization of the vehicle identification number.