WiTricity opens a Florida R&D site as the US company strengthens its push into automated charging for autonomous vehicles. Founded two decades ago at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, WiTricity has relocated to Stuart, Florida, where its research and development facility is operational.
The site will help the company develop wireless charging systems for medium-duty vehicles while increasing deployment capacity. WiTricity offers medium-power solutions ranging from 7.2kW to 50kW and supports charging above 75kW for heavy-duty fleet applications.
How WiTricity’s Technology Works
WiTricity opens a Florida R&D site with technology designed for passenger EVs, autonomous vehicles, robotaxis, last-mile delivery fleets, and integration programmes involving automakers and Tier 1 suppliers. A vehicle equipped with a receiver parks above a ground-mounted charging pad, allowing electricity to be transferred via magnetic coupling.
The process can begin automatically and requires no driver to handle a cable. WiTricity says its systems can deliver charging speeds comparable to conventional plug-in equipment in the same power category. Opportunity charging is also possible whenever a vehicle stops, helping fleets maintain availability throughout operations.
Why Autonomous Fleets Need Cable-Free Charging
For autonomous mobility, charging without human assistance addresses an operational gap. WiTricity CEO Joe Benz said autonomy cannot end at the charger: if a robotaxi, delivery van, or self-driving passenger vehicle still requires someone to connect a cable, a fundamental part of its operation remains dependent on people.
As investment in autonomous fleets rises and deployments expand, WiTricity opens its Florida R&D site to collaborate with vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, fleet operators, licensees, and technology partners. Teams will customize charging systems for platforms, duty cycles, and operating environments. Rugged, low-maintenance hardware could reduce servicing requirements and fleet operating costs.
Florida Emerges as a Wireless EV Charging Hub
WiTricity’s products focus on stationary charging, but Florida is also testing charging while vehicles move. The Central Florida Expressway Authority plans to add an electrified section to the State Road 516 Lake/Orange Expressway. A three-quarter-mile segment across Lake and Orange counties will incorporate wireless charging infrastructure.
The market is consolidating too. Earlier this year, Electreon acquired InductEV to combine dynamic on-road charging, opportunity charging at scheduled stops, and overnight depot charging in one platform.
WiTricity opens a Florida R&D site at a pivotal moment, positioning wireless charging as essential infrastructure for scalable, fully autonomous electric transport.
Related Articles:
