Wireless Power Transfer Systems for Electric Vehicle Charging: Technologies, Challenges, and Future Prospects

The global shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) is vital for cutting emissions and fossil fuel reliance, but widespread adoption hinges on charging infrastructure. Conventional plug-in systems, though effective, face challenges like mechanical wear, safety risks, user inconvenience, and scalability limits. Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) offers a transformative alternative, enabling contactless, automated charging through electromagnetic fields. This paper examines the principles, technologies, challenges, and future of WPT for EVs. Inductive and magnetic resonance coupling are key WPT methods for EVs. Inductive charging uses coils and alternating magnetic fields for short-range power transfer, while resonant coupling enhances efficiency and range via synchronized transmitter-receiver frequencies. These systems support static charging (stationary vehicles) and dynamic charging (power transfer during motion on equipped roads). WPT eliminates physical connectors, improving safety and user experience while enabling operation in harsh environments. Integration with smart grids also allows optimized renewable energy use. However, WPT faces hurdles. Efficiency depends on coil alignment, air gap distance, and electromagnetic interference (EMI), raising performance and safety concerns. High infrastructure costs, especially for dynamic systems, and a lack of standardization (varying coil sizes, frequencies) hinder scalability. Biological safety and EMI regulations must also be addressed. Future advancements may integrate WPT with AI and IoT for intelligent energy management, adapting to grid load, battery status, and user needs. Coupled with renewables, WPT could enable greener charging. Growing government and private sector investments in R&D and pilot projects signal strong potential for WPT to reshape sustainable transportation