Comprehensive review of wireless power transfer systems for electric vehicle charging applications

Abstract Wireless power transfer (WPT) technology has revolutionized the charging processes of electric vehicle (EV), presenting a viable alternative to traditional wired charging methods. This paper provides a fundamental exploration of WPT, emphasizing its application in EV charging. The paper examines various WPT technologies, design considerations, and the associated international standards. A critical analysis of the current WPT technological challenges, such as misalignment, is discussed, highlighting effective strategies like multi-coil configurations and dynamic control systems that adapt to variations in alignment, enhancing efficiency and robustness. These methods significantly mitigate the common misalignment issues in deploying WPT systems, ensuring higher operational effectiveness and reliability. This analysis shows that WPT systems achieve power Transfer efficiencies of over 90% at distances up to $$\:20\:\text{c}\text{m}$$ , with misalignment tolerances improving by $$\:30\text{\%}$$ through these advanced designs. The deployment of these systems in urban settings shows a potential reduction in charging infrastructure costs by up to $$\:25\text{\%}$$ , underscoring the economic viability of WPT. Future directions explored include enhancing system compatibility across different EV models and expanding the applicability of WPT in heavy-duty vehicles. This review aims to provide insights for engineers, researchers, and policymakers aiming to optimize WPT technologies for sustainable transportation electrification.