A Novel Hybrid Wireless Power Transfer Coupler for Misalignment in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) require compact wireless power transfer (WPT) systems, but extreme parking misalignment severely degrades transmission efficiency by virtually eliminating magnetic coupling. To address this, we propose a novel End-Attached Split Plates Hybrid Coupler designed to satisfy strict HEV packaging constraints while withstanding extreme spatial offsets. The theoretical foundation lies in the complementarity of coupling mechanisms: structurally secured mutual capacitance provides a robust electric coupling path that actively defends against the collapse of magnetic coupling. This ensures the overall hybrid coupling remains at a viable level, successfully preventing resonant deviation. The inherent misalignment tolerance is quantitatively validated through equivalent circuit analysis and Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations, extracting key coupling parameters and focusing on scattering parameter networks and electromagnetic field distributions. By isolating the coupler’s performance from complex active control systems, our analysis demonstrates that highly efficient and stable energy transfer is achievable purely through structural and electromagnetic optimization. Consequently, the proposed passive coupler offers a highly reliable and inherently robust solution for severe misalignment conditions in HEV wireless charging applications.