Qualcomm provides wireless charging tech to electric race cars

Chip maker Qualcomm has become an official founding technology partner of the FIA Formula E Championship; the international championship featuring racing cars powered exclusively by electric energy.

The agreement with championship promoter Formula E Holdings will see the firm showcase mobile and Electronic Vehicle (EV) technologies all over the world and demonstrate how future generations can benefit from wireless and sustainable technology.

Qualcomm’s Halo Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging (WEVC) is one technology that will be adapted and fitted into the 2014/2015 FIA Formula E Championship safety cars, so that they can be wirelessly charged. The wireless charging system will be made available to the race cars from season two.

As part of its advisory role, Qualcomm will also evaluate the connectivity and mobile technology of each of the ten venue cities around the world.

“Our collaboration with the FIA Formula E Championship is not just a great opportunity to showcase Qualcomm technologies… but to evaluate and improve wireless connectivity and EV technology across the globe, especially in the host cities,” said Anand Chandrasekher, senior vice president and CMO of Qualcomm.

Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holdings, added that Qualcomm’s involvement will help develop new advances in EV technology and also provide the best race viewing experience possible.

“New technologies in connectivity, wireless and mobile fit perfectly with a Championship open to new technology, not only for the cars but for everything around the venue,” he said.