• Their design allows energy to be transferred bidirectionally: charging or discharging energy to meet the energy needs of the moment.
• The technology developed by IKERLAN can be scaled up for use with other systems, such as logistics robots, drones and trains.

Charging your electric car without leaving the vehicle is now possible. Premium PSU, a manufacturer of power electronics, with its spin-off FLOOX—which specialises in fast and ultra-fast charging solutions for electric vehicles—and the IKERLAN technology centre have developed a new generation of high-efficiency, bidirectional wireless chargers for electric vehicles. This pioneering proposal paves the way for more convenient, cleaner and connected electric mobility.

This 7,5 kW solution is designed for domestic use to charge light electric vehicles. There is also a 22 kW semi-fast charging solution suitable for industrial applications, such as heavy electric vehicles, shopping centres or offices.  Thanks to two antennas separated by 20 cm (one on the ground and the other on board the vehicle), both chargers transfer the energy they absorb from the electricity grid to the vehicle, generating an electromagnetic field that charges the vehicle wirelessly. This process does not distort the quality of the grid and complies with the high quality standards required by the energy sector.

A functional and convenient charging solution for users, who do not need to get out of their vehicles. It also offers greater robustness and reliability by eliminating moving parts and exposed connectors, minimising wear and tear caused by weather condition

Efficiency, bidirectionality and reliability

One of its main features is its high efficiency: the prototypes achieve between 92 % and 95 % efficiency, surpassing the average of 85 % to 90 % achieved by current wireless chargers on the market. They also incorporate unique bidirectional charging technology, which powers the vehicle and returns energy from the battery to the grid or other devices. 'They could support the domestic electricity grid in the event of a power cut,' explains Fernando González, an IKERLAN researcher involved in the project, referring to the widespread power cut on 28 April.

Forward-looking technology

González also highlights the technology centre's knowledge and track record in the development of contactless energy transfer systems: ‘We have many years of experience in creating wireless electric charging solutions for the transport sector, and we are constantly anticipating future developments in this field. We offer our customers advanced, sustainable technology for electric mobility systems, with the ultimate goal of minimising the impact on energy generation.’  

Furthermore, the potential of the technology developed by IKERLAN goes beyond the automotive industry. ‘This type of solution can be adapted for charging devices in other sectors: from robots in automated warehouses to drones or trains,’ says González.

Martí Salvador, Managing Director of FLOOX, states that ‘the development of these wireless chargers positions us at the forefront of innovation, opening up new business opportunities in sectors seeking more convenient and automated solutions. It also allows us to differentiate ourselves in a competitive market and attract the interest of fleets, private customers and advanced urban projects ’.

These developments form part of the SMARTGREENERGY project, which is funded by the CDTI and began in 2023. This project between FLOOX and IKERLAN continues the successful collaboration with Premium PSU that led, in the same year, to the development of an auxiliary converter to harness energy from overhead lines and power the air conditioning system of the Turin tram.

About IKERLAN

IKERLAN is a leading centre in technology transfer and in providing competitive value to industry. It offers integral solutions combining different technological domains in three main areas: digital technologies and artificial intelligence, embedded electronic systems and cybersecurity, and mechatronics and energy technologies. It currently has a team of 420 people and offices in Arrasate-Mondragón, Donostialdea and Bilbao. As a cooperative member of the MONDRAGON Corporation and the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), IKERLAN represents a sustainable, competitive business model in permanent transformation.

About FLOOX

Founded in 2022 as a spin-off from Premium PSU, Floox is a Catalan company specialising in the design and manufacture of fast and ultra-fast chargers for electric vehicles. It has quickly become a leader in the sustainable mobility energy industry. In 2024, in its second year of operation, the company achieved a turnover of € 3,5 million.

Based in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Floox is committed to technological innovation, efficient design, and local production. Its products include the Lynx 240, the world's most compact 240 kW charger, and the Lyra 60/80, which is also the most compact charger on the market in its power range. This equipment enables batteries to be charged by up to 80 % in a matter of minutes, thereby facilitating the mass adoption of electric vehicles.

Floox currently exports its fast chargers to several European countries and is actively promoting clean, efficient and accessible mobility.

More information: flooxpower.com

About Premium PSU

With over 40 years' experience in designing and manufacturing DC/DC converters, DC/AC inverters, AC/DC power supplies and AC/DC UPS from 50 W to 60 kW, Premium PSU is a company based entirely in Barcelona.  Throughout this time, Premium PSU has developed a comprehensive catalogue of standard solutions and over 900 custom designs, optimising costs and reducing delivery times. All of these solutions are robust, reliable and solvent.

Thanks to its advanced testing procedures, Premium PSU can ensure compliance with the most stringent quality standards, and its products are used in some of the most demanding markets, including rail, energy and industry. The company also collaborates with leading technology centres such as IKERLAN, CITCEA/UPC, MagicLAB at the University of Zaragoza and PSC/Carlos III University of Madrid.

More information: https://premiumpsu.com/es/

They surpass the efficiency of current chargers on the market, achieving a level of efficiency of up to 95 %.