WiTricity announced it is working with General Motors (GM) to test an advanced wireless charging system prototype for electric vehicles.

The US based companies are working together to test WiTricity's Drive 11 park and charge system, designed for maximum efficiency and interoperability across vehicle platforms.

The prototype testing focuses on wireless charging systems at 7.7 and 11 kW charge rates, capable of charging both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and extended range electric vehicles (EREVs).

To improve understanding of real world performance and the challenges of integrating this technology into vehicles, GM is testing WiTricity’s prototype wireless charging system, which allows a driver to simply pull into their garage and automatically receive power from a source below the vehicle.

The system design works across all plug-in electric vehicle platforms and can be deployed as a floor pad in a customer’s garage, as well as installed under pavement to provide wireless charging in public and commercial parking bays.

"Wireless charging is a technology that our customers have told us they are interested in,” said Pamela Fletcher, GM executive chief engineer – Electrified Vehicles. "By testing the WiTricity prototype system, we can ensure that wireless charging systems will comply with proposed industry standards, which benefits the entire industry and consumers.”

Alex Gruzen, CEO, WiTricity, said: "The electric vehicle has been recognised as central to the future of mobility. The convenience of wireless charging will help accelerate adoption even further.”