In order to make business sense, Tesla Semi (whose launch was delayed again) needs to charge its huge battery pack very quickly. One way to simplify and speed up the charging process may be completely wireless charging. The company says it can provide a system that can charge Semi at 500 kW or even 1 MW without any physical connection.

One company that claims to be able to provide such solutions is WAVE, a wireless charging expert and now a subsidiary of Ideanomics. WAVE stands for wireless advanced vehicle electrification. In a recent press release, it announced that it is developing wireless charging for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

It also specifically mentioned that Tesla Semi was one of the first vehicles it used, presumably for testing and then providing it with a commercial charging solution. The plan is to embed a large primary coil in the road, the coil can supply power to the plate up to 10 inches or 25 cm away. WAVE explained

The current most advanced trailer charging function is mainly a conductive charger. The recently announced Tesla Semi concept design has a maximum promotional range of 500 miles, and the goal is to charge 80% in 30 minutes. The battery pack is estimated to be at least 800 kWh (possibly higher to cover full load and all conditions) and must have a target charging rate of approximately 1.5 MW. The system for charging electric trailers with extremely fast charging power levels developed under the US Department of Energy contract will become the fastest charger.

We already know that a large electric car with a battery pack the same size as a Semi must require a very powerful charger so that it can be fully charged in a few hours. Tesla is developing its own solution Megacharger, but apart from the claimed maximum charging speed, we don't know much about it now.

Tesla's statement to Megacharger is that it will provide up to 1 MW of power, and it will require a temperature-controlled liquid-cooled connector. The first will be installed at the Frito-Lay Delivery Center in Modesto, California; Frito- Lay ordered Semis, and it hopes to have a place to recharge them.

WAVE said its inductive charging points are not only suitable for Class 8 trucks, but also for small vehicles. Although there is definitely an incentive to place them on busy traffic routes frequented by trucks, the company also hopes to install some in urban centers.

The first wireless charging infrastructure in the United States was installed by WAVE at a bus station in Salt Lake City, Utah, and plans to expand to the city along the route operated by electric buses. The company also installed wireless charging pads in Chehalis, Washington; all of these chargers already in use can provide up to 250 kW of power.