Wireless vs wired DC fast charging efficiency test
Why Hacker News recommends it
HN cites it as the evidence that inductive EV charging can match wired charging in efficiency.
What it is
Bjorn Nyland compares wireless and wired DC fast charging for an electric car, measuring end-to-end efficiency. The test shows the wireless system holding up well against a plug.
Recommended by 1 HN commenters across 1 different months, 2022 to 2025.
What Hacker News said
Recommends audunw · 2024-08 · on “No more trip hazards: safe in-pavement electric car charging system pilot”
Wireless charging can be surprisingly efficient. You should check out this video where wireless charging beats wired charging in end to end efficiency: [this video] In that case it’s probably more due to a particularly inefficient DC fast charger. (It’s been a long time since I watched it so I might not remember the details right.) In the end it doesn’t have to be exactly as efficient as wired charging, and probably never will be for a good implementation of a wired charger. It only has to be so close that you don’t care about the difference. I don’t think the inverse square law is very relevant on these scales. Electromagnetic radiation can be focused.
Cites clouddrover · 2022-04 · on “How close is wireless power technology?”
Efficient wireless charging is on the way for EVs: [LINK] [this video] No cables or charging posts mean lower maintenance costs and tidier parking spaces.
Cites clouddrover · 2023-09 · on “Germany Will Force 80% of Gas Stations to Install EV Chargers”
> How does that work for people who live in cities? With curbside charging, and wireless charging will be convenient once that's rolled out. No cables, just park over the charging plate. It's not like wireless phone charging. It's very efficient: [LINK] [LINK] [this video]
Cites clouddrover · 2023-11 · on “Tesla launches Supercharger congestion fee at $1 per min at 90% charge”
> If there only was a system that could automatically disconnect Or just use wireless charging, then there are no cables. Wireless charging for EVs can be efficient: [this video] And wired charging is not as efficient as you might think: [LINK]
Cites breve · 2025-09 · on “Porsche demonstrates inductive EV charging at IAA”
> There's zero chance this will make it into a production vehicle Wireless charging is in production. Here's one example: [LINK] Wireless charging can be as efficient as wired charging: [this video] [LINK]