BMW AG, Audi AG, PSA Peugeot Citroen and several technology companies are forming a consortium to make a wireless car, said an executive familiar with the plans.
Russell French, a board member of iQ POWER Technology Inc., one of the companies involved, said the group will develop a way to replace heavy wire harnesses with computer chips to make vehicles lighter and more fuel efficient.
IQ, a battery maker, will oversee the project, French said.
He said all parties would share equally the cost of the project, except for iQ, which is being paid to manage the project.
French said DaimlerChrysler AG and General Motors Corp. also have expressed interest in joining the group.
French said the system uses DC-BUS components, or computer chips, that will allow the vehicle to wirelessly communicate data.
The system also would work with a “smart battery,” which has a computer chip inside.
The chips will be compatible with the current 12-volt batteries as well as the higher-powered 42-volt batteries, he said.
“If fully integrated, this will take hundreds of pounds out of vehicles,” French said. “The wire harnesses are the single heaviest component next to the engine.”
French said the group will work to form a standard for such technology so that it can be available to all automakers and suppliers.
French wouldn’t speculate whether the technology would mean cheaper cars for consumers, but he said better fuel efficiency would save them money.
