Smart and Secure Wireless Power Transfer for EVs: Exploring IoT, Edge Computing and Blockchain Solutions

Wireless power transfer (WPT) has been developed as a transformative alternative to traditional plug-in charging for electric vehicles (EVs), offering significant developments in mobile charging. EVs are charged while moving on the roads. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various WPT technologies, including inductive power transfer (IPT), resonant inductive transfer, capacitive power transfer (CPT), microwave power transfer (MWPT) and laser power transfer (LPT), for both near-field and far-field applications. Different WPT topologies, such as series–series (SS), series–parallel (SP), parallel–parallel (PP), parallel–series (PS), LC-S, LC-P, S-SP and LC-LC, are analysed for their specific advantages in EV applications. Additionally, key standards for WPT, including SAE J2954, IEC 61980, ISO 19363, IEEE C95.1-2345 and TA-15, are providing a regulatory framework for safe and efficient implementation. The paper also explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques like deep Q-network (DQN) and large language model (LLM) in the WPT system. Further, smart road technologies and cybersecurity measures in WPT systems, with a particular focus on issues such as data protection for cyberattacks, are discussed. The role of the Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing in monitoring and controlling EVs for optimal charging is discussed. Furthermore, the application of blockchain technology in WPT is discussed. The advancements in coil design are also discussed. Finally, the challenges and limitations of WPT, such as energy transfer efficiency, misalignment of coils, electromagnetic interference (EMI), safety and security, are discussed.