A Nigerian-born researcher, Babatunde Soyoye, has achieved a breakthrough in sustainable transportation with his pioneering work in electric vehicle (EV) wireless charging technology and advanced battery management systems.
Soyoye, in an interview with The PUNCH on Friday, said at Tennessee Tech University, USA, where he bagged his Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering, he worked on a major challenge hindering EV adoption, charging efficiency.
Soyoye, who earned his first degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife,
revealed that His journey into this field was sparked by a fascination with how sustainable energy could transform global transportation.
“I wanted to explore how technology could help make EV batteries more efficient and accessible.
“This led me to focus my research on wireless charging and advanced battery management systems,” he said.
Speaking about his research, which uses a CLLLC resonant network, a type of resonant circuit that enables efficient wireless power transfer without physical connectors, he said, “My research centred on enhancing the wireless charging of EVs, which is a key challenge for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
“One of the main problems with wireless charging systems for EVs is the efficiency and stability of power transfer.
“I developed a method using a CLLLC resonant network, which is a type of resonant circuit that allows for efficient power transfer without the need for physical connectors.
“The innovative part of my research was the design of the novel Layered DD coil, which improved the efficiency and power transfer capacity of the system.
“The layered DD coil essentially enhances the magnetic field coupling between the transmitter and receiver coils, minimising energy losses during power transfer.
“This leads to faster, more reliable charging for EVs, which could help reduce charging times and increase convenience for users.
“My work has produced multiple papers in IEEE journals and conferences, including notable presentations at the IEEE Power and Energy Society, IEEE PVSC, and other major symposia.”
Originally from Abeokuta, Ogun State, Soyoye explained that his work had been presented at prestigious platforms, including the IEEE Power and Energy Society and the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, and published in several IEEE journals.
He added that his research could accelerate EV adoption by addressing one of its biggest challenges, charging infrastructure.
“Improving speed, efficiency, and accessibility of EV charging will significantly affect mass adoption. Integrating renewable energy sources like solar-powered charging stations will be key to creating a truly sustainable ecosystem,” he maintained.
Soyoye said, “The future of electric vehicles is incredibly promising. As more governments and companies shift focus toward sustainability, EVs are poised to play a major role in reducing our carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels.
“However, as the demand for EVs grows, so does the need for more efficient charging solutions.
“This is why my research is so important—improving the speed, efficiency, and accessibility of EV charging will significantly affect the mass adoption of electric vehicles.
“Moreover, the integration of renewable energy sources into EV infrastructure—such as solar-powered charging stations—will be crucial in creating a truly sustainable ecosystem.
“My work on wireless charging and advanced battery systems could potentially complement this integration by improving how energy is transmitted and stored in EVs, making them even more efficient and practical for consumers.”
Beyond the laboratory, Soyoye said he values his role as a Nigerian voice in global technology forums.
