Wireless charging for electric cars to be trialled

Drivers in England could one day charge their electric and hybrid cars on the move, thanks to new under-road charging technology set to be trialled later in 2015.

With a lack of engine charging points around the country seen as a barrier to consumer take-up of electric vehicle technology, Highways England considers so-called “electric highways” as a possible future for motor transport. Should the trial end up as a resounding success, then this technology is said to be able to be installed on motorways as well as on major A roads, although I can imagine the kind of hassle that motorists will need to put up with over the years as all major A roads are “renovated” or revamped to include these wireless charging capabilities underneath them.

Andrew Jones, UK transport minister, said: “The potential to recharge low emission vehicles on the move offers exciting possibilities”.

The trials will initially take place on private roads before switching to the public highways if 18 months of testing are deemed successful.

At the same time, Highways England says it remains committed in the longer term to installing plug-in charging points every 20 miles (32 km) on the motorway network as part of a government multi-million dollar road investment strategy. “As this study shows, we continue to explore options on how to improve journeys and make low-emission vehicles accessible to families and businesses”. Full details are expected to be released once a contractor has been found to carry out the project.

Technology providers believe that wireless charging systems will enter the electric vehicle market as early as 2017, saying that some OEMs have already implemented them in their next product cycle.

Vehicle technologies are advancing at an ever-increasing pace, and we’re committed to supporting the growth of ultra-low emissions vehicles on our England’s motorways and major A roads.

More than 35,000 electric cars have been registered in the UK since 2001.