A new study aims to explore the implementation of dynamic wireless charging solutions for commercial EVs in Coventry, and potential wider UK deployment.
Engineering services company, Ricardo, is to support a project led by Coventry City Council, working alongside electricity distribution network operator WPD, with Ofgem Network Innovation Allowance providing funding.
The study will consist of research and data modelling to assess feasibility for dynamic wireless charging in the UK. It will also look at the potential for the first real-world demonstrator in Coventry, which could demonstrate the real-world operation of the technology and how to address potential challenges.
Denis Naberezhnykh, technical director at Ricardo, said: “This technology allows electric vehicles to charge their batteries or be powered directly, while being driven, and would allow vehicles with demanding duty cycles to switch from petrol or diesel to being electric.
“This could be a game-changer as the automotive industry looks for ways to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels and indicates just how important this project is.”
Furthermore, the results will assess the electrical impact and requirements of the technology on the distribution network and help forecast the uptake in Coventry as well as throughout the UK.
Steven Pinkerton-Clark, WPD’s innovation and low carbon network engineer, said: “This project will assess the technology’s potential to support decarbonisation of transport and meeting UK net zero targets.
“The study will look at developing an understanding of how this technology can be connected to the electricity network and aims to minimise network reinforcement costs, while enabling the connection of low carbon technologies to benefit our customers.”
This 11-month study will also feature other partners including Cenex, Coventry University, Hubject, Midlands Connect, National Express, Transport for West Midlands, and Electreon.
