A UK government-backed project to study the suitability of wireless charging technology for electric fleet vehicles will begin next month.
Project AMiCC (AMiCable Charging) will feature an electrical distribution system (EDS), a power distribution module (PDM), and a high-voltage harness assembly to enable a fleet of EVs to charge wirelessly via pads on the ground. These solutions have been developed by UK-based low-carbon technologies firm Sprint Power.
According to company, the bespoke and high-tech design will automatically recognise which power source to draw current from, with each vehicle featuring both wireless and plug-in charging capability. A display screen inside the cabin of each EV will indicate to the user the status of each charge.
The trials, based in Leeds, Nottingham and Warwick over the six to nine months, will use eight modified Nissan Leaf and Nissan ENV200 models to evaluate the benefits of using wireless charging systems for security, estate and pool car fleets. An artificial intelligence machine learning algorithm will capture information, such as vehicle movement and optimum charging behaviour, while drivers will report back on their experiences using the technology.
CEO of Sprint Power, Richie Frost, said: “As we move steadily towards the UK’s ban on pure ICE vehicles in 2030, more commercial operations will be switching their fleets to electric vehicles.
“We are delighted to be part of this pioneering trial that aims to make this transition easier through the development and implementation of wireless charging. I strongly believe these solutions will be key to this country’s shift towards sustainable mobility.”
Funding for the wireless charging project has been awarded by Innovate UK and will also include the University of Warwick, the University of Nottingham, Loughborough University, Leeds City Council and MyEVS.
