London-based Connected Kerb and German induction technology specialist Magment have announced a partnership to deliver wireless EV charging in the UK within the next two months.
The country’s first instalment of wireless/induction charging will be across multiple public sites; on-street residential, car parks, public service and taxi ranks.
Wireless charging removes the need for drivers to plug-in via a charging cable, instead enabling them to charge by parking over an inductive pad sunk beneath the road.
Chris Pateman-Jones, CEO, Connected Kerb, said: “Induction charging will arrive faster than perhaps many people think. Vehicle manufacturers are increasingly including induction charging technology in their new models, but at present there are only a handful of induction-enabled EV charge points. We aim to change that.”
Connected Kerb deploys its charging technology beneath the ground and provides induction capabilities within its existing charge points. The induction capability will thus be deployed in conjunction with existing chargers as an upgrade.
Induction chargers use an induction coil to generate an alternating electromagnetic field from within a charging base, while a second induction coil in the vehicle converts the electromagnetic field back into electricity that charges the battery without requiring a physical connection.
Pateman-Jones continued: “Induction charging will become a ubiquitous technology over the coming few years, and for good reason. It’s just as fast as conventional charging, however, it’s convenient, simple and provides a compelling user experience.
“Importantly, in the short term, induction opens up EVs for disabled people, who are currently excluded by trailing cables and accessibility.
“Longer term, induction charging will be the path to ubiquitous electrification of all parking bays without the street furniture and cable clutter that dominates EV charge point technology today.”
International deployment of the technology is scheduled from mid-2020.
