Highways England has announced that wireless charging technology built into the road surface is due to be trialled in the UK.
The technology will first be used in special off-road testing facilities, with electric and hybrid vehicles fitted with wireless charging capabilities which can pick up electrical current from the road surface.
It’s hoped that if the technology is successful that electric cars could be charged while on the move, negating the need to stop to plug into a charger and recharge the battery pack on long journeys.
Transferring electricity wirelessly to devices was first suggested by inventor Nikola Tesla more than a century ago, but the idea of wireless charging has only recently come back into fashion.
It works via a pad that sits underneath the road that contains a power supply and a type of electrical transformer called an induction coil, which generates an electromagnetic field around the road.
Electric and hybrid cars outfitted with a special receiver can then pick up the electromagnetic field and transfer power to a second induction coil in the car, which then charges up the battery.
According to the government, the trials are expected to start later this year and will examine the feasibility of installing wireless charging tech on motorways and major A roads in England.
Chief highways engineer for Highways England, Mike Wilson, said: “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.
"The off-road trials of wireless power technology will help to create a more sustainable road network for England and open up new opportunities for businesses that transport goods across the country."
The tests will coincide with the government’s plan to install electric car chargers every 20 miles on the motorway network in an effort to boost the UK’s friendliness towards electric vehicles.
According to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), more than 35,000 electric cars have been registered in the UK since 2001.
Andrew Jones, transport minister, said: “The potential to recharge low emission vehicles on the move offers exciting possibilities.
“The Government is already committing £500 million over the next five years to keep Britain at the forefront of this technology, which will help boost jobs and growth in the sector.
“As this study shows, we continue to explore options on how to improve journeys and make low-emission vehicles accessible to families and businesses.”
