An innovative solution to the problem of unsightly and unwieldy EV charging points is being rolled out at key spots in Britain with residential streets, car parks and taxi ranks set to benefit.
Wireless electric car charging pads can be sunk into the ground, and then the car above will receive a charge of electromagnetic energy without the need of plugging in to a power source. Trials of the so-called induction pads are set to take place in Greater London, the Midlands and Scotland in early Spring.
British company Connected Kerb is behind the scheme which could answer the problem of a shortage of kerb-side plug-in points for those who own an electric car, but have no private drive to charge. With many current EV cars not able to accept a wireless charge, there will be a requirement for many vehicles to be retro-fitted with the technology.
Connected Kerb chief executive Chris Pateman-Jones said: “Vehicle manufacturers are increasingly including induction charging technology in their new models but at present there are only a handful of induction-enabled electric vehicle charge points.
“We aim to change that. “Induction charging will become the norm over the coming few years, and for good reason: It's comparable in performance to traditional charging, however, it's more convenient and even more simple.
“Also, induction opens up electric vehicles for disabled people, who are currently excluded from EVs by trailing cables and accessibility.
“Longer term, induction charging will be the path to electrification of all parking bays without the street furniture and cable clutter that dominates EV charge point technology today.”