UK to trial wireless recharging on the move

There's a new initiative going on in Britain that's set to make electric vehicles a better alternative for an inter-city run than conventional internal-combustion cars.

Highways England, as reported by British mag Autocar, will begin testing 'on the move' recharging technology for electric vehicles (EVs) late this year.

"Vehicle technologies are advancing at an ever increasing pace and we’re committed to supporting the growth of ultra-low emissions vehicles on England’s motorways and major A-roads," says Mike Wilson, chief highways engineer at Highways England, as quoted in the magazine.

The trial will run for 18 months and will involve inductive charging systems placed under the road. Car companies and other high-tech partners will team up with Highways England for the trial, but no names have been announced yet. In the UK, the government has formulated its Road Investment Strategy – an infrastructure bible for the country's road network. Drawing from this strategy, Highways England plans to install charging points for EVs and plug-in hybrids every 20 miles (32km) across the length and breadth of the country's motorway network.

"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," said UK Transport Minister, Andrew Jones.

If the technology proves to be viable, it has ramifications for EVs in nations like Australia, with long-distance touring a common practice, and brands like Tesla offering high-performance EVs for cruising.

Picture courtesy of Highways England