London is to be the centre of a trial for inductive charging for electric vehicles next year.
The charging technology, which is wireless, could potentially save the eco vehicle which is struggling in the current market. Qualcomm and Transport for London have confirmed that they will be teaming up to trial charging electric cars wirelessly early in 2012, across the capital. This could well prove to be a significant forward step for the electric car revolution.
A selection of Wireless inductive power plates on a large scale will be installed near to Canary Wharf, across Tech City. The emerging motoring markets future will be trialled using an especially modified fleet of electric vehicles, including electric taxis.
The concept is similar to the smartphones inductive charging mat, just on a much larger scale. An electric field is generated by the power plates and then converted to a magnetic field with the capability to repower batteries which have been specially adapted.
Industry experts have commented that eco vehicles have little chance of becoming a main mode of transport for the public due to the limited charging possibilities and short range of electric cars.
Vauxhalls Head of Product Marketing, Stuart Harris, has stated that currently available electric vehicles are unlikely to ever be the users main car.
A sentiment reiterated by the companys Product and Technology Manager, Debbie Shields, who said people would be using an electric vehicle for their weekday needs but a second car would be a necessity when making extended trips.