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'Scalextric-style' roads to solve EV range-anxiety

21 January 2021

Western Power Distribution has begun trials in the Coventry which use small wireless chargers embedded underneath the road and a receiver on the undercarriage of an electric vehicle to charge it by relaying energy to the battery. 

These trials will determine the feasibility of using these systems to charge HGVS and buses, which require more power than other vehicles. Western Power Distribution says that the technology could “help encourage the mass adoption of electric vehicles by overcoming significant barriers around charging and range anxiety”.

If successful, these ‘Scalextric-style’ EV charging systems could be introduced by 2023. Though, claims have been made that the technology is an unwise investment, given the large expense and suggestion that it would not be able to charge EV’s at the same rate as plug-in chargers. 

Western Power Distribution has partnered with the energy regulator Ofgem to invest £417,000 into the project.

Ricky Duke, innovation and low carbon network engineer at Western Power Distribution, said, “The ability to charge your vehicle while on the move would be a massive game-changer for the nation and the launch of our study marks an important milestone in our journey towards identifying new and exciting ways to support the mass adoption of electric vehicles.”

We at Marshall Leasing are pleased to see more efforts being made to strengthen and improve the EV charging infrastructure in the UK and we recognise that the fleet sector’s ability to meet the 2030 deadline for electrification will be heavily dependent upon it.

We understand that there is a lot of confusion surrounding the UK Government’s ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution and the answers will depend on the profile of your fleet and your business needs. Our team of experts would be delighted to assist with any questions that you may have. Please get in touch by emailing info@marshall-leasing.co.uk or calling 01480 414541. 

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