The UK government has awarded funding to Sprint Power, an electric propulsion technology company, to demonstrate wireless charging technology for electrified taxis. Sprint Power will use the funding to develop an interface module, software, and integration kit to support wireless charging for a fleet of 10 modified LEVC TX and Nissan e-NV200 taxis that will trialed for six months in Nottingham, England.
Sprint Power is part of a consortium selected for the Wireless Charging of Electric Taxis (WiCET) trial, which will award a total of £3.4 million (about $4.4 million). Other groups selected include CENEX (Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technologies), Coventry University, Nottingham City Council, Shell, Parking Energy, and Transport for London.
Richie Frost, founder and CEO of Sprint Power, said, “Many taxi operators, businesses and councils are keen to make the transition to electric vehicles. Our view is that wireless charging will significantly ease this transition. As part of the project, we will work through the technical and commercial challenges, creating a framework to demonstrate the viability of inductive charging as a true long-term solution to a wireless, zero-emission future.”
Source: Sprint Power