Wireless-charging electric taxis to be trialled in city
NEW TECHNOLOGY FITTED IN NINE CABS
NOTTINGHAM is to take part in a wireless-charging electric vehicle trial funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles.
There will be nine electric taxis including five plug-in hybrid LEVC TX electric taxis and four electric Nissan Dynamo taxis.
The taxis will carry the Wireless Charging of Electric Taxis (WICET) branding.
The trial includes capturing vehicle data, journey distances and battery level.
Posters inside the taxis will help inform passengers how wireless charging works and the benefits of charging wirelessly.
The first two WICET electric taxis were fitted with wireless charging technology earlier this summer, and the remaining vehicles will be wirelessly enabled at the beginning of next year.
Wireless charging occurs when a compatible vehicle is parked over an induction pad which can be built into the road surface, to top up battery power.
This technology aims to provide better service for passengers and allow more time collecting fares for taxi drivers.
The use of electric cars will also improve local air quality, reduce noise pollution and cut carbon emissions.
Abdul Chowdhury, head of innovation at the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (Ozev), said: “Investment in research and development is key to our mission of putting the UK at the forefront of the design, manufacture and use of zero emission vehicles.
“By supporting these innovative technologies, we are helping to deliver our road transport decarbonisation goals, whilst anchoring economic activity across the UK.
“The WICET project is part of our diverse innovation programme looking to address the challenges associated with the transition to zero emission vehicles.
“Wireless charging technology has clear commercial and consumer experience opportunities but most importantly could help address some accessibility challenges associated with charging an EV.”
WICET is a £4.47 million project that hopes to demonstrate the successes of wireless charging for electric vehicles.
Councillor Sally Longford, portfolio holder for energy and environment at Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s exciting to see the vehicles with their new, eye-catching livery.
“While we’re proud that Nottingham’s taxi fleet already boasts a large number of electric taxis. Wireless charging is the next step to make them even more convenient and easier for drivers to use – and no need for cables on our taxi ranks.
“Making our taxis cleaner will help to improve air quality in the city, and help us reach our goal of becoming the UK’S first carbon-neutral city by 2028.
“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from passengers too about how much quieter and pleasant the electric taxis are.
“I’m looking forward to seeing this new technology trialled on our streets”.
The trial due to be completed by March next year.