Wireless Taxi Charging to be Trialled

January 17, 2020

Wireless charging for electric taxis waiting in their rank is to be trialled in Nottingham.

The government is investing £3.4m towards fitting five charging plates outside the city’s train station.

This is going to be a six month pilot project that will see 10 electric taxis fitted with the necessary hardware. If the scheme is successful, it could be rolled out to many more.

Electric vehicles are vital to improving city air quality and making charging convenient was key. The Department for Transport said wireless charging was more convenient and avoid the clutter of cable charging points.

There is also the potential for the technology to be made available for public use.

Andrea Leadsom, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, said: “Charging technology, including wireless, is vital in giving consumers the confidence to make the switch from petrol to electric cars.

“This pioneering trial in Nottingham, and others like it, will help us take crucial steps towards lower emissions and cleaner air.

“We are determined to end our contribution to global warming entirely by 2050 – and delivering cleaner and greener transport systems is a key part of this”.

Sally Longford, deputy leader at Nottingham City Council, said: “Nottingham is excited to host the trial of this new type of innovative charging technology, keeping us ahead of the pack, and helping to promote cleaner taxis in our city and potentially take us a further step forward towards our goal of being carbon neutral by 2028.”

The vehicles will be owned by the council and provided rent-free to drivers. The council already runs a ‘try before you buy’ scheme for electric taxis. As well as financial support for purchases.

A number of England’s cities have announced plans to tackle vehicle emissions or the number of vehicles entering city centers.

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