A new on-road system for charging electric vehicles as they are being driven is being trialled by researchers at Coventry University.
The project, called Dynacov, uses a coil implanted just below the road surface that establishes a connection with vehicles and charges them wirelessly as they are in transit. The dynamic wireless transfer technology could be employed for buses and logistics vehicles, and is being developed by Coventry University’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Automotive Research in partnership with Coventry City Council and the low emission research consultants Cenex.
A feasibility study is being carried out on a section of road in Coventry, and if successful it is hoped that the project will receive government funding in order to be developed further. It is one of a number of innovations being piloted by the Key Cities Innovation Network (KCIN) where universities work with local communities on environmentally sustainable projects that can contribute to the Net Zero climate target.
Kevin Vincent, director of Coventry University’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Automotive Research, said: “Dynacov demonstrates the benefits of universities and local authorities sharing a common vision for the sustainable future of our cities and then having the agility to work in a collaborative and timely manner with industry stakeholders to effect positive change.”
The KCIN projects are chosen for their potential to be replicated in other areas of the country, and their relevance in terms of technological innovation and policy development.
“Innovation will be one of the ways we tackle the causes and consequences of climate change”, said Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Coventry City Council’s cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change. “Innovation is something we are very good at here in Coventry, especially in the transport sector which is in our DNA.
“It is great to be collaborating with Coventry University and Cenex to show how roads can be used to charge vehicles as they pass by and solutions like this will enable the transition to electric vehicles to happen more quickly.”
