Tech that charges EVs as they drive in the works

A new technology to enable recharging of electric vehicles as they drive on power-enabled roads has been proposed by the Key Cities Innovation Network (KCIN). 

It is one of six innovations proposed by the KCIN in “Civic Partners in Net Zero”, a collection of peer-reviewed studies detailing innovative ways in which universities are working with their local communities to achieve net zero targets. 

KCIN co-ordinates universities associated with the cross-party group of 27 Key Cities across England and Wales, such as Coventry University.

The studies range from tech innovation and policy development to engaging local communities with climate science. 

Local action on climate change was flagged as a priority by Key Cities last year, when they commissioned a study tracking the performance of local authorities across a range of climate indicators. 

Coventry’s innovation focuses on the city’s longstanding expertise in automotive. 

Dynacov – short for “dynamic charging of vehicles” – uses dynamic wireless transfer technology to establish an automatic connection between subscribing vehicles and metal coils fitted below the road surface to recharge the vehicles’ batteries as they pass over and bill them for the energy consumed. Even as cities move towards car-free centres, this approach is seen as a way of keeping buses and goods deliveries moving without harming the environment.  

Funded by Western Power Distribution, part of the National Grid, and building on dynamic wireless transfer technology prototyped by ElectReon, Dynacov is a feasibility project by Coventry University and Coventry City Council, which is leading the project, in collaboration with Cenex, focussed on a section of Kenilworth Road at its junction with the A45. 

Current targets for phasing out non-zero emission HGVs by 2040 don’t specify a technology or infrastructure for decarbonisation and it is hoped this project will attract government support and funding for the next stages to trial an effective solution to that as yet unanswered question. 

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.”