The wireless charger unit in a real-world test
The wireless charger unit in a real-world test
An innovative piece of technology that will be able to charge electric vehicles without wires is now on display at the Arnold Clark Innovation Centre in Glasgow.
Launched in America and currently being trialled in the UK, the wireless charging unit produced by manufacturer Induct EV offers 450kW systems without the hassle of plugging in your EV, which means faster charging and more miles per minute while charging.
With automatic charging, the unit – supplied to the Innovation Centre by Flex Power Systems – produces greater than 90% efficiency as well as near-zero maintenance costs due to there being no cables, connectors or moving parts that need to be replaced.
To charge vehicles, they are simply parked above electric pads, and they’re topped up in under an hour with no need to plug in.
In August 2021, a real-world trial was launched in Edinburgh, with four modified Vauxhall vans taking to the streets that were fitted with a slim charging pad on their undersides.
Flexible Power Systems Managing Director Michael Ayres believes wireless charging could be the way forward for many businesses in the future.
He explained: “Wireless charging could offer fleets efficiencies in terms of number of chargers needed, time required for charging and space in depots, all barriers to electrification.
"In future, driverless vans could even be used, as no one is needed to plug in charging cables."
James Derby, Chief Engineer of Electrical Systems at Flexible Power Systems, added: “There has to be electrification of vehicles in the future, we can’t go on burning fossil fuels.
“Wireless is now part of the mix of advanced charging technologies we can offer fleets adopting EVs.”
And Innovation Centre Manager Debbie Hubner is delighted to be able to showcase the technology in Glasgow.
She said: 'Wireless charging for EVs could be a real game-changer as the automotive continues to shift towards electric.
'It's great to be able to display the unit, along with many other innovative pieces of technology at the Innovation Centre. It gives visitors the opportunity to see first-hand the exciting changes which are taking place and learn all about them.'
Last year, after a £5 million investment, Arnold Clark opened their first Innovation Centre in Glasgow with the aim of educating visitors about the benefits of alternative fuel vehicles and why they are becoming so important.
There are no sales at the site, which is specifically an innovation, information, and educational centre.
Visitors can also learn about the different types of charging and generous government tax and grants available for those thinking of moving to electric.
We also recently opened our second Innovation Centre in Stafford, England.
