Wireless charging could make plugging-in a thing of the past, TRL claims

The UK’s Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) has said that motorists purchasing new electric vehicles (EVs) could benefit from future wireless charging technology and extended range making plugging or filling up a thing of the past.

The communications body maintains that future plans from Go Ultra Low’s manufacturers mean future generations of battery-powered vehicles could fulfil the capacity to charge wirelessly while parked at homes or workplaces. The move could mean that motorists will be able to drive EVs capable of driving for miles on end, without the need to plug-in or fill up.

Charging infrastructure is continually developing, while expected improvements in battery production technology could allow the typical range of an EV to double within five years. TRL predicts that by 2025, this average range will increase to around 300 miles. It added that by 2050 wireless charging and battery capacities will have developed to the point that the act of ‘refuelling’ will cease to exist.

Poppy Welch, head of Go Ultra Low, said: “As technology progresses at a rapid rate, electric vehicles will soon be a natural choice for new car buyers as the cost and convenience of these cars will overshadow every other choice on the market. Electric cars are already suited to a huge proportion of the UK motoring population, offering the most cost effective, environmentally-friendly and easiest-to-drive option - it’s tomorrow’s technology today.”

Denis Naberezhnykh, head of Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle Technology at TRL said: “Wireless charging will add convenience to the long list of reasons why it makes so much sense to drive an electric car. Wireless technology offers comparable recharging times and so in the future charging an EV could become as simple as parking on the driveway.”

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