Wireless Charging for Electric Taxis - WiCET

"The purpose of the WiCET project is to investigate the commercial and technical viability of wireless charging for full electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, with particular focus on taxis (Hackney Carriages) and private hire fleets. Given the typical duty cycles of taxis and the required recharging times during a shift, or for vehicles that are double-shifted, wireless charging for opportunity charging is considered to be an enabling technology in moving towards electrified taxi operations. Indeed, installation of wireless chargers at taxi ranks for frequent charging boosts, known as Choko-Choko charging in Japan, offers the opportunity for minimising recharging times and limiting the capacity of on-board batteries. This reduces 'range-anxiety' and helps control vehicle price. These are current barriers to increasing use of EVs.

This study will explore the potential to install wireless chargers in taxi ranks and examine the technical, commercial and operational implications. Secondary use-cases will also be explored including the use of wireless charging for emergency vehicles when they are on duty waiting for a call out.

This feasibility study brings together all aspects of the wireless charging value chain and will clarify the route to market for both a retrofit and ""factory option"" product. It will prepare the ground for a world leading large-scale commercial demonstrator of EV wireless charging technology in London and Nottingham delivering significant inward investment from IHI (Japan) and ParkingEnergy (Finland) in the UK.

The final report will be published and Cenex will also organise a workshop using the successful OLEV Go Ultra Low Nottingham supported LEVEL (Low Emission Vehicle Enterprise and Learning) programme to disseminate the findings."