UK Set To Trial Electric Car That Charges On The Go

Picture: Highways England

We’ve all experienced that feeling of total panic when your petrol levels slip into the red during a long journey.

But that could soon be a thing of past, after trials began for electric cars that can charge the vehicles while you’re driving.

Last week, Highways England announced plans to trial ‘charging lanes’ which will be installed under roads to replicate a motorway-like surface.

The cables will then be able to generate electromagnetic fields – which can be picked up by wireless chargers fitted inside the vehicle, and converted into electricity.

Announcing the £500 million plans for the technology, transport minister Andrew Jones said: ‘the government is already committing £500 million over the next five years to keep Britain at the forefront of this technology.’

Mike Wilson, chief highways engineer for Highways England, added:

Picture: Highways England

‘Vehicle technologies are advancing at an ever increasing pace and we’re committed to supporting the growth of ultra-low emissions vehicles on England’s motorways and major A roads.

‘The off-road trials of wireless power technology will help to create a more sustainable road network for England and open up new opportunities for businesses that transport goods across the country.’

But while the trials will be the first of their kind in the UK, the technology was pioneered in South Korea, where a 7.5-mile stretch of road charges electric buses as they drive.