This grants Ricardo a royalty-bearing license to use the Qualcomm Halo technology in systems developed, built and supplied to vehicle manufacturers. This offers charging speeds of up to 22kW, which could restore 80% capacity in around an hour for compatible electric vehicles, simply by parking over an under-floor pad, but requires a receiver to be fitted to the car.

British firm Ricardo has close relationships with carmakers, and will receive technical expertise and engineering support from Qualcomm as it develops factory-fitted systems for hybrid and electric vehicles. It's hoped the agreement will helping mass adoption of electric vehicles by making charging easier. 

Dave Shemmans, CEO of Ricardo, said: “Wireless charging is a potentially very promising enabler for more widespread adoption of pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, with consequent environmental benefits.”

Steve Pazol, vice president & general manager, wireless charging, Qualcomm Incorporated, added: “This collaboration further strengthens the Qualcomm Halo automotive supply chain, providing options for WEVC both to the traditional automakers and the burgeoning EV entrants.”