The companies will investigate how the technology could be used to charge electric vehicles while in a parking space, by stopping over a pad in the ground, as well as systems which are installed under the ground at traffic lights and along major roads.

Initial work will include investigating whether the energy transfer could interfere with on-board systems such as keyless entry and start and satellite navigation, and whether it could heat metal objects inside the cabin.

Dr. Marc Rosenmayr, CEO for HELLA Electronics in North and South America said: ‘Wireless, inductive charging is a far more convenient way to recharge a vehicle's battery system The driver only needs to stop or drive over a charging unit or network to activate the process. As wireless charging has become more available and easy to use, it also might allow automakers to reduce battery size and weight on electric and hybrid electric vehicles.’