Over three phases, the project is targeting a wireless system with 92% grid-to-vehicle efficiency, capable of transferring at up to 10kW – faster than most public pedestal units used in the UK. This will then be demonstrated for real-world durability using a fleet of five Kia Soul EVs.

Research and development between Mojo Mobility and Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center (HATCI) will be supported by a funding grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Vehicle Technologies programme.

Dr. Sung Hwan Cho, president of HATCI, said: "Innovative technologies such as this align well with one of our core goals, which is to create a vehicle experience that is intuitive and easy for the consumer."

Dr. Afshin Partovi, CEO and founder of Mojo Mobility, added: "We are delighted to partner with Kia and the U.S. DOE to bring the cutting-edge capabilities of our position-free wireless charging systems, which allow greater flexibility for vehicle alignment with the charging surface, to Kia Motors' electric vehicles and accelerate their adoption and ease of use for consumers.”