A new project that aims to advance wireless charging for electric taxis and blue light vehicles has got off the ground with the help of funding from Innovate UK.

The project will explore the financial, operational and technical benefits of wireless charging for electric taxis and emergency service vehicles

Dubbed WiCET (Wireless Charging for Electric Taxis) the project involves a consortium of partners, including technology provider IHI Europe, ParkingEnergy, Nottingham City Council, Transport for London (TfL) and academic partner WMG, at the University of Warwick

The project’s first phase starts this month and will involve a three-month feasibility study to assess the potential for EV taxi wireless charging. The consortium is then eligible to apply for further Innovate UK funding for a large-scale commercial demonstrator project to practically deploy its technology and approach at locations within Nottingham and London.

Mikko Summala, VP Sales and marketing/managing director UK, ParkingEnergy, said: “We believe that electrifying the taxi industry is both financially viable and promises to deliver significant benefits in terms of air quality. By showing the feasibility of wireless charging, Project WiCET offers a significant opportunity to accelerate the electrification of taxi fleets, encourage growth and increase investment in the wireless charging market.”