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Electric charging to get a manhole makeover
Thursday, 31 October 2013
Charging electric cars could get a ‘hole’ lot easier next year following a remarkable innovation which is being piloted in New York City.
HEVO Power’s wireless charging stations, which look like manhole covers, are being fitted to parking spaces adjacent to pedestrian pavements, allowing cars to charge from below as they are parked, without the use of wires.
The project, which is in collaboration with New York University, aims to make charging electric vehicles faster and easier, using electromagnetic resonance to transfer electricity directly to the car’s charging coil.
This removes the requirement for wires, allowing drivers to charge their vehicles while they are shopping or running errands. In the future, as charging technology develops further, HEVO hopes the technology can be placed in rows along traffic lanes to charge cars while they are actually in motion:
“The aim of HEVO today is to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles through the deployment of our wireless charging network,” says the start-up’s website.
“By offering a wireless charging option for electric vehicles, HEVO will provide a safe, fast and cost affordable method of charging electric vehicles that eliminates the hazards and inconveniences associated with plug-in charging.”
The company hopes its green parking zones will encourage the take-up of electric vehicles, reducing traffic congestion and worldwide carbon emissions.
HEVO’s app will allow users to find vacant parking spots and relay the optimum parking position for successful charging. A ‘pay it!’ feature will also allow users to pay their subsequent electricity bill, while a power meter shows the vehicle’s charging progress remotely.
While this will provide really convenient charging for electric vehicles, it will not yet solve the issue of low battery range, which is making it difficult for electric vehicle technology to catch on to the mass market. However, with impressive innovations happening all the time, there is clearly reason to be positive.
If you are thinking about buying an electric vehicle, why not realise the value of your old car with our scrappage and recycling services?
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