Ricardo to integrate wireless charging system for Electra Solo EV

Canadian-based Electra Meccanica (EM) has selected Ricardo to integrate a wireless electric vehicle charging system from Qualcomm into a planned autonomous version of its one-seater Solo electric vehicle (EV). The project aims to enable self-driving vehicles to be an option for future mobility services. Qualcomm's Halo system uses resonant magnetic induction to transfer energy wirelessly from a ground-based pad to one integrated within the vehicle. It is then used to recharge the battery while aiming
February 19, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
Canadian-based Electra Meccanica (EM) has selected 5606 Ricardo to integrate a wireless electric vehicle charging system from 213 Qualcomm into a planned autonomous version of its one-seater Solo electric vehicle (EV). The project aims to enable self-driving vehicles to be an option for future mobility services.


Qualcomm's Halo system uses resonant magnetic induction to transfer energy wirelessly from a ground-based pad to one integrated within the vehicle. It is then used to recharge the battery while aiming to remove the need for user interaction with infrastructure or cables.

Halo features a high misalignment tolerance, allowing it to support high and low road clearance vehicles such as sports utility vehicles and roadsters, with the pad installed either on the road, flush mounted or buried beneath the surface. In addition, the proper alignment of the charging pads is indicated through a positioning system, which is said to remove the need for precise parking.

EM is currently developing its Solo EV. The highway capable commuter car will come with three wheels and a 100-mile range via its 7.3 kWh Li-ion battery pack.

Paul Rivera, Ricardo's president, said: “Ricardo is pleased to have been asked to assist Electra Meccanica with the integration of the Qualcomm Halo wireless EV charging system on the Solo vehicle. Wireless charging of electric vehicles brings considerable benefits in terms of user convenience, avoiding the need to use cables or plug-in to recharge. We wish Electra Meccanica every success with the Solo vehicle and its new wireless charging capability.”

Related Content

  • May 17, 2012
    Future EV owners can make money from the power grid
    In what is being claimed as a landmark research report published by Ricardo and National Grid in the UK, the market potential is demonstrated for an electric plug-in vehicle fleet of the future to provide balancing services to the power grid on a commercial basis, returning value to vehicle owners while improving the carbon efficiency of grid operation.
    Read More
  • July 19, 2018
    Electra Meccanica deploys Solo EV at Vancouver flight centre
    Canada-based manufacturer Electra Meccanica is deploying its all-electric Solo commuter vehicle in a car share programme at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre. The initiative is intended to provide travellers with an environmentally-friendly travel option. This project stems from an agreement with Harbour Air Seaplanes. The carbon-neutral airline says the project serves as an extension to its commitment to sustainability.
    Read More
  • August 22, 2013
    At-home charging for new Fiat 500e
    Fiat has selected AeroVironment as its preferred provider of home charging stations and installations for its all-electric Fiat 500e. The 2013 Fiat 500e features a 24-kWh Lithium-ion battery that will allow drivers to travel an estimated 108 miles and uses an industry-standard SAE J1772 recharge connector. The 240-volt refuelling station will charge the car in four hours or less versus the approximate twenty hours required using a standard 120-volt charging cable. AeroVironment’s UL-listed station can
    Read More
  • August 8, 2013
    Korea demonstrates the future of EV transport
    The city of Gumi, South Korea is proving that solutions for future energy and transportation problems are happening now, with the online electric vehicle (OLEV), developed by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). OLEV is an electric vehicle that can be charged while stationary or driving, removing the need to stop at a charging station, nor does an OLEV tram require pantographs to feed power from electric wires strung above the tram route. OLEV receives power wirelessly through the
    Read More

Highlighted Content