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

  • March 14, 2012
    Developing a wireless cooperative traffic management system
    The use by MDOT of 90-foot concrete poles on which to mount CCTV equipment reduces the number of poles needed to monitor a given area and incidences of occlusion
    Read More
  • December 19, 2017
    Road user charging comes a step closer in Oregon
    Having been the first US state to introduce the gas tax a century ago, Oregon is now blazing the road user charging trail. Colin Sowman looks at progress to date. For more than a decade, authorities in Oregon have known of the impending decline in fuels tax income and while revenue increased by more than 5% in 2016, that growth will slow considerably this year and income is projected to start declining in 2020.
    Read More
  • September 26, 2012
    Milton Keynes to trial wirelessly charged electric buses
    In an initiative to enable the quieter, cleaner future of public transport in Milton Keynes, UK, eight organisations led by a subsidiary of Mitsui Europe ("Mitsui") have agreed a five-year collaboration committing to the replacement of diesel buses with their all-electric counterparts on one of the main bus routes in the city by summer 2013. The trial, which could reduce bus running costs by between US$19,500 and US$23,000 per year, is a partnership between Mitsui subsidiary eFleet Integrated Service, Milto
    Read More
  • December 11, 2020
    Gridserve unveils 'mass charging' EV forecourt
    Company says it can charge 36 EVs at once, adding 200 miles of range in 20 minutes
    Read More

Highlighted Content