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.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • AlphaStruxure to provide e-bus microgrid
    May 24, 2021
    Energy as a Service project aims to cut emissions in Montgomery County, Maryland
    Read More
  • LA launches own ‘Green New Deal’
    August 15, 2019
    Los Angeles, once a temple to the automobile, has followed the Democrats in launching its own Green New Deal – and the city has made big pledges on urban mobility investment The Democratic Party has started something. The Green New Deal, one of whose most high-profile supporters is new congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, intends to persuade the public that swift action is necessary to combat climate change. Now the city of Los Angeles has followed suit, releasing what it calls ‘LA’s Green New Deal’.
    Read More
  • DriveWyze wireless Preclear system speeds weighstation waiting
    March 1, 2013
    Drivewyze aims to revolutionise the way weighstation bypass systems work with its Pre-Clear system. And it’s not just looking at weighstations, either… Pete Goldin reports. Truck drivers know the drill: pull off the high­way at every weighstation and wait. Carriers know the drill, too: every minute spent waiting there translates directly into dollars lost. Traditionally, the only alternative to this scenario is a transponder-based system, which allows trucks to bypass the sites using technology similar to
    Read More
  • The search for travel management's Holy Grail
    October 10, 2018
    Combining accurate network estimates and forecasts with real-time information is the way to deal with traffic hot spots. Alan Dron looks at products which aim to achieve just that. Traffic management authorities have for years been trying to get ahead of the game. Instead of reacting to situations, they want to be able to head them off as they occur – or even before they happen. Finding that Holy Grail of successfully anticipating problems will save time, tension and tempers on city streets. Two new system
    Read More

Highlighted Content