University of Auckland develops EV in-road charging

Researchers at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, are developing new technology for in-road charging of electric vehicles (EVs). The project, which uses inductive power transfer technology, has recently received US$8.7 million ((NZ$12 million) government funding for the development of in-road pads which would charge EVs driving or parking over them.
September 22, 2017 Read time: 1 min

Researchers at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, are developing new technology for in-road charging of electric vehicles (EVs). The project, which uses inductive power transfer technology, has recently received US$8.7 million ((NZ$12 million) government funding for the development of in-road pads which would charge EVs driving or parking over them.

The New Zealand government aims to have 64,000 EVs on the country’s roads by 2021, including one third of government vehicles. However, extending the range of electric vehicles is critical to their success but many of the challenges of plug-in cars have proved difficult to solve.

The five-year project builds on technology developed by Professors John Boys and Grant Covic and will tackle requirements such as developing long-lasting charging materials that can survive being driven on and do not degrade road performance.

Related Content

  • January 26, 2012
    Charging trial tests smartphones for road user charging
    A new project is under way in Minnesota, investigating whether smartphones are technically and publicly acceptable for use in road user charging. Jason Barnes reports. In Minnesota, trials have been launched to determine whether smartphones are technologically viable and acceptable to the public for distance based road user charging (RUC). The Midwestern US state has engaged with Battelle to explore RUC technology options in a project which falls under the auspices of the US Federal Connected Vehicle progra
    Read More
  • March 2, 2015
    Scottish company produces motor fuel from whisky
    A Scottish company has become the first in the world to produce biofuel capable of powering cars from residues of the whisky industry. Edinburgh-based Celtic Renewables now plans to build a production facility in central Scotland after manufacturing the first samples of bio-butanol from the by-products of whisky fermentation. Celtic Renewables, in partnership with the Ghent-based BioBase Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP), has produced the first samples of bio-butanol from waste using a process called the acetone-b
    Read More
  • May 10, 2013
    Veefil fast EV charger launched
    Queensland company Tritium has launched Veefil, an electric vehicle (EV) fast charger, designed to take up minimal space, allowing several to be installed in a small area. Developed in Australia as part of a US$2.3 million project funded with matching support from a federal government grant, the company claims Veefil can charge an EV around twenty times faster than a conventional wall outlet, accommodates two plug styles and is weather sealed for outdoor use. Tritium claims that a ten minute charge can prov
    Read More
  • March 8, 2013
    Siemens EV charging ahead in Corby
    Siemens is to provide the UK’s Electric Corby with its CP500A AC electric vehicle (EV) charging points at the first of ten locations in Corby, with a further eight locations being finalised. With the support of Corby Borough Council, the latest Siemens EV charging equipment will be installed over the coming weeks. According to Siemens, the network of Siemens EV charge points will help Corby strengthen its position as a leading edge location for ‘cleantech’ business investment, and bolster the wider Plugged
    Read More

Highlighted Content