Coventry tech news as ambitious wireless charging initiative has begun

Coventry is set to embark on an ambitious project titled ‘Dynacov’, aimed at exploring the possibilities of dynamic wireless charging for electric vehicles (EVs). Spearheaded by Coventry University, this pioneering initiative will utilize cutting-edge ElectReon technology to transform a segment of Kenilworth Road into a dynamic inductive charging test track.

At the heart of the Dynacov (“Dynamic Charging of Vehicles”) project lies the innovative concept of embedding metal coils beneath the road surface to facilitate the seamless charging of electric vehicles while in motion. The potential applications extend beyond personal EVs to encompass buses and logistics vehicles, promising significant advancements in sustainable transportation infrastructure. Leveraging the expertise of specialist firm Electreon, the project will undergo rigorous testing on a designated section of Kenilworth Road, strategically positioned at the junction with the A45.

This groundbreaking endeavor forms part of a broader initiative, orchestrated in collaboration with several universities and a cross-party consortium comprising 27 Key Cities across England and Wales. The overarching objective is to explore innovative strategies through which academic institutions can engage with local communities to accelerate progress towards achieving net-zero targets. Funding for the project has been secured from National Grid Electricity Distribution, underscoring the commitment of key stakeholders to drive forward the transition to sustainable energy solutions.

The foundation of the Dynacov project rests upon dynamic wireless transfer technology pioneered by ElectReon, which has garnered global recognition and deployment from the United States to China. Europe, in particular, has emerged as a hotbed for experimentation with wireless charging technology, with notable projects in Norway, Germany, Sweden, and France signaling the continent’s proactive stance towards embracing next-generation transportation infrastructure.

As Coventry positions itself at the forefront of innovation in sustainable urban mobility, the Dynacov project symbolizes a bold step towards realizing a greener, more energy-efficient future. By harnessing the power of wireless charging technology, the city is not only laying the groundwork for enhanced transportation networks but also setting a precedent for other urban centers to follow suit in the pursuit of environmental sustainability.

“Dynacov demonstrates the benefits of universities and local authorities sharing a common vision for the sustainable future of our cities and then having the agility to work in a collaborative and timely manner with industry stakeholders to effect positive change,” said Kevin Vincent, director of Coventry University’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Automotive Research.

Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Coventry City Council’s cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, added: “Innovation will be one of the ways we tackle the causes and consequences of climate change, and innovation is something we are very good at here in Coventry, especially in the transport sector which is in our DNA. It is great to be collaborating with Coventry University and Cenex to show how roads can be used to charge vehicles as they pass by and solutions like this will enable the transition to electric vehicles to happen more quickly.”