A feasibility study titled ‘Dynacov’ is set to evaluate the potential of dynamic wireless charging for electric vehicles in Coventry, England. The project, using technology from Electreon, will convert a section of Kenilworth Road into an inductively charging test stretch.
In the ‘Dynacov’ project (Dynamic Charging of Vehicles), Coventry University will assess the viability of using metal coils installed under the road surface to charge electric vehicles while in motion, focusing on buses and logistics vehicles. The initiative will utilize technology from specialist Electreon, with tests centered on a section of Kenilworth Road at the A45 junction.
Part of a series of studies coordinated by multiple universities and a group of 27 Key Cities across England and Wales, the project aims to explore innovative ways in which universities are collaborating with local communities to achieve net zero targets. Funding for the study is provided by National Grid Electricity Distribution, and it builds on dynamic wireless transfer technology prototyped by ElectReon, which has been deployed from the USA to China. The charging technology has been extensively tested in Europe, including projects in Norway, Germany, Sweden, and France.
Kevin Vincent, director of Coventry University’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Automotive Research, highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable urban futures, stating, “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.”
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Coventry City Council’s cabinet member for jobs, regeneration, and climate change, emphasized the role of innovation in addressing climate change, particularly in Coventry’s transport sector. He stated, “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.”
