Nottingham to receive nine new wireless electric taxis

Nottingham to receive nine new electric taxis as part of a wireless charging trial funded by the Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles (OZEV). 

Wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging occurs when a compatible vehicle is stationary over a wireless induction pad which can be built into the roads surfaces. 

This technology will help provide better service availability for passengers and allow taxi drivers to spend more time collecting fares.

Charging the taxi wirelessly through short bursts will also help reduce range anxiety and optimise battery usage.

Five plug-in hybrid LEVC TX taxis and four electric Nissan Dynamo taxis will promote the wireless charging network with branding that says: ‘This electric taxi will charge wirelessly.’ 

The taxis will be available on Nottingham’s streets for hail by the general public and will capture data including journey distances and battery level. 

Posters inside the taxis will help inform passengers how wireless charging works and the benefits of charging wirelessly.

The branding will be on the taxis for the duration of the trial, which is due to complete by March 2022.

Abdul Chowdhury, head of innovation at the Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles (OZEV), said: ‘Investment in research and development is key to our mission of putting the UK at the forefront of the design, manufacture and use of zero-emission vehicles.

‘By supporting these innovative technologies, we are helping to deliver our road transport decarbonisation goals, whilst anchoring economic activity across the UK.’

Cllr Sally Longford, the portfolio holder for energy and environment at Nottingham City Council, added: ‘It’s exciting to see the vehicles with their new, eye-catching livery. While we’re proud that Nottingham’s taxi fleet already boasts a large number of electric taxis, wireless charging is the next step to make them even more convenient and easier for drivers to use – and no need for cables on our taxi ranks!

‘Making our taxis cleaner will help to improve air quality in the city and help us reach our goal of becoming the UK’s first carbon-neutral city by 2028. We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from passengers too about how much quieter and pleasant the electric taxis are. I’m looking forward to seeing this new technology trialled on our streets.’

Photo Credit – Supplied