UK opens trial for wirelessly charged taxis: Report

London, Jan 17 (IANS) Britain’s push towards sustainable transport is getting more serious as the UK government is funding a trial to charge electric taxis wirelessly at ranks, rather than needing to be plugged in at charging stations.

The UK government is investing £3.4 million (or $4.43 million) into the technology as part of a six-month trial, which will see 10 Nissan and LEVC electric taxis fitted with wireless charging technology and offered to drivers rent free.

A similar pilot was launched in Oslo last year, helping Norway cement its reputation as a leader in green transportation, Engadget reported on Friday.

The advantages of wireless charging is that multiple taxis can charge at the same time, unlike plugs or chargepoints for which drivers sometimes have to queue.

In the future, the government may make wireless charging accessible to the public as well, making it easier for owners of electric vehicles to charge when out and about in the city, the report added.