Highways England to trial roads that power electric vehicles later this year

Electric vehicles currently need to be re-charged at power points

Electric vehicles currently need to be re-charged at power points

Highways England has announced off-road trials of the technology to power electric vehicles, allowing drivers of low-emission vehicles to travel long distances without needing to re-charge.

The trials follow the completion of a feasibility study it commissioned into 'dynamic wireless power transfer' technologies, and held out the prospect of "exciting possibilities," according to the minister for roads, Andrew Jones. They are expected to begin later this year and will involve fitting vehicles with wireless technology and testing the equipment, installed underneath the road. Full details are promised when a contractor has been appointed.

Highways England chief highways engineer Mike Wilson said the organisation was "committed to supporting the growth of ultra-low emissions vehicles on our motorways and major A roads" and was also committed to installing charging points every 20 miles along its network.