E-scooter rental operator, Voi has partnered with the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) and Bumblebee Power to trial the use of wireless e-scooter charging at the University of Warwick.
E-scooter batteries are typically powered at the operator’s warehouse, which is a time consuming, resource-intensive and costly process.
In contrast, the use of wireless charging pads would enable the e-scooters to be charged where they are parked.
David Yates, CTO of Bumblebee Power said:The Bumblebee technology not only provides automatic connection via a very efficient wireless charging system, saving operational expenditure for the fleet operator by eliminating battery swaps, but also extends the battery’s life, by controlling the charging regime while maximising vehicle availability.
This solution will be trailed during a six-month period at the University of Warwick’s campus, which will act as a ‘living lab’ environment.
The success of the trial could help integrate the widespread use of e-scooters into current transport infrastructure to help advance modal shift.
Sam Pooke, Senior Policy Manager at Voi UK and Ireland, said:We’re delighted to be partnering with Bumblebee Power and the University of Warwick to develop wireless charging for our e-scooters, an innovation that could change the whole micromobility industry.
Applying this technology has the potential to not only reduce the operational impact of how we charge batteries for our vehicles but also in making an already convenient and flexible service even more accessible for new and existing riders. Over the coming months, we’ll look forward to working with our partners to maximise the innovative potential of this technology.
The trial will provide data on the wireless system’s performance and how riders interact with the technology. If successful, the solution could be scaled to Voi’s operating areas across the UK.
