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The Open University & char.gy research trial
The Open University & char.gy research trial

All you need to know about the EV induction charging research project

Andy Barnes avatar
Written by Andy Barnes
Updated over a week ago

OSRIC Trial.. What is it?

OSRIC stands for the On -Street Residential Induction Charging Trail & forms part of a wider programme led by the Office of Zero Emissions to support the switch to Electric Vehicles (EVs). The trials’ aim is to assess if recharging EVs can be provided in another way to the current cable and charge-point method, testing both the technology and how users react to it. There will be 10 Renault Zoe’s taking part in this trial located across Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and Redbridge. All cars will be heavily subsidised and in return all we need from you is your honest feedback.

What is induction charging?

Although it's not new technology, it is the first time this technology has been given the green light for public use. - Induction charging is a form of wireless car charging for EVs. Instead of plugging a car into a standard charging post, there is an induction charging pad set into the ground - avoiding hazardous wiring and charge-points cluttering the car park and/or the street.

With this new exciting and innovative trial, the pad can only be activated when an electric car (installed with the specialised induction pad) parks over it.

The charging plate and vehicle adapter have been exhaustively tested at Millbrook proving ground to ensure that the device will not affect people, animals or devices near it while it is in operation. We can officially certify that induction chargers are safe for everyone including drivers, pets and people with pacemakers.

Who are char.gy?

The project is led by char.gy, a company specialising in developing Electric Vehicle charging points. Their goal is to solve residential electric vehicle charging for people without off-street parking, such as driveways or garages and make charging your electric vehicle as simple as charging your phone. They have currently installed more than 800 charge points across the country.

How will the research be taken?

The Open University will undertake research in the form of a survey and an optional interview from drivers that have used the service and what their thoughts are about the new innovative technology. The technology is new and requires in-field testing to evaluate how it works. All the equipment will go through full safety checks before deployment. It is also important to implement solutions to help reduce carbon emissions .

How will my data be shared?

An important part of the trial and the reason the cars are heavily subsidised to book is that The Open University requires feedback to understand user experience of the new technology. Will it be useful? If so, why? If not, again, why? However, we do intend to minimise disruption to users and also to keep as little personal data as possible. With that in mind, your email address and first name will be the only personal data shared along with your booking details, duration, miles and car battery.

How can I expect to be contacted?

Via email by The Open University asking you to complete a survey about your experience as well as being encouraged to take part in a short interview for further feedback. You will then not be sent any further communications until the end of the project, in which a reminder for an interview will be resent if not completed initially.

To find out more about this trial please visit https://www.osric.co.uk/

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