Nissan to reveal autonomous charging for electric cars

Nissan has teased what it is calling "the fuel station of the future", in the form of a wireless charging system fitted into a curb.

The 20-second video shows a Nissan Leaf pulling up and parking as normal, prompting the automatic wireless charging element in the pavement to switch on and charge the car without intervention from the driver.

Nissan says that the idea, which remains a concept for now, will be showcased in full at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March. Nissan has teamed up with architects Foster & Partners – designers of the Apple Campus – to develop the idea.

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The concept envisages a future in which roads equipped with wireless charging capabilities could eliminate the idea of stopping to recharge altogether.

"With the rise of connected cities, there is the capacity for fuelling to be built into the very fabric of our day-to-day lives," said Richard Candler of Nissan. "Independent infrastructure could be a thing of the past."

Autocar reports that Nissan has started trials of cars equipped with wireless charging capabilities, and expects them to test the technology for at least five years. BMW, Daimler AG and Toyota are rumoured to be developing similar systems.

Last month Nissan unveiled a less ambitious charging system: a 7kW device that could – according to the company – charge the large 310 mile battery pack Nissan is developing for the next generation Leaf.

Auto Express says "it's not surprising the company (Nissan) is keen to stay at the forefront of development" considering the Nissan Leaf is the best-selling electric car in the UK.

The announcement comes not long after Nissan revealed its 'vehicle to grid' trials, which use the Leaf as an energy hub, capable of powering a home or returning energy to the grid.

Nissan expects to deliver its 200,000th production model of the Leaf in January.