SCOTLAND could be about to lead the world in a new form of futuristic electric vehicle transport that could transform the way motorists drive.
First announced three years ago, the TEV project is aimed at constructing “electric roads” that continuously power vehicles that run on electricity.
The brainchild of battery expert and innovator Will Jones of the US, the TEV project is being co-ordinated in Scotland by his daughter Caroline Jones Carrick.
They envisage a network of specially designed roads that provide direct electric power to electric vehicles (EVs) as they travel under automated control. A computer takes over to control vehicles as they enter the lane, enabling close convoying and high speeds of travel, reducing congestion and travel times while dramatically cutting the risk of accidents.
Now the TEV project, an open source social enterprise, has taken a giant step forward with the appointment of a senior consultant tasked with bringing TEV to fruition.
Dr David Beeton, managing director of Urban Foresight, a think tank focused on cities of the future, will work with governments, universities and the private sector to advance the TEV project.
He is a leader of EV developments, as Director of E-cosse, the public private partnership to advance EVs in Scotland, and head of the EV4SCC collaboration platform for the European
Commission.
He said: “I’m delighted to join TEV at such an exciting period in the project’s lifetime.
“With projections showing there will be more cars built in the next 20 years than have been built ever, issues of sustainability and congestion will need to be focal to government decision making in years to come.
“The car makers are embracing this as they evolve their EV offerings, but there’s still a dis-join in the infrastructure needed to support our future transport needs.
“As vehicle numbers and journeys continue to increase, we desperately need to innovate and address our transport infrastructure needs. To that end, TEV is seeking to engage with the wider transport community to generate ideas, opinions and contributions to make this happen.
“The TEV Project is attractive because it utilises technology available now, to offer a disruptive, radical, innovative solution.”
Jones Carrick said: “By bringing David on board, TEV wants to work in collaboration with others towards a shared vision for the future of roads and highways. If we were starting from scratch, we wouldn’t design a transport system which is locked in the 18th century.
“One mile of new motorway costs on average £30 million, according to the Highways Agency. In comparison, TEV would cost just over £1m for the same distance and would guarantee 10 times as much traffic throughput as a single lane on normal traffic.”
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