A government-backed trial of the UK’s first wireless electric taxis has been launched in Nottingham.

Nine electric hackney cabs have been retrofitted with the “latest, super efficient” wireless charging technology which will be tested by 19 local taxi drivers, who will help identify the advantages and disadvantages and iron out any problems.

The vehicles can be charged at an upgraded rank outside Nottingham Station and supports the city’s ambition to become carbon-neutral by 2028.

Nottingham City Council and its project partners will monitor the trial and share learnings with the government to help shape future regulations and delivery of wireless charging projects across the country.

Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Transport and Parks, Councillor Audra Wynter, said: “I’m delighted to see Nottingham’s UK-leading wireless taxis hit the streets. This amazing new technology will make it easy and convenient for taxi drivers to charge their vehicles on-street between passengers and make a big difference in local air quality.

“This is another example of Nottingham leading the way in transport innovation, as we lead the country to become carbon-neutral by 2028.”

The project is being led by Cenex with partners including the council, Coventry University, Hangar-19, Shell Research Limited, Sprint Power and Transport for London, with Lumen Freedom supplying the hardware.