They are powered by electric batteries and have an interior that is “designed for riding, not for driving”.
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MOUNTAIN VIEW, California- Google is expanding its self-driving vehicle testing program to Kirkland, Washington, saying it wants to “get even more experience in places with different driving environments, traffic patterns and road conditions”. After testing its self-driving software over 1.4 million miles of driving, the Kirkland area will offer the company the opportunity to assess its cars on hilly roads that will allow checking the sensors at different angles and elevations.
In an indication of Google’s efforts in that direction, the documents filed with the FCC have revealed that the company has seemingly laid the groundwork for bringing wireless charging capability to its self-driving cars, by working out partnerships with Hevo Power and Momentum Dynamics. A FCC filing discovered by IEEE Spectrum indicated that Google is looking into wireless charging as an option, with plans to install system around its headquarters, as well as the former Air Force base that serves as the self-driving testing grounds.
The process to set up experimental chargers is hard; the charging speed is too slow as compared to the traditional charging method. The systems come from two companies that specialize in creating charging plates for vehicles, Hevo Power and Momentum Dynamics.
According to reports, Google and transport chiefs in London are in “active discussions”, where the latter is attempting to convince the tech company to carry out tests in the capital. Wireless autonomous cars will be ideal for children and old age people with physical disability or vision issues.
Deputy Mayor for Transport Isabel Dedring has been meeting with Google representatives about the proposed scheme. It is rumored that the company sent an Alpha prototype charger to Google.
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The UK government announced that it intends to invest £20 million (about $29 million) in eight self-driving auto projects earlier this week.
