A team driving the groundbreaking concept of renewable energy-powered roads are tipping Scotland as a potential leader in deploying the new technology.
Scottish-based TEV Project is envisaging electric and hybrid cars being able to travel for thousands of km under computer control, while continuously recharging.
They will use dedicated highway lanes to enable them to move in close convoys at high speed, so reducing congestion and travel times while cutting accident risks. Solar power is one possible energy source being considered.
Project coordinator Caroline Jones Carrick said: 'TEV can be implemented using existing technologies. No technical breakthroughs – like special batteries or fuel cells – are needed'.
The prefabricated lane would use modular components and cost less to build than a conventional highway. It could be financed by automatically collected tolls.
TEV is a social enterprise and has recently boosted its resources by appointing, as consultant, Dr David Beeton, managing director of future cities-oriented think tank Urban Foresight.
Dr Beeton told Transport Network: 'We are already working closely with Transport Scotland and Scottish Enterprise, and Scotland is in a very good position to realise these new opportunities
'The carmakers are embracing the issues of sustainability and congestion, as they evolve their EV offerings, but there is still a disjoin in the infrastructure needed to support our future transport needs.
'As vehicle numbers and journeys continue to increase, we desperately need to innovate to address our transport infrastructure needs.'
To register for Road Expo in Edinburgh on the 4 and 5 November click here. This free two-day, is curated by Transport Scotland and SCOTS and has CPD accreditation.
Those attending will be one of over 1,200 Scottish road professionals at Scotland's only free-to-attend exhibition and conference for those committed to the continual improvement of the Scottish road network.
