Wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging is a rapidly growing technology that promises to make EV charging more convenient and accessible for drivers. While there are now several companies and organizations working on wireless EV charging, the first wireless e-cab charging station was introduced by the city of Oslo, Norway in 2019.
The wireless e-cab charging station was developed by Momentum Dynamics, a Philadelphia-based company that specializes in wireless charging technology. The station is designed to charge electric taxis, such as the Nissan Leaf, without requiring the driver to stop and plug in the vehicle. Instead, the station uses wireless charging technology to transfer power from a charging pad on the ground to a receiving pad on the underside of the vehicle.
The wireless e-cab charging station was first installed in Oslo in 2019 as part of a pilot program to test the technology. The pilot program was a collaboration between Momentum Dynamics, the taxi company Fortum, and the City of Oslo. The goal of the program was to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of wireless EV charging for taxi fleets, which are ideal candidates for the technology due to their high utilization rates and the need for frequent charging.
The Oslo pilot program was successful, and in 2020, Momentum Dynamics announced that it had received an order for 42 additional wireless e-cab charging systems from Fortum. The systems were to be installed in Oslo, but the company also indicated that it was in talks with other cities and taxi operators about deploying the technology elsewhere.
The introduction of wireless e-cab charging stations represents a significant step forward in the development of wireless EV charging technology. While wireless charging is still in its early stages, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we charge electric vehicles, making charging more convenient and accessible for drivers.
In addition to Oslo, there are now several other companies and organizations working on wireless EV charging, including WiTricity, Qualcomm, and BMW. While wireless charging is still more expensive and less efficient than traditional plug-in charging, it is expected to become more competitive as the technology improves and economies of scale are realized.
Also Read:- Upcoming Electric Cars
