Electreon, the Israeli company specializing in inductive electric vehicle (EV) charging, has recently received its first order from Norway. The Transportation Authority of TrĆøndelag County (AtB) has chosen Electreon’s wireless charging technology for a testing phase on bus routes in Trondheim, set to commence in mid-2024.
The initial stage of the project will involve preparing a section of a public road adjacent to AtB’s primary bus depot. This road segment will serve as the testing ground for Electreon’s charging capabilities, encompassing both drive and stop modes. AtB has a long-term vision of establishing an electric road in Trondheim, which will serve as a shared charging platform accessible to all of AtB’s electric buses, trucks, and taxis.
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Electreon highlights the significance of its wireless charging road, emphasizing its minimal visual impact and the potential for sustainable transportation by reducing the size of EV batteries and enabling en-route charging. Norway, a global leader in EV adoption, aims to phase out internal combustion engine cars entirely by 2025. Electreon already has ongoing dynamic inductive charging projects in Israel, Sweden, Germany, Italy, and the USA.
AtB, a transport authority wholly owned by the province of TrĆøndelag, operates a comprehensive city and regional bus network with approximately 320 buses and 170 routes. Electreon acknowledges the challenges associated with electrifying buses in Trondheim, such as the hilly terrain, the complexities of BEV-powered double-articulated electric buses, and local climatic variations. However, the company’s proprietary technology can mitigate these obstacles by reducing the size of the bus battery. Moreover, Electreon’s system is designed to ensure reliable charging in all weather and terrain conditions, thereby enhancing overall efficiency and the resilience of the electrification efforts.
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Konrad Puetz, Director of Transport at TrĆøndelag County Council, recognizes the potential of inductive charging for vehicles in motion, particularly for buses and lorries. The project is expected to yield valuable insights for the forthcoming bus tender in the greater Trondheim area, scheduled for operation by 2029. Puetz emphasizes the aim of overcoming barriers to inductive charging in challenging winter conditions and learning how to achieve successful implementation.
Maher Kasskawo, Business Development Manager for Electreon in the Nordics, expresses delight at being selected as the tender winner. He acknowledges Norway’s extensive public charging network and views the addition of Electreon’s cutting-edge technology as a significant enhancement to the country’s EV infrastructure.
