Israeli public transport operator Electra Afikim will expand its partnership with Electreon by deploying the company’s wireless charging technology at a second site, the Ovnat terminal in Petah Tikva, following the successful operation of a similar system at its Rosh HaAyin depot.
The initial collaboration between the two companies began in November 2023, with the installation of inductive charging stations at Rosh HaAyin, where 23 electric buses have been operating under a daily routine of overnight and daytime charging. The decision to expand comes after a year and a half of uninterrupted use.
“A returning customer is the best proof of the immediate value of Electreon’s wireless charging solution,” said Oren Ezer, CEO of Electreon. “We thank Electra Afikim for their continued trust, and I believe that the advantages of wireless technology—increased driving range, cost savings, and the ease and convenience of charging—will drive further expansion of our activities both in Israel and internationally.”
Unlike the Rosh HaAyin site, which focuses on night-time depot charging, the new installation at Ovnat will use an opportunity charging model. Inductive charging pads will be embedded in the ground at passenger bays, allowing buses to recharge automatically during routine stops without the need for driver intervention. Electreon has not disclosed the power levels used in the system.
See also: Electreon Partners with TransIsrael to Implement Wireless Charging for Electric Buses in Haifa
Opportunity charging is often implemented using pantograph systems, which require mechanical contact from overhead equipment. Electreon’s technology differs by using a contactless method where buses charge while positioned over a ground-based pad, enabling a more seamless and potentially maintenance-free operation.
The Ovnat terminal, located 11 kilometres from the Rosh HaAyin depot and adjacent to a shopping centre and train station, is considered a strategic location in the greater Tel Aviv area. The existing fleet of 23 electric buses already fitted with Electreon receivers will be supported in this phase, with plans to grow the electric fleet over time.
See also: Electreon Completes Installation of Inductive Charging System for Parked Electric Buses
Electreon said the system offers operational benefits, including increased range, battery life preservation, and reduced dependence on larger battery packs. The company’s technology also supports dynamic charging, which allows vehicles to recharge while driving over roads embedded with induction coils. This system has been piloted in cities such as Haifa and near Paris.
