The Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (IVI) and Dresden’s municipal cleaning service, Stadtreinigung Dresden (SRD), have started practical testing of an innovative underfloor charging system for electric commercial vehicles.
The conductive charging technology, integrated into a 15-tonne test truck, enables the entire charging process to be initiated and completed without cables, using an automated contact system that physically connects the vehicle’s underside to a charging pad embedded in the ground. Unlike inductive charging, the system uses an electromagnet to ensure reliable contact and meets all required safety standards, allowing for high charging capacities suitable for heavy commercial vehicles.
Developed as part of the MEGA-LADEN research project, funded by the German federal government from 2020 to 2024, the technology has since been patented. The test truck is now in operation with SRD to collect real-world data on charging efficiency, user experience, and system availability.
Fraunhofer IVI highlighted that the underfloor system reduces driver effort and enhances safety during charging. The institute also noted the potential for the technology to support autonomous vehicle operation in the future, allowing vehicles to dock and charge without human intervention, which could be particularly useful in automated depots.
SRD is simultaneously trialling a fully electric waste collection vehicle and plans to explore further electrification of its fleet. The partners aim to use insights from the tests to refine the system and potentially develop a small production series in cooperation with a vehicle manufacturer to expand electric mobility solutions in Dresden.