The Port of Long Beach will test wireless charging technology for electric cargo-handling vehicles under a state-funded project. International Transportation Service, LLC (ITS), a terminal operator at the port, secured a $3.3 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to install inductive charging systems developed by InductEV, a Pennsylvania-based company.
The initiative involves deploying ground-embedded wireless charging pads to power five battery-electric cargo vehicles. InductEV’s system, capable of delivering up to 450 kW, uses inductive technology to transfer energy without physical cables. This marks the company’s first installation at a West Coast port, following a similar project at APM Terminals in Port Elizabeth, New Jersey.
The trial is part of a $33 million CEC program funding five clean transportation projects statewide. Proponents of wireless charging argue it could reduce downtime for industrial equipment by enabling intermittent charging during operational breaks, though its effectiveness in high-demand port environments remains untested.
John F. Rizzo, CEO of InductEV, described the collaboration as a step toward improving efficiency and reducing emissions at the port. Kim Holtermand, CEO of ITS, stated the project aligns with the company’s broader sustainability goals.
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The CEC’s funding comes from its Clean Transportation Program, which supports infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles. The Port of Long Beach trial will assess the system’s durability, safety, and operational feasibility under real-world conditions, including exposure to heavy loads, dust, and saltwater.
Wireless charging technology faces challenges such as higher upfront costs compared to wired alternatives and energy efficiency concerns. The trial will also evaluate whether the system’s ability to enable frequent, short charging sessions can offset the limitations of traditional overnight charging for port equipment.
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Results from the project, expected to conclude in 2025, will inform future decisions about scaling the technology at industrial sites.