Oslo, Norway, is set to incorporate “the first” wireless fast-charging infrastructure via induction technology for electric taxis, according to clean-energy company Fortum. In addition to Fortum, the collaborative project includes American company Momentum Dynamics as well as the Norwegian capital.
The taxi will be fitted with a receiver, while the taxis’ parking location will have underground charging plates.
“We will install the wireless chargers at taxi stands, such as the one at the Oslo Central Station. Taxis will be able to drive up to the charger and a wireless charging session will automatically start. This allows the taxis to charge in a place where they would anyway be waiting for new customers. The difference is that they won’t be emitting exhaust while waiting, instead they will be receiving renewable energy to charge the taxi’s battery,” Annika Hoffner, head of Fortum Charge & Drive, says.
The system will be able to charge up to 75 kW, and will help push the city forward toward its 2023 goal for zero-emission taxis in Oslo.
Sture Portvik, the City of Oslo’s electro mobility manager, says, “The future is electric, and it is already here, right now. Wireless charging is a potential game changer. From 2023 onward, all taxis in Oslo will be zero emission. Together with the taxi industry we will make sure that the shift is as user friendly and efficient as possible. Oslo will always be at the front of innovation and we are delighted to join forces with two of the industry’s most progressive players in this game-changing move to launch the world’s most ambitious plan for wireless charging of a taxi fleet.”
According to Momentum Dynamics CEO Andrew Daga, the endeavor will serve as a model to the world “for keeping electric taxis in continuous 24/7 operation.” The team is currently looking for automakers to join the project.