A three-year pilot project, held in Sweden, looks to demonstrate the viability of wireless charging for electric taxis.
Momentum Dynamics has been selected by Volvo Cars as its exclusive wireless charging partner, as part of a ‘live city environment’ EV wireless charging trial. Momentum’s technology will be deployed on a small fleet of fully electric Volvo XC40 Recharge cars to be used as taxis.
The taxis will be driven for more than 12 hours a day and 100,000km per year, marking the first-ever durability demonstration of fully electric Volvo cars in a commercial use scenario.
The wireless charging electric taxis will be operated by Cabonline, the largest taxi operator in the Nordic region. The EVs will use Momentum Dynamics’ wireless charging stations placed at two locations in Gothenburg.
“This is a technology breakthrough moment in the development of wireless charging for all communities,” said Andy Daga, CEO, Momentum Dynamics.
“Automated charging provides unlimited driving range for high intensity driving and our system enables Gothenburg cab drivers to stay in revenue service all day. We are pleased that the system was integrated by Momentum and Volvo Cars engineers into the fully electric XC40 Recharge so efficiently, even with the difficulties of Covid-19.
“This project perfectly outlines the automatic electric taxi charging model for any city looking to implement zero emission transportation as well as use by passenger vehicles. We thank Volvo Cars for their vision and confidence in us as their wireless charging partner.”
During the test period, Volvo Cars will regularly gather data as well as driver and customer feedback to find ways to further improve the charging experience.
“Gothenburg Green City Zone lets us try exciting new technologies in a real environment and evaluate them over time for a potential future broader introduction,” said Mats Moberg, head of research and development at Volvo Cars.
“Testing new charging technologies together with selected partners is a good way to evaluate alternative charging options for our future cars.”
