In a pioneering leap forward for sustainable transportation, Norway has launched the world’s first wireless charging road, a revolutionary infrastructure designed to power electric buses as they drive, eliminating the need for charging stops and traditional charging stations.
Located in the city of Trondheim, this innovative project features a 100-meter segment of road embedded with specialized copper coils beneath its surface. These coils create an electromagnetic field that wirelessly transfers energy to electric buses equipped with compatible receivers, allowing them to charge continuously while in motion. The technology, implemented by Israeli company Electreon Wireless, promises to redefine green public transport.
The Norwegian government has invested significantly in this groundbreaking initiative, with an estimated cost of 22.4 million Norwegian kroner (approximately $2.12 million USD). This investment underscores Norway’s ambitious goal to completely transition to electric vehicles and phase out internal combustion engines by 2025.
The pilot program will rigorously test the system’s performance and efficiency over a year, with trials involving electric buses from Chinese manufacturers Yutong and Higer. A crucial aspect of the testing will be evaluating the system’s resilience and reliability under Trondheim’s famously harsh winter conditions, including snow and ice. If successful, this technology could serve as a global model for sustainable urban mobility in similar climates.
This “no wires, no stop” approach aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions, enhance the efficiency of public transport systems by enabling continuous operation, and potentially lead to smaller, lighter batteries in electric vehicles. Norway’s wireless charging road represents a transformative step towards a cleaner, more efficient transportation future.
