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Wireless fast charging first for taxis in Oslo

Wireless fast charging first for taxis in Oslo

Business news |
By Nick Flaherty



Fortum is working with Momentum Dynamics in the US to build a wireless fast-charging infrastructure using induction charging for taxis in Oslo.

Charging plates are installed in the ground where the taxi is parked and a receiver is installed in the taxi to provide 75kW for charging.

Fortum Charge & Drive has long been working with the taxi industry to enable electrification of the taxi fleet but the greatest hurdle has proved to be the infrastructure: It is too time consuming for taxi drivers to find a charger, plug in and then wait for the car to charge. The wireless fast-charging project aims to solve these issues and thereby reduce climate emissions from the taxi sector around the world.

“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,” said Annika Hoffner, Head of Fortum Charge & Drive. The company is now looking for deals with car makers.

“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,” says Sture Portvik, the City of Oslo’s Electro Mobility Manager.

“We believe this project will provide the world with the model it needs for keeping electric taxis in continuous 24/7 operation. It will build on the success we have demonstrated with electric buses, which also need to be automatically charged throughout the day in order to stay in operation. Momentum is very excited to be working with the people of Oslo and with our partner Fortum,” said Andrew Daga, CEO of Momentum Dynamics.

www.fortum.com

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