Israel’s Electreon Wireless establishes first non-wire EV charging road in Norway

In a groundbreaking development for sustainable transportation, Israeli technology company Electreon Wireless has successfully installed Norway's first wireless charging road. This innovative infrastructure, designed to charge electric vehicles while they are in motion, marks a significant step forward in the realm of electric vehicle technology. The announcement was made public through a report to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange on Sunday, showing the international collaboration and technological advancement in this field.

The cutting-edge road charging system developed by Electreon employs specialised copper coils strategically placed just beneath the road's surface. These coils create an electromagnetic field that transfers energy to compatible vehicles as they drive over the charged road segment. The inaugural installation in Norway consists of a 100-meter stretch of road located in the city of Trondheim. This pilot project is scheduled to undergo extensive testing and evaluation for approximately one year, allowing researchers and engineers to gather crucial data on its performance and efficiency.

The trial phase of this revolutionary road will involve a fleet of four electric buses, showcasing the international nature of this project. Three of these buses are manufactured by Yutong, a prominent Chinese automotive company known for its contributions to the electric vehicle sector. The fourth bus in the test fleet is produced by Higer, another respected Chinese bus manufacturer. This diverse selection of vehicles will provide a comprehensive assessment of the charging system's compatibility and effectiveness across different vehicle designs.

One of the primary objectives of this pilot program is to evaluate the technology's potential as a sole energy source for electric buses. If successful, this could eliminate the need for charging stops throughout the day, allowing for uninterrupted operation of public transportation services. This continuous operation would not only improve the efficiency of public transit systems but also contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions in urban areas, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

Another critical aspect of the testing phase will focus on the system's resilience in extreme weather conditions. Trondheim's harsh winter climate presents a unique opportunity to subject the charging infrastructure to severe environmental challenges. By proving its effectiveness in such conditions, Electreon's technology could demonstrate its viability for widespread adoption in various geographic locations, including those with similarly demanding climates.

The financial backing for this ambitious project comes from the Norwegian government, which has allocated up to 22.4 million Norwegian kroner (approximately USD 2.12 million) for its implementation. This substantial investment underscores Norway's commitment to advancing sustainable transportation solutions and reducing its carbon footprint.

This pilot project in Trondheim represents a convergence of international expertise and innovation, bringing together Israeli technology, Chinese vehicle manufacturing, and Norwegian infrastructure and funding. As the world continues to seek effective solutions for sustainable urban transportation, the success of this wireless charging road could pave the way for similar installations globally, potentially revolutionising how we approach electric vehicle charging and urban mobility.