The wireless charging tech will be supplied by Momentum Dynamics.
Wireless charging specialist Momentum Dynamics and medium and heavy-duty EV maker GreenPower Motor, announced a three-year OEM agreement to develop and sell wirelessly charged, purpose-built all-electric transit vehicles.
The partnership will start from the GreenPower’s flagship model, the EV Star, a purpose-built, 25ft mini-shuttle capable of transporting 19 passengers, with a range of up to 150 miles (240 km).
“The EV Star has completed the Federal Transit Administration’s rigorous Altoona testing and will satisfy purchasing requirements such as ADA and Buy America Compliance for transit agencies across North America. The EV Star will fill the transportation industry’s need for paratransit, micro transit and shuttle bus applications and has a nominal range of 150 miles and by adding automated wireless charging capability the bus dramatically increases its operational range without the need for operator intervention.”
It was not said how fast the vehicle will be able to charge, but we already know that Momentum Dynamics can deliver a wireless charging system rated at up to 300 kW (it was done before for full-size buses).
Momentum CEO Andrew Daga said:
“Wireless Charging is inherently flexible, and we are delighted to extend our wireless charging offering into smaller-size shuttle bus fleets with the great people at GreenPower Motor Company. We are proud to offer the first inductive charging solution to this market. Our companies share in the excitement and huge market potential of wirelessly charged electric shuttle buses where automated fast charge capabilities are important.”
Ryne Shetterly, Vice President of Sales and Marketing said:
“Range anxiety is still a pain point for many operators who wish to transition to a zero emissions fleet. By integrating wireless charging, that range anxiety goes away by allowing end users to charge up without ever taking their vehicle out of service”.
This year seems to start quite well for Momentum Dynamics, as in January the company secured a new deal with Link Transit of Wenatchee, Washington, which ordered 10 additional wireless charging receivers for 10 new electric buses, which are coming in 2020, and three new on-route 300 kW wireless charging stations.
Previously, Link Transit tested BYD K9S for two years, using a 200 kW wireless charging system and seems to be impressed with the outcome.
“Following the successful introduction and operation of a wirelessly-charged bus in 2018, Momentum Dynamics Corporation and Link Transit, Wenatchee, Washington have extended their relationship with a new 5-year agreement. Through this first-of-a-kind partnership, Momentum Dynamics will provide further charging systems and ongoing services for Link Transit’s growing fleet of electric buses.”
The Momentum 200 kW Wireless Charging System is embedded in the pavement at Link Transit’s Columbia Station in Wenatchee, Washington.
“In 2018, Link Transit commissioned the nation’s first 200-kilowatt wireless charging system for a battery-electric transit bus from Momentum Dynamics. The system has been operational on a BYD K9S bus since then. Since installation, the system has delivered an impressive total power of 41MWh for its vehicle charging. Recently, the bus ran a 14-hour scheduled route and maintained its battery state-of-charge above 90% throughout the journey, without the need for driver intervention. This is significant data, as proper management of battery levels – rather than a fueling model of “empty-full-empty,” is essential for battery longevity, which is particularly important when a new bus may be expected to remain in service for a minimum of 12 years.”
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