Volvo To Conduct Electric Road Study With Focus On Inductive Charging

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Coming off its study of stationary vehicle wireless charging, Volvo will turn its attention toward on-road charging of its Hyper Bus diesel-electric in a year-long study with partner Swedish Transport Association.

Autoblog reports the two parties will build a 300- to 500-meter section of electrified road that would use inductive charging for the PHEV’s batteries while shuttling passengers back and forth along the way. Currently, the buses use charging stations at either end of the route, delaying further travel until fully charged.

The road will be located in central Gothenburg, and is expected to be the herald for the ElectriCity route between Chalmers and Lindholmen, which will provide more data on charging and electric power for heavy vehicles such as buses for future industrial and political decisions.

The intended result of the study is to prove the viability of electric roads, including their impact on the environment as a piece of a greater puzzle involving sustainable transportation.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • NancyLong NancyLong on May 28, 2014

    Inductive charging in buses will provide an easier and more convenient means to powering. Must be of low maintenance compared to cable based charging.

  • Redav Redav on May 28, 2014

    If this technology works out, there is another advantage: Put it only in the right lane of hwys, so all those Prius drivers that people hate so much will have to drive in the right lane to get their charge. (Yes, I realize Prii are hybrids not EVs, but if we're assuming there's charging roads, then we can assume cars like the Prius will be plug-ins, and will benefit from charging.)

  • 28-Cars-Later 28-Cars-Later on May 28, 2014

    I would clarify if this was Volvo AB or Volvo Cars (Geely). Sounds like Volvo AB. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo

  • Wmba Wmba on May 28, 2014

    This method will work extremely well once roadways are upgraded to International Standards Organization specifications for jet airport runways. For a start, 5 metres of graded ballast, then riprap and finally 4 feet of concrete slab. This prevents frost heaves from happening that would otherwise rip apart the electric network wiring. $20 million per lane per kilometre. Done. Yet another great idea from the mind of man.

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