Momentum Dynamics has been selected by Volvo Cars as its exclusive wireless charging partner as part of a “live city environment” three-year pilot program of EV wireless charging.
While Momentum says its technology has been in full commercial use for more than four years on various types of electric vehicles, this program, which is part of the Gothenburg Green City Zone, will allow a small fleet of fully electric Volvo XC40 Recharge cars to be used as taxis. The taxis will be driven for more than 12 hours a day and 100,000 km (approx. 62,000 miles) per year.
Over a three-year period, a small fleet of fully electric Volvo XC40 Recharge cars will be used as taxis by Cabonline, the largest taxi operator in the Nordic region, and use Momentum Dynamics’ wireless charging stations placed at two locations in Gothenburg, Sweden. During the test period, Volvo Cars will regularly gather data as well as driver and customer feedback to find ways to further improve the charging experience.
The charging starts automatically when the Volvo XC40 parks over a charging pad that is embedded in the pavement along the taxi rank. Automatic inductive charging works by sending energy through a transmitter placed on the ground, allowing cars to be charged by positioning their receiver plate above it. Volvo Cars will utilize its innovative onboard 360 camera to guide drivers to the charging position.