Amp Electric Vehicles has decided to start converting the propulsion systems of delivery trucks to electric, and this time, they will be equipped to charge wirelessly.
The company used to convert SUVs to electric propulsion systems, but it moved on from that and has now reached an agreement with Momentum Dynamics to convert delivery trucks, using one of the latest charging technologies: resonant induction charging.
Momentum Dynamics is to develop the wireless vehicle chargers to make the paratransit medium-duty delivery trucks for the Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA) in Reading, PA. A pilot program should commence by March 2013.
“We are pleased to work with Momentum on the electrification and wireless charging project for BARTA. Both our companies recognize the importance of collaborating to integrate wireless charging technology to be used in a real-world application for BARTAs’ transit vehicles,” said Marty Rucidlo, President of AMP.
Resonant induction charging uses electromagnetic coils to transmit energy wirelessly to electric vehicles without the risk of electric shock, even when outside in the rain.
No metal-to-metal contact between the vehicle and charger is required, unlike traditional chargers. To be fair to traditional chargers, they work quite well in car garages, and they are the most efficient chargers, as well as the cheapest.
Another potentially exciting, and more practically beneficial use of this technology is to extend electric vehicle range at stop lights. This makes even short-range, lower cost electric vehicles with small battery packs more viable.
The time that people spend sitting at stop lights could be put to good use partially charging the vehicle at every stop.
People may even look forward to stop lights!
Source: Autoblog Green
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