Jaguar launches high-powered wireless charging for taxi networks

Jaguar will offer rapid wireless charging for taxi services in a partnership with the City of Oslo that will use the company’s all-electric I-PACE model in a world leading trial.

The wireless charging system will help keep the all-electric taxis on the road for longer, with charging stations installed at common pick-up and drop-off locations, that are able to deliver 50 to 75kW of charging capacity.

It will see the electric taxis receive multiple charging top ups throughout the day, reducing the need to stop for charges, and could feasibly allow a vehicle to remain available continuously throughout a shift.

Jaguar will supply the Norwegian capital’s taxi operator Cabonline with 25 of its all-electric SUV I-PACE models, that have been especially designed to use the wireless charging system developed by Momentum Dynamic.

The wireless charging system uses a transmitter embedded into the road at common stopping points, and generates an electromagnetic field that allows power to transferred to a receiver embedded in the bottom of a vehicle.

By adding the charging systems to be deployed in convenient locations, and without requiring the need for a vehicle to be physically connected to a charging station, the wireless systems allow for uninterrupted operation of the taxis.

Momentum Dynamics has previously partnered with public transport companies, including the Washington bus operator Link Transit, providing up to 300kW of rapid wireless charging in a similar arrangement.

Jaguar hopes that a successful trial of the wireless charging taxi system will help boost the deployment of all-electric vehicles into public transport infrastructure.

“We’re extremely proud of our track record in electrification and we’re committed to making electric vehicles easier to own and use. The taxi industry is the ideal test bed for wireless charging, and indeed for high-mileage electric mobility across the board,” Jaguar Land Rover chief executive professor sir Ralf Speth said.

“The inherently safe, energy efficient and high-powered wireless charging platform will prove critical for electric fleets, as the infrastructure is more effective than refuelling a conventional vehicle.”

Vice mayor for environment and transport for the City of Oslo Arild Hermstad said that the deployment of the all-electric taxi network would contribute to the city’s goals of reducing its emissions footprint by 95 per cent by 2030.

This target includes a commitment to see all public transport infrastructure to be emissions free by 2028, with all public transport already either powered by renewable electricity or by renewable fuels.

Last year, the City of Oslo announced that it would transition the entirety of its taxi fleet to all-electric models, to be supported by the wireless charging capabilities.

“We’re delighted to welcome private enterprises to help us to turn our vision into reality,” Hermstad

“As part of our commitment to reducing emissions by 95 per cent before 2030, we have put many exciting measures in place, but transport continues to be a key challenge. By improving infrastructure and providing better charging to the taxi industry, we are confident that by 2024 all taxis in Oslo will be zero emission,”

“To reach our goal, the public sector, politicians and private enterprises must come together, as we do in this project.”