ENC Partners with InductEV to Integrate Wireless Charging into Electric Buses

ENC teams up with InductEV to offer wireless inductive charging for Axess EVO-BE electric buses, boosting safety, efficiency, and flexibility for North American transit fleets.

California-based bus manufacturer ENC is expanding its zero-emission offerings through a partnership with wireless EV charging specialist InductEV. This collaboration will enable the new Axess EVO-BE electric bus to support inductive charging, while existing ENC fleets will also be retrofitted with the wireless system.

InductEV describes the Axess EVO-BE as the first new electric bus model in years offered to U.S. and Canadian transit agencies, emphasizing its importance amid ongoing supply chain disruptions and performance challenges in North America. The bus is available in 32-, 35-, and 40-foot lengths and features a battery capacity of 738 kWh. ENC, known for its openness to alternative propulsion methods, also offers hybrid, compressed natural gas (CNG), and hydrogen fuel cell options alongside its battery-electric lineup.

InductEV’s fully hands-free technology eliminates mechanical connections, reducing wear and tear, enhancing safety, and lowering maintenance costs. Its scalable charging modules range from 50 kW to 450 kW, ensuring reliable operation in various weather conditions while complying with international safety standards. The company reports that its inductive charging system achieves approximately 90% energy efficiency and delivers speeds comparable to Level 2 wired systems.

The technology is already deployed across municipal transit agencies in Washington State, California, Oregon, Indianapolis, and Martha’s Vineyard. InductEV also highlights its success in Sweden, where 20 Volvo XC40 Recharge taxis have completed over 7,000 wireless charging events, and at the Port of Long Beach, where its systems power cargo-handling equipment. Additionally, the company states that its wireless charging solutions have enabled over 3 million miles of transit fleet operations, delivering more than 3 GWh of energy wirelessly.

Wireless charging is steadily gaining traction in North America, offering a convenient alternative despite wired systems remaining more energy-efficient and cost-effective. ENC underscores its commitment to scaling this technology in future projects, while InductEV continues expanding its development efforts with a recently opened 50,000-square-foot R&D center in Pennsylvania.

Source: automotiveworld.com