The Volvo Group is studying the possibility of developing a dynamic charging solution for city buses. Dynamic charging, in which vehicles are charged by an inductive charging coil in the roadbed, is generally considered to be several years from commercialization, although a group of Korean researchers has tested a prototype system.

Volvo plans to develop a detailed proposal for a dynamic charging system in collaboration with the Swedish Transport Administration, and may build an experimental 300- to 500-meter “electric road” in central Gothenburg during 2015.

“Vehicles capable of being charged directly from the road during operation could become the next pioneering step in the development towards reduced environmental impact, and this is fully in line with our vision of becoming the world leader in sustainable transport solutions,” says Volvo Executive VP Niklas Gustavsson. “Close cooperation between society and industry is needed for such a development to be possible and we look forward to investigating the possibilities together with the City of Gothenburg.”

Volvo already has three plug-in-hybrid Hyper Buses in operation in Gothenburg, which charge their batteries at end stations. In 2015, a new bus line, ElectriCity, will become operational. Dynamic charging could increase the distance the buses can run on pure electricity.

“We are working on both a broad and a deep basis to develop the technology of tomorrow. Electric roads are another important part of the puzzle in our aim of achieving transport solutions that will minimize the impact on the environment,” says Gustavsson.

Source: Volvo Group