Wireless taxi charging begins in Germany
Electric taxi wireless charging trials began in Germany with new inductive charging pads installed in the city of Cologne.
As part of the trial called TALAKO, INTIS have supplied several LEVC TX taxis retrofitted with wireless charging technology. There will also be a total of six charging stations set in key locations in central Cologne.
The first two wireless charging stations were set up on behalf of RheinEnergie AG on 20 May and will continue to be operated after the end of the project in September. Four further charging stations are set to go live soon.
The project will provide wireless charging of electric cabs in the power range up to 22kW. The roadside charging pads will be able to withstand stress caused by heavy trucks weighing up to 40 tonnes on a day- to-day basis.
A prototype has been in testing since mid-2020 and the latest trial will help determine whether the technology will be included in international standardisation of wireless charging for stationary charging units.
Ascan Egerer, Councillor for Mobility of the City of Cologne, said: “I am delighted that the first installation of this kind is going into operation in Cologne. This is the right step to promote climate- friendly mobility. Here, we as a municipality are called upon to test and promote such innovative technologies as a contribution to air pollution control and climate neutrality.”
