SWEDEN Scania is testing a wirelessly charged electric-hybrid bus on the streets of Södertälje. The vehicle will be recharged wirelessly from the road surface at bus stops, where it will take on enough energy for a complete journey in around six minutes.
“The main purpose of the field test is to evaluate the technology in real-life conditions,” said Håkan Sundelin, Research and Development Co-ordinator for hybrid technology at Scania. “We want to learn more about the technology and how the systems perform, but also how passengers and drivers perceive it. Our goal is that they won’t see any difference.
“To build an infrastructure and convert bus fleets to vehicles that run exclusively on electricity will provide many advantages. With a fleet of 2,000 buses, the city can save up to 50 million litres of fuel each year. This means the fuel costs decrease by up to 90%.”
Scania is looking at other options, including the take-up of energy from overhead electrical wires or charging stations.
