Wireless bus charging enters service in Washington state

Malvern, Pennsylvania – Momentum Dynamics Corp., has commissioned a 200kW wireless charging system for a battery-electric transit bus fleet. The system is now operational on a BYD K9S bus at Link Transit in Wenatchee, Washington.

”Transit agencies are transitioning to electric buses as quickly as they can, but driving range limitations are impeding faster adoption," says Momentum CEO Andrew Daga. "These agencies have been waiting for a solution that will guarantee their new electric buses can drive any route while maintaining an adequate energy reserve under all conditions."

Wireless charging allows buses to add enough energy to complete a route during a five-minute transfer station stop. This allows the electric bus to drive unlimited route cycles. Buses with Momentum's wireless charging system stop over the charging transmitter embedded in the road to charge automatically.

"This state-of-the-art technology is a game changer for battery electric fleets across the nation," says Link Transit Technology Manager Todd Daniel. "The simplicity along with seamless charging allows Link Transit to operate all of our urban service routes continuously without the need for midday charging. Link is planning to expand this technology for our longer rural routes in the near future, which will assist in the agency's goal of 100% fleet electrification."

Momentum's wireless charger installed at Link Transit is the first in North America to operate at the 200kW power level and the first to achieve a UL field certification. In its first month of operation, the system is adding more energy to the bus than it consumes on each driving route.

Momentum is installing additional wireless charging systems in the U.S. this year and more are planned for Europe in 2019. The technology can be used in electric cars, commercial, and autonomous vehicles.