Electreon: Powering the Future of Urban Mobility
As cities around the world intensify efforts to achieve zero-emission targets, innovative transport solutions are taking center stage. One of the most promising comes from Electreon, a company that delivers wireless charging technology embedded directly into road infrastructure. Rather than relying on oversized batteries and long overnight charging cycles, Electreon’s system allows electric buses to charge dynamically while in motion or during brief stops.
Why Wireless Charging Matters
- Smaller Batteries, Lower Costs
Frequent opportunity charging throughout the day enables the use of smaller, less expensive batteries. This significantly reduces vehicle weight, improves energy efficiency, and makes electric buses more sustainable to produce and operate. - Minimal Downtime, Higher Fleet Availability
Charging at bus stops or traffic lights minimizes vehicle idle time. At Electreon’s depot in Israel, 32 battery-electric buses achieved 99% availability, with virtually no need for backup vehicles — a benchmark in operational efficiency. - Optimized Grid Load and Renewable Integration
Distributed, low-power charging smooths out energy demand peaks, helping utilities better manage the grid and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources. - Enhanced Passenger Experience
With charging infrastructure embedded beneath the road, there are no visible cables or plug-in stations. This creates cleaner, safer public spaces and allows electric buses to offer the same level of comfort and reliability as diesel buses — but without noise, fumes, or emissions.
Real-World Deployments
-
Trondheim, Norway: Buses charge wirelessly at key stops, even in cold climates and mountainous terrain.
-
Tel Aviv, Israel: A fully wireless depot supports the daily operation of electric buses.
-
Balingen, Germany: The first public transit route to combine dynamic and static wireless charging.
-
Detroit, USA: Electreon’s first U.S. deployment features in-road wireless charging technology.
Electreon and Chariot Motors: A Strategic Partnership
Electreon’s global rollout is bolstered by its partnership with Chariot Motors, a leading European manufacturer of fast-charging electric buses equipped with ultracapacitor technology. Together, the companies are advancing several pioneering projects:
-
Smartroad Gotland (Sweden): A 4-kilometer live route using Electreon’s dynamic wireless charging, operated with a Chariot electric bus and truck.
-
Balingen (Germany): A Chariot electric bus with a 422 kWh battery runs on a live urban route with embedded wireless charging segments.
-
Detroit (USA): Electreon’s wireless technology is integrated into a Chariot bus platform for real-world testing in North America.
The Future is Now
Wireless charging is no longer a vision of the future — it is a proven, scalable, and efficient solution for modern public transport. By minimizing downtime, extending battery life, and eliminating above-ground infrastructure, Electreon is making urban mobility more reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable.
Through its collaboration with Chariot Motors, Electreon is not just demonstrating what’s possible — it’s actively transforming how cities will move in the years to come.
