Israel Gets World’s First Wireless Charging Station For Public Buses

An Israeli company that developed a way for cars to wirelessly charge while driving has completed the world’s first wireless charging terminal for public buses.

Public transport operator Electra Afikim can now wirelessly charge its stationary buses at its terminal in Rosh HaAyin in central Israel, both at night and during the day. 

Electreon uses copper coils laid beneath the asphalt to transfer power from the electricity grid to the road. Receivers installed on the floor of hybrid vehicles and EVs transmit the energy directly to the engine and the battery, doing away with the concern of running out of power.

The project is valued at around 5.8 million shekels (approx. $1.6 million). Electreon has also partnered with three leading international bus manufacturers that were selected by Electra – HIGER, Ankai and Sunwin – to fully integrate its vehicle receivers into their electric buses.

“We are pleased to introduce to the world the first wireless charging terminal of this kind here in Israel, enabling efficient, cost-effective, and space-saving wireless charging for public transit buses in a busy urban zone,” said Oren Ezer, CEO of Electreon.

“This innovative facility is designed to provide wireless charging for electric buses throughout the day and night, serving the public as part of regular public transportation services in the Petah Tikva and Rosh HaAyin areas,” he said.

“Rosh HaAyin is among the first cities in Israel to have electric buses,” said the city’s mayor Shalom Ben Moshe. 

“We are promoting green public transportation in the city with the aim of reducing air pollution and continuing to improve the quality of life of the residents and the environment,” he said.

“The arrival of the electric buses to the city is the fruit of the hard work of the municipality as part of our ongoing public transportation improvement policies in the city.”