Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification (WAVE) announces its state-of-the-art Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technology is now providing in-route charging for electric-powered buses at the Bay Area’s Walnut Creek BART station, along with Gillig, a new OEM partner, and Contra Costa County Transit Agency. The WAVE system uses a charging pad that lies flush with the pavement, is sturdy enough to be run over all day without damage, and wirelessly charges the bus during routine stops. In-route charging means less batteries, reduced vehicle weight, higher passenger capacity and extended vehicle range.
“In-route charging eliminates the range vs. capacity tradeoff that remains the primary challenge in electrified transportation,” said Michael Masquelier, Chief Executive Officer of WAVE. “Combined with our unique wireless underground charging technology, we provide maximum efficiency without the eyesore and risks associated with above ground charging equipment. We are honored and excited to partner with Gillig, a 125-year-old company with a reputation for quality and customer service, to deliver a WAVE powered all-electric bus solution.”
WAVE’s WPT technology is the world’s most powerful and efficient single pad wireless charging system ever deployed by a U.S. company for mass transit. Recently celebrating its 4th year in operation, WAVE is currently taking orders on a 250kW wireless charger to add to its portfolio of product offerings, in addition to continued delivery of its flagship 50kW product.
Sales in WAVE systems have been steadily increasing over the past 3 years, including commercial deployments at Utah Transit Authority, Monterey Salinas Transit, McAllen Metro Transit, and Antelope Valley Transit Authority, with ten buses at Long Beach Transit planned to be in service during the next quarter. Next on tap for delivery are 250kW systems for AVTA in 2017 and additional wireless charging systems in the East Bay to power more Gillig electric buses for CCCTA.
The CEO and General Manager of Contra Costa County Transit Authority, Rick Ramacier, said “perhaps the most unique aspect of this vehicle is the way we charge it…opportunity or in-route charging…that means we can do more runs per bus per day and not send it back to the depot for charging, which would otherwise require more buses, more drivers, and additional costs.”
Derek Maunus, President of Gillig, stated “WAVE has proven to be a strategic supplier enabling our all-electric bus solutions to meet our customer’s needs.”
“Manually attaching power connectors is simply too time-consuming” said Masquelier, “while overhead charging systems detract from the cosmetic components of green initiatives. It’s this combination that is driving demand for WAVE’s IPT systems.”