InductEV, a pioneer in wireless electric vehicle charging solutions, will deploy its high-power inductive chargers in partnership with port terminal operator International Transportation Service, LLC (ITS) at the Port of Long Beach. ITS is the recent recipient of a $3.3 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to demonstrate transformative charging technology solutions to meet the unique needs of medium- and heavy-duty (MD/HD) electric vehicles (EVs).
The ITS project, titled "Hands-free Charging for Battery Electric Cargo Handling Equipment," is one of five projects awarded a total of $33 million by the CEC through this competitive solicitation in 2024.
Philadelphia, PA and Long Beach, CA-based InductEV was selected as a grant project partner by ITS to provide its high-power wireless inductive charging solution to charge five of ITS' battery-electric cargo handling equipment while they are parked. This represents the company's first installation at a West Coast port facility following deployment earlier last year at APM Terminals in Port Elizabeth, NJ.
"We are proud to partner with the ITS team at the Port of Long Beach to help them realize their vision for a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution to power their fleet," noted John F. Rizzo, President and Chief Executive Officer, InductEV. "As more port facilities and freight terminals electrify their fleets, we expect to see wireless inductive charging play a leading role in the process."
This competitive grant solicitation, offered through the CEC's Clean Transportation Program, is the first phase of a two-phased funding program that seeks to demonstrate innovative charging technologies and/or business models that work to accelerate the successful commercial deployment of MD/HD EVs.
"ITS is committed to serving the communities where we do business, to provide our customers with innovative, high-quality services, and to protect the health of our workers and our environment," added Kim Holtermand, CEO of ITS. "The embrace of these innovative charging technologies reinforces that commitment."
InductEV Charging Technology: InductEV's high-power wireless charging system works by using inductive charging pads: An in-ground pad that is instantly activated when paired with an under-the-vehicle pad. Current systems provided by InductEV range from 75 kW up to a 450 kW wireless charge. No additional real estate is needed compared to wired conductive chargers and the hands-free operation improves driver safety as well. Significantly, the company's solution shifts the charging paradigm from relying solely on time- and energy-intensive overnight wired charging sessions in depots to shorter charging sessions spread throughout the day, which reduces the friction of electrification for both power utilities and fleet operators by maximizing the use of available (clean) energy.
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