Electric Taxis In Norway To Use Wireless Car Charging Stations

The Norwegian capital of Oslo will soon become the first city in the world to implement a series of wireless charging systems for electric taxis.

Reuters reports that the project will see charging plates with induction technology installed in the road at various taxi ranks across the city. Finnish utility company Fortum has been tasked with developing and introducing the wireless charging solution.

By implementing such a system, the government hopes to increase the number of electric taxis in Oslo by reducing the need for drivers to spend time at traditional charging stations. By implementing wireless charging in various locations, taxi drivers will be able to charge their vehicles as they wait for passengers. It is reported that the technology will allow for charging of up to 75 kilowatts.

“The future is electric, and it is already here, right now. Wireless charging is a potential game-changer,” Oslo’s electromobility manager Sture Portvik said. “From 2023 onward, all taxis in Oslo will be zero emission. Together with the taxi industry, we will make sure that the shift is as user-friendly and efficient as possible.

“Oslo will always be at the front of innovation and we are delighted to join forces with two of the industry’s most progressive players in this game-changing move to launch the world’s most ambitious plan for wireless charging of a taxi fleet.”

Implementing such an innovative system in Norway is fitting given the country’s love for electric vehicles. The country has the highest rate of electric vehicle ownership in the world and approximately one-third of all new cars sold last year were electric.