Israel, Haifa BRT system will be equipped with wireless charging by Electreon

Israeli wireless charging solutions provider Electreon announces it has signed an agreement with TransIsrael, a Ministry of Transport agency, to build an advanced electric road system (ERS) on Haifa’s BRT lines.

The project will provide dynamic and stationary wireless charging along dedicated bus routes in the port city, marking a change from the use of overnight depot charging only. Today, in fact, Electreon specifies that buses need to be swapped out during the day to complete their daily schedules. The use of wireless charging is aimed at eliminating the need for mid-operation bus replacements.

Electreon to provide both dynamic charging and at end stops in Haifa

Electreon will provide a combination of its wireless dynamic charging infrastructure, installed along select segments totalling 1.6 km of the 104 km BRT route, along with its wireless stationary systems at the route’s end stops.

The technology will be also affixed in five Golden Dragon articulated electrical buses owned by BRT operator Superbus, serving the Haifa Bay area and several northeastern suburbs.

Funded by the Ministry of Transportation, the project aims to extend the driving range and operational time of articulated e-buses by charging them wirelessly while they’re in motion. This marks Electreon’s second BRT project, following a installation in Norway with local public transport operator AtB, the company highlights. Electreon is also involved in the “Arena of the future” project in Italy.

Under the 36-month agreement, Electreon states it will manage installation, operation and maintenance in return for approximately 4.2 M USD. The wireless charging solution will be evaluated for its impact on Metronit’s energy management, operational efficiency, and ROI. The project includes an option to extend for an additional 24 months and expand system installations to other BRT lines and buses.

Dan Shenbach, CEO of TransIsrael said: “As a leader of innovative transportation solutions, Cross Israel Highway is pioneering the integration of dynamic and stationary wireless charging within Israel’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, the Metronit network. This integration will extend electric but service times, enable fleet expansion and optimization, and enhance service quality, offering passengers a more efficient, comfortable and eco-friendly ride”.

Oren Ezer, CEO of Electreon said: “Electreon’s dynamic wireless charging technology perfectly suits BRT routes, such as the Metronit, extending travel range, reducing battery size, and easing depot electric load. It tackles key challenges of the shift to electric mobility. Alongside a similar project in Norway, it offers a comprehensive solution for the BRT market segment, which is gaining momentum both domestically and internationally.”