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Is inductive charging on the verge of a breakthrough?

In the city of Bad Staffelstein, inductive charging infrastructure for fleet applications in public spaces is being tested and has now been "connected" on the street.

Everything autonomous: With autonomous vehicles, inductive charging is almost indispensable. | Photo: Intis
Everything autonomous: With autonomous vehicles, inductive charging is almost indispensable. | Photo: Intis
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As part of the MILAS (Modular Intelligent Inductive Charging Systems for Autonomous Shuttles) funding project, which was supported in 2021 by the DLR project management agency on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the city of Bad Staffelstein is participating in the national research project for the development of CO₂-neutral mobility solutions. The aim is to test and evaluate inductive charging infrastructure for public transportation, particularly as a feeder solution for city centers. The developed charging systems are currently being tested in urban areas.

Inductive charging surfaces can massively simplify charging

At a project event in the Adam-Riese-Halle, Mayor Mario Schönwald welcomed participants from politics, business, and research. After his introductory words and thanks to the project participants, Professor Benedikt Schmülling from the University of Wuppertal explained the scientific foundations and objectives of the project. Dr. Ralf Effenberger from INTIS delved deeper into the topic and presented his team's results in the development of inductive charging surfaces.

The project demonstrates an innovative approach to climate-neutral mobility for small groups in urban areas. Project manager Michael Böhm emphasized the intensive collaboration between administration and crafts, which was crucial for the project's success. Peter Wüstnienhaus, head of the “Electromobility” technology program at DLR, highlighted the importance of autonomous charging solutions, as many questions remain unanswered and there is too little data to develop economically viable models for the so-called last mile.

The real test is always important

The company INTIS emphasizes the necessity of testing inductive charging surfaces under real conditions to validate efficiency and applications. IBC Solar AG also contributed to the CO₂-neutral energy supply of the project and sees great potential in the experiences and insights gained for the further development of decentralized energy systems, as Dr. Marcus Rauch points out. An important contribution was also made by regional companies like JD Bau, which constructed the dynamic charging surfaces, as well as Valeo and HUK Coburg, which took innovative approaches in vehicle development and insurance.

Professor Schmülling emphasizes the importance of this project as a leading model for inductive charging in public spaces and sees great future potential for mobility in growing urban areas. By the end of 2024, the shuttles will be available for research and the public in Bad Staffelstein.

What does that mean?

Autonomous driving requires a certain extent of inductive charging. In Bad Staffelstein, this overall concept is moving one step closer.

Translated automatically from German.
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