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Bad Staffelstein train station: Autonomous shuttles now charge inductively!
Karlsruhe is testing innovative inductive charging systems for autonomous shuttles to promote electromobility and improve range.
Bad Staffelstein train station: Autonomous shuttles now charge inductively!
In Germany, the journey towards an environmentally friendly future is in full swing, not least due to the increasing importance of electric vehicles. Building yard online reports that an innovative test track for autonomous shuttles that implements inductive charging has been set up in Bad Staffelstein. This technology represents a crucial step forward in driving the mobility transition and skillfully addresses the challenges of range and charging problems with electric vehicles.
The inductive charging process impresses with its efficiency. INTIS Integrated Infrastructure Solutions GmbH has developed a system that achieves an energy transfer of over 90 percent, which in practice is an improvement that should not be underestimated. The autonomous minibuses, which drive on a three-kilometer route, use an output of 11 kW to safely and reliably recharge with energy without the passengers having to come into contact with it.
Inductive charging: A new era
The advantages of inductive charging systems are diverse. The ability to charge electric vehicles wirelessly not only offers a high level of ease of use, but also protects the technology from vandalism, as charging pads are integrated directly into the road surface. Logistics week emphasizes that such systems also require less maintenance because there is no mechanical wear and tear. Automation of the charging process is also conceivable, be it in parking spaces, in front of traffic lights or on certain sections of the road.
In Cologne the trend is going in the same direction. There are now six inductive charging systems for electric taxis that charge with 22 kW. These systems also benefit from stable and durable fiberglass composite manhole covers from KHK, which are used in Cologne. The special thing about it: These covers do not disturb the magnetic field and at the same time offer easy access to the technology. Conventional covers made of reinforced concrete would be unsuitable for this as they hinder the magnetic field, which is an essential aspect in the development of efficient charging infrastructure.
A look into the future
The MILAS project in Bad Staffelstein illustrates the suitability of such technologies for promoting electromobility. The use of shaft-covering materials such as fiberglass composite not only contributes to CO2-neutral mobility for small groups of people, but also sets an example for a future-oriented charging infrastructure. The University of Stuttgart states that comprehensive charging infrastructure is essential to sustainably promote the spread of electric vehicles.
Considering all the developments that can be observed in both Bad Staffelstein and Cologne, it is clear: inductive charging is not only a technical advance, but also an important step on the way to more environmentally friendly mobility. With innovative solutions that increase comfort for users, the future of electromobility is ushering in a new era.