CHARGED Electric Vehicles Magazine – May-June 2019

(Michael S) #1

MAY/JUN 2019 65


Image courtesy of Fortum

Image courtesy of Duke Energy

Finnish utility company Fortum is working with the city
of Oslo and US-based Momentum Dynamics to build
a wireless fast-charging infrastructure for taxis in the
Norwegian capital.
The project aims to install wireless charging using
induction technology that can handle power levels up to
75 kW. The company plans to install charging plates in
the ground where taxis routinely park.
As part of its EV charging program, Charge & Drive,
Fortum has worked with the taxi industry to spur electri-
fication of taxis. The company says that, for taxi drivers,
finding a charger, plugging in, and waiting is simply
too time-consuming. Fortum hopes the wireless fast-
charging project will solve this issue.
Annika Hoffner, Head of Fortum Charge & Drive, said,
“We will install the wireless chargers at taxi stands, such
as the one at the Oslo Central Station. Taxis will be able
to drive up to the charger and a wireless charging session
will automatically start. This allows the taxis to charge
in a place where they would anyway be waiting for new
customers. The difference is that they won’t be emitting
exhaust while waiting, instead they will be receiving
renewable energy to charge the taxi’s battery.”

Fortum to build wireless


charging infrastructure for


electric taxis in Oslo


Duke Energy has
proposed a three-year,
$76-million program
to support EV adop-
tion in North Carolina.
The proposal includes
funding for the adop-
tion of electric school buses, electric public transporta-
tion, and almost 2,500 new charging stations.
The company is awaiting approval from the North
Carolina Utilities Commission. If approved, the program
will provide the following:


  • Residential EV Charging - $1,000 rebates for Level 2
    charging stations for up to 800 residential customers

  • Public Charging - installation of more than 800
    public charging stations, including DC fast charging,
    public Level 2 and multifamily locations

  • Fleet EV Charging - $2,500 rebates for 900 qualify-
    ing charging stations

  • EV School Buses - financial support to procure up
    to 85 electric school buses. Duke will install the
    charging infrastructure.

  • EV Transit Bus Charging Stations - installation of
    more than 100 electric transit bus charging stations
    for transit agencies


Duke proposed a $10.4-million EV program in South
Carolina last year.
Lang Reynolds, Director of Duke’s electrification
strategy, said, “North Carolina deserves a cleaner and
smarter energy future, and supporting the use of electric
transportation is a Duke Energy priority that will benefit
our communities, customers, and our state’s future. This
initiative will help accelerate public and private EV use
while also reducing carbon emissions.”

Duke Energy proposes


$76-million EV program in


North Carolina

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