The British marque will embark on a programme known as "ElectriCity" together with Nordic taxi operator Cabonline (NorgeTaxi AS), the region’s largest charge point operator Fortum Recharge, US technology developer Momentum Dynamics and the City of Oslo.
The collaboration will first look to build a wireless high-powered charging infrastructure for electric taxis in the Norwegian capital - making it a first for the world and in doing so become a model for implementation and thus lead to the rapid adoption of electric vehicles on a global scale.
Fortum Recharge will be supporting the installation and electrification of the project and has identified the need for a more efficient charging experience for taxi drivers in Oslo.
In doing so, they have enlisted the support of Momentum Dynamics in integrating the wireless charging infrastructure.
As for Jaguar Land Rover, the British carmaker will provide 25 Jaguar I-Pace models to Cabonline, before having their performance sports utility vehicles outfitted with Momentum Dynamic’s wireless charging technology.
A team of engineers and technicians from both Momentum Dynamics and Jaguar Land Rover were engaged to help in testing the solution, and Cabonline signed up to operate the fleet as part of Oslo’s ElectriCity programme.
For usage efficiency, taxi drivers need a charging system that does not take them off route during their working hours.
Multiple charging plates rated at 50 to 75kW each, are installed in the ground in series at pick-up-drop-off points - allowing each equipped taxi to charge while queuing for the next fare.
The system, which uses no cables and situated below ground, requires no physical connection between a charger and vehicle, engages automatically and provides on average of six to eight minutes of energy per each charge up to 50kW.
The taxi then receives multiple charges throughout the day on its return to the rank, maintaining a high battery state of charge and the ability to remain in service 24 hours a day without driving range restrictions.
The Oslo ElectriCity partnership is part of Jaguar Land Rover’s ambition to make societies healthier and safer, whilst reducing emissions.
Delivered through relentless innovation to adapt its products and services to the rapidly changing world, the company’s focus is on achieving Destination Zero, a future of zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion.
Oslo will be the world’s first metropolitan area to install wireless, induction-based high-powered charging stations for electric taxis, in a bid to make its cab system emission-free as early as 2024.
Norway wants to go even further however and is mandating that all new cars sold in the country by 2025 are zero-emission.
