Oslo, Norway to install wireless electric chargers for taxi fleet

Electric taxis are seen as key to a widespread zero-emission transportation future, but charging has remained a major barrier. Because cab drivers have unpredictable schedules, it can be difficult to keep a consistent charge. Depending on where the chargers are located, drivers may also have to go out of their way and wait, meaning lost fares. That has plagued Washington, DC’s attempts to deploy more electric taxis, prompting utility Pepco to commit to more infrastructure installation. The wireless chargers can help solve that problem by allowing drivers to juice up while they are waiting for passengers at busy pickup points. The induction plates will start automatically when a taxi drives over them, and fast charging technology will keep the cars on the road longer. The widespread deployment can offer a model to other cities that have eyed electric taxi fleets. Cities including Columbus, OH and New York City have purchased electric vehicles (EVs) to integrate into existing taxi fleets; Shenzhen, China boasted earlier this year that it had converted 95% of its fleet to electric taxis