# Volvo’s Electric Bus Charge Road Project: Future of Public Transit

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/volvos-electric-bus-charge-road-project-future-of-public-transit/
- Published: 2015-01-24T21:03:59-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Volvo Pioneers Electric Buses Charge Road Project

This is all for sustainable public transportation. In an exciting development for
sustainable transportation, the Volvo Group has announced a groundbreaking initiative.
One to study the potential of an electric bus charge road. This innovative project,
in collaboration with the Swedish Transport Administration. For it could revolutionize
how we power our public transit systems. I mean imagine an electric bus that can
charge while on the road!

### The Future of City Buses: Charge on the Road

Imagine a city buse that charge on the road. All while they drive. For that’s eliminating
the need for lengthy stops at charging stations. That’s exactly what [Volvo](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/volvo-group-do-research-on-high-tech-eco-driving/)
is proposing with their electric road concept. Here’s what you need to know:

 1. A 300-500 meter test track planned for central [Gothenburg](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/07/volvo-launches-noiseless-electric-buses-in-gothenburg/)
    in 2015
 2. Buses will charge wirelessly through inductive charging technology on the road
 3. Energy transfers from equipment in the road to the underside of vehicles
 4. Potential for quieter, more climate-friendly public transport

#### Why A Bus Charge Road Project Matters

This could be the next pioneering step towards reduced environmental impact,” says
Niklas Gustavsson, Executive VP of Corporate Sustainability & Public Affairs at 
[Volvo Group](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/volvo-group-opens-the-door-to-its-future-research/).
He emphasizes that this aligns perfectly with Volvo’s vision of becoming a world
leader in sustainable transport solutions.

### The Technology Behind It

The electric road concept uses inductive charging, allowing vehicles to charge their
batteries continuously while in operation. This wireless energy transfer could significantly
extend the range of electric buses, making them more viable for widespread adoption.

#### Building on Past Successes

Volvo isn’t new to the green transportation game. They’ve already made strides with:

 1. Hybrid buses combining diesel and electric engines
 2. The Hyper Bus project in Gothenburg, with plug-in hybrid buses charging at end 
    stations
 3. Plans for the ElectriCity bus line between Chalmers and Lindholmen in 2015

#### What’s Next?

The Volvo Group will develop a detailed proposal for the Swedish Transport Administration,
including:

 1. Building a road section with wireless charging technology
 2. Developing vehicles that can automatically charge when passing over these sections
 3. Testing the system on a public transport route in Gothenburg

#### The Bigger Picture

This project is more than just about buses. It’s a crucial piece in the puzzle of
creating truly sustainable transport solutions. As Gustavsson puts it, “[Electric roads](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/electric-roads-could-you-drive-coast-to-coast-without-stopping/)
are another important part of the puzzle in our aim of achieving transport solutions
that will minimize the impact on the environment.

### My Take

As The [Green Living Guy](https://greenlivingguy.com/reforest-contact/), I’m thrilled
to see major companies like Volvo pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable
transportation. This project has the potential to transform not just public transit,
but potentially all road transportation. It’s innovations like these that will help
us build a cleaner, greener future.

What do you think about this electric road concept? Could you see it working in 
your city? Let me know in the comments below!

Stay green, Seth

19/05/2014
by [Press release AB Volvo](https://www.volvogroup.com/en-en/home.html)

[⌊bus charge road ⌉⌊bus charge road ⌉[

> “Vehicles capable of being charged directly from the road during operation could
> become the next pioneering step in the development towards reduced environmental
> impact, and this is fully in line with our vision of becoming the world leader
> in sustainable transport solutions. Close cooperation between society and industry
> is needed for such a development to be possible and we look forward to investigating
> the possibilities together with the City of Gothenburg,” says Niklas Gustavsson,
> Executive Vice President, Corporate Sustainability & Public Affairs of the Volvo
> Group.

May 19, 2014
(*Hyper Bus is short for Hybrid and Plug-in Extended Range Bus)

Posted on May 19, 2014 by Seth Leitman, The [Green Living Guy](https://greenlivingguy.com/)