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The State of Michigan has announced a partnership with Electreon and Xos, Inc. to expand wireless charging capabilities for commercial delivery vehicles in Detroit. The collaboration aims to reduce vehicle downtime and boost business efficiency through cutting-edge technology that enables electric vehicles to charge wirelessly while in motion. This new initiative includes additional installations at a UPS facility to enhance fleet operations.
Key Highlights:
- Wireless charging technology will be integrated into an Xos Stepvan, showcasing the potential benefits of dynamic charging for commercial fleets.
- New installations of stationary wireless chargers will be implemented at a UPS facility in Detroit to enable cable-free overnight charging.
- The project is supported by $200,000 in funding from the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP) to foster sustainable mobility solutions.
- The initiative builds on Michigan’s economic strategy, focusing on creating good-paying jobs, enhancing electrification infrastructure, and advancing environmental sustainability.
The partnership will see Electreon and Xos working together to demonstrate the benefits of wireless charging for electrified fleets. This effort aims to reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) for commercial truck fleets and enhance overall operational efficiency. Electreon will integrate its wireless charging system into an Xos Stepvan, showcasing the ability to charge while stationary and in motion. Additionally, the project includes new stationary charging installations at a UPS facility in Detroit, designed to support cable-free overnight charging that suits the dense operational nature of depot environments.
“This new partnership with Electreon and Xos builds on the success of the nation’s first public EV-charging roadway,” said Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer for the State of Michigan. “By expanding the applications and capabilities of this innovative technology to UPS’ Detroit facility, Michigan continues to be a leader in the electrification of mobility.”
The Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP), launched by the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), is backing the project with $200,000 in funding. The MMFP supports real-world testing and the deployment of mobility projects across the state, focusing on enhancing sustainability, electric vehicle adoption, and access to affordable transportation.
This collaboration is part of Michigan’s Make it in Michigan economic strategy, which focuses on investing in the state’s people, places, and projects. The plan aims to cultivate good-paying jobs, a skilled workforce, and a supportive environment for mobility and electrification initiatives.
“We’re excited to demonstrate how Electreon’s technology can optimize electric fleet usage and showcase the seamless integration of wireless charging into daily fleet operations, minimizing downtime and enabling charging across time and location,” said Stefan Tongur, Vice President of Business Development for Electreon.
Dakota Semler, CEO & Co-Founder of Xos, Inc., echoed this enthusiasm, saying, “We are proud to partner with Electreon and support UPS to demonstrate the potential of wireless charging in commercial fleets. This innovative approach will revolutionize how we power our electric vehicles and drive fleet electrification forward.”
Further Expansion and Impact
Electreon also received funding from the Michigan Central Scale Fund, launched in 2023 to help startups scale in Michigan. The ongoing efforts in Detroit have expanded beyond the nation’s first wireless electric roadway, which was deployed by Electreon in 2023 at the Michigan Central Innovation District. This milestone underscores Detroit’s role as a leader in electric mobility infrastructure, with collaborative efforts from entities such as MDOT, the City of Detroit, Michigan Central, Ford Motor Company, and Newlab.
Bradley C. Wieferich, State Transportation Director, emphasized, “Lowering the cost, inconvenience, and range anxiety for EV fleet owners is an essential component in our goal to significantly increase the number of EVs on Michigan roads.”
The Electreon, Xos, and UPS partnership highlights a unique approach to commercial EV charging, combining both stationary and dynamic wireless charging. The system promises to eliminate operational interruptions, extend vehicle range without requiring larger batteries, and avoid costly electric grid upgrades—key challenges in the transition to fully electrified commercial fleets.
With continued advancements in wireless charging technology, Michigan is reaffirming its commitment to zero-emission transportation and positioning itself as a major hub for innovation in sustainable mobility.
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