WiTricity, a leader in wireless electric vehicle charging, and International Transportation Service LLC (ITS) have embarked on a pioneering pilot program at the Port of Long Beach. This initiative represents the first collaboration between the two companies and features the first Ford E-Transit equipped with WiTricity’s advanced wireless charging technology.
Key Highlights
- Pilot Program Launch: WiTricity and ITS are testing wireless charging on Ford E-Transit vehicles.
- ACT Expo Showcase: The enhanced Ford E-Transit with wireless charging will be featured in booth #1200.
- Operational Efficiency: The initiative aims to assess the impact of wireless charging on ITS’s operational costs.
The pilot program will span six months, during which WiTricity’s patented wireless charging technology will be evaluated in real-world conditions. This assessment will provide critical data on the technology’s effectiveness and efficiency, helping ITS to understand the impact on operational costs as they electrify their light-duty fleet. The program also marks two significant milestones: the first wirelessly charged Ford E-Transit using WiTricity technology and the debut collaboration between WiTricity and ITS, highlighting the practical application of WiTricity’s Halo™ wireless EV charging system.
WiTricity’s wireless chargers will power part of ITS’s light-duty fleet, which is essential for transporting staff and visitors around the busy terminal. The data collected from this trial will inform ITS’s future plans to fully electrify its light-duty fleet, enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability.
The wireless charging technology developed by WiTricity allows electric vehicles to be charged by simply parking over a charging pad. This method offers the same speed and efficiency as a standard Level 2 plug-in charger but with added convenience, reliability, and safety.
At the upcoming ACT Expo, WiTricity will feature the Ford E-Transit with wireless charging capability at booth #1200. This showcase will provide industry professionals with a firsthand look at the innovative technology.
Joe Benz, CEO of WiTricity, stated, “The International Transportation Service pilot program will yield meaningful real-world data on the benefits of our wireless charging for fleets. Our WiTricity Halo™ wireless EV charging platform unlocks significant potential for commercial deployments, offering seamless, efficient charging that improves safety, reduces costs, and optimizes workflow. This pilot program is a great first step to help ITS minimize the total cost of ownership of electrifying its fleet.”
Kim Holtermand, CEO of ITS, added, “The San Pedro gateway has seen dramatic changes in the container market, customer behavior, modal shifts, and regulatory environment over the last few years. Throughout these changes, ITS has continuously invested in equipment, systems, and people to offer agile, solution-focused, and greener services to our customers across the supply chain.”
WiTricity is at the forefront of wireless charging technology for electric vehicles, playing a crucial role in developing and implementing magnetic resonance technology across various vehicle types. The company’s extensive patent portfolio supports global EV wireless charging standards ratified by SAE, ISO, and GB, making their technology indispensable for wireless charging across multiple applications, including consumer electronics, micro-mobility, and robotics.
International Transportation Service (ITS) has been a pioneer in reducing air pollution from port-related operations since 2006. ITS was the first container terminal operator to sign a full 20-year green lease with the Port of Long Beach, leading the charge in using renewable fuels and the latest clean technologies to power port operations. The company continues to innovate by incorporating the Ford E-Transit into its light-duty fleet and investing in hybrid drive technology for its equipment.
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