WAVE supports Antelope Valley Transit Authority to be the first fully electric fleet powered by wireless chargers

Wireless advanced vehicle electrification (WAVE) is providing additional wireless inductive charging systems to Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) as it transitions to a fully electric vehicle fleet.

The economy’s shift toward sustainability has influenced AVTA’s decision to become pioneers of battery electric bus transportation. By combining electric bus technology with wireless inductive charging technology, AVTA’s innovative bus project will be the first of its kind in the nation, according to WAVE. The electric bus fleet project will not only benefit local communities but also the environment as a whole.

“Our goal is to seamlessly integrate the charging into naturally occurring dwell times in our schedule,” said AVTA CEO Macy Neshati. “With the industry-leading 250kW transfer rate that WAVE provides, we can add as much as 133 miles of range on a typical 8-hour shift, which allows us to conduct business as usual while disposing of old polluting diesel buses.”

In-route charging means buses can have smaller batteries, reduced vehicle weight, a higher passenger capacity and extended vehicle range. Manually attaching power connectors for plug-in chargers is time-consuming, not to mention the risks associated with above ground charging equipment through distasteful visual clutter of overhead lines and pylons. In addition, overhead chargers include moving parts requiring frequent maintenance that will significantly increase costs.

“It’s the completely ‘hands-free’ automated charging operation that is driving demand, which requires absolutely no action by the operators,” said WAVE CEO Michael Masquelier. “AVTA’s electric buses can now move passengers all day long without a single concern about having enough range.”

WAVE technology transfers power through the air from a single embedded charging pad placed in the pavement to a receiving pad mounted on the vehicle's undercarriage. The pad embedded in the ground is sturdy enough to be run throughout the course of the day without damage, has no moving parts, and avoids risks associated with above ground charging equipment.

WAVE is honored to partner with AVTA toward its goal of green mobility. “We look forward to working on future projects with them,” Masquelier said.