Wireless EV charging pioneer InductEV has joined the Zero Emissions Port Alliance (ZEPA), aiming to accelerate port decarbonization and make battery-electric container handling equipment (BE-CHE) more affordable and accessible.
Moreover, ZEPA estimates that over 120,000 container handling units, which contribute 10-15 million tons of CO2e annually, need to be decarbonized.
InductEV’s high-power inductive wireless charging system, already successfully deployed with municipal transit agencies across North America and Europe, is now operational at APM Terminals in Port Elizabeth (NJ) and will soon be installed at a major US West Coast port facility.
Additionally, beyond its environmental impact, InductEV’s wireless charging technology offers economic advantages for fleet owners and port operators by enhancing fleet utilization and reducing CapEx costs.
ZEPA focuses on four key areas:
- Scaling up production of battery-electric CHE, reducing lead times and costs.
- Lowering battery and charging solution costs, while simplifying implementation through standardization.
- Facilitating cost-effective power infrastructure rollouts for battery electric CHE, shore power, and other cargo segments.
- Creating better market conditions to accelerate the adoption of untethered battery electric CHE.
InductEV’s wireless charging system utilizes inductive charging pads: an in-ground pad that activates when paired with an under-vehicle pad. Their systems range from 75 kW to 450 kW and do not require additional space compared to wired chargers. The hands-free operation also enhances driver safety.
Most notably, InductEV’s solution changes the traditional charging model, shifting away from time-consuming, energy-intensive overnight charging sessions in depots. Instead, it enables shorter, on-route charging throughout the day, easing the transition to electrification by maximizing the use of available clean energy and minimizing the burden on both utilities and fleet operators.
“We embrace the mission of ZEPA and share in its members’ vision for the electric future of the 940 container ports around the world,” stated James Wroe, InductEV’s Managing Director for Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and a long-time port industry executive.
He further added, “This industry is at a tipping point, and we’re excited to demonstrate the role wireless, opportunistic charging can play in this vital transformation.”
