UCLA’s Electric Buses Will Wirelessly Charge While Driving and at Stops

UCLA is set to debut California’s first in-road wireless charging project for electric buses, embedding chargers under streets and bus stops on its campus. This innovative project enables electric buses to charge wirelessly while driving or stopping, eliminating the need for traditional plug-in charging stations. UCLA stands for “University of California, Los Angeles.” It’s a prestigious school in Southern California that’s known for its academic excellence and research.

The project, in collaboration with wireless charging company Electreon and nonprofit Calstart, is funded by the state. It aligns with UCLA’s goal of advancing sustainability and adopting cutting-edge technology. Beyond the charging infrastructure, the university plans to transition its entire bus fleet to electric vehicles, underscoring its commitment to eco-friendly transportation.

Similar projects are being piloted in Detroit and Indiana, but UCLA’s implementation highlights the growing interest in integrating wireless charging into urban transit systems. This technology could enhance EV efficiency, reduce downtime, and contribute to broader adoption in commercial and public fleets.

Wireless charging for UCLA’s electric bus fleet offers multiple benefits, especially as the fleet expands. Currently, buses rely on overnight charging at a central hub, which creates challenges due to increasing power demands and the need for additional infrastructure. By integrating wireless charging into roads and bus stops, the university can distribute charging needs across the day and multiple locations.

This approach not only alleviates stress on the grid but also allows buses to stay operational longer, enhancing service for riders. With continuous top-ups while in motion or during stops, buses can maintain optimal performance without needing lengthy downtime for recharging. This technology makes the transition to a fully electric fleet more feasible, scalable, and efficient, aligning with both environmental goals and improved transit reliability.

The inductive charging project at UCLA represents a transformative step in sustainable transportation. By embedding charging coils under roads and bus stops, the system allows electric buses to charge while driving or parked briefly, addressing challenges faced by traditional charging methods. Wireless charging distributes power demands throughout the day and across multiple locations, enabling buses to operate longer and more efficiently, improving service for riders.

This innovative system is also cost-effective over time. While pilot installations involve higher upfront costs, integrating charging coils during routine road resurfacing makes the process more practical. Vehicles equipped with receptors can communicate with the coils to absorb power, reducing the need for extensive charging infrastructure. The technology’s versatility extends beyond buses, potentially supporting trucks, rideshares, and vans, making it a multipurpose solution for electrified transport.

On a larger scale, inductive charging could revolutionize transit design. Buses on routes equipped with this technology can use smaller batteries, significantly cutting costs and environmental impacts associated with battery production. In Sweden, for example, transit agencies using similar systems have reduced battery sizes by up to 90%. The weight savings lower vehicle costs while making them more efficient. Additionally, with charging infrastructure hidden underground, the approach minimizes the physical and visual impact on communities, addressing concerns tied to traditional charging stations.

For UCLA, the project supports the shift to a fully electric bus fleet and has long-term implications for Los Angeles and beyond. While not directly linked to the 2028 Olympics, the system could complement the city’s goals of hosting a car-free, low-emissions event. Beyond the Games, this infrastructure will remain a valuable asset, supporting California’s broader electrification and sustainability objectives. By reducing reliance on large-scale charging hubs and making electric transit more viable, this initiative is set to drive meaningful progress in the transition to cleaner, greener transportation.

As an example of the great progress being made in wireless EV charging, leading company WAVE Charging comes to mind. The company was featured in an EVinfo.net article in November 2024, detailing the many ways wireless charging is superior to wired charging. Wave Charging is highly recommended by EVinfo.net.

Wave Charging, One of the Global Wireless EV Charging Leaders

In 2010, WAVE Charging launched a cutting-edge wireless inductive charging system designed to enable commercial operators to extend the range of medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles. Over the years, the company has expanded its offerings to address the diverse challenges that fleets and business operators face as they transition to electric vehicles. WAVE Charging now provides a variety of innovative charging technologies that not only reduce installation costs but are also easily scalable as businesses grow.