Technology

WiTricity and ITS Launch Groundbreaking Wireless Charging Program at the Port of Long Beach

In a groundbreaking collaboration, WiTricity, renowned for its innovative electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, has partnered with International Transportation Service (ITS) to introduce a pioneering pilot program at the bustling Port of Long Beach. The program heralds a significant stride in WiTricity's journey to broaden the accessibility of wireless charging technology and ITS's push towards a more sustainable and cost-efficient operation.

WiTricity: Powering the Future with Cutting-Edge Charging Technology

The Port of Long Beach now sets the stage for this strategic partnership as WiTricity and ITS kick off their six-month pilot program to rigorously test WiTricity's patented wireless charging tech under real-life operational conditions. This exciting program was officially unveiled on the 20th of May, 2024, drawing keen interests across industry sectors.

Unveiling a Wireless Revolution with Ford E-Transit

The centerpiece of the pilot program is the Ford E-Transit, the first vehicle of its kind to be wirelessly charged using WiTricity's technology. Demonstrating this novel capability, WiTricity will showcase the Ford E-Transit at the upcoming ACT Expo, inviting attendees to witness this breakthrough in booth #1200.

WiTricity aims to revolutionize the EV charging experience by simplifying the process to just parking over a pad. The system boasts the equivalent efficiency and speed of traditional Level 2 plugs while offering far superior convenience, reliability, and safety.

ITS Evaluates Wireless Charging's Impact on Operations

This initiative provides ITS with the opportunity to evaluate the influence of wireless charging on its operational costs and overall workflow as it moves toward fully electrifying its light-duty fleet. By integrating wireless technology, ITS can gather valuable data on usage, efficiency, and the practical benefits to logistics operations while maintaining its commitment to innovative and sustainable practices.

The First of Many Firsts

The collaboration is notable for two key milestones: the deployment of the first wirelessly charged Ford E-Transit using WiTricity technology, and the first alliance between WiTricity and ITS, exemplifying the application of the Halo wireless EV charging system in a real-world fleet scenario.

Seamless Charging for Fleet Efficiency

A selection of ITS's light-duty fleet, tasked with the essential function of transporting personnel and visitors around the busy terminal, will be powered by WiTricity's wireless chargers. Such deployment is expected to inform future strategies for ITS in complete fleet electrification, cutting down on costs and streamlining operations.

Joe Benz, CEO of WiTricity, expresses his confidence in the potential impact of this pilot program, noting that the WiTricity Halo wireless EV charging platform could bring a transformative shift in commercial deployments. The platform's seamless charging capacity is anticipated to enhance safety, reduce overhead costs, and optimize overall workflow in the process of fleet electrification.

ITS and the Greener Gateway Initiative

Kim Holtermand, CEO of ITS, points to the significant transformations in the container market, customer behavior, modal shifts, and regulatory frameworks as catalysts for innovation. Even amid these shifts, ITS has consistently sought out opportunities for investment in equipment, systems, and personnel, ultimately crafting agile, solution-oriented, and environmentally-friendly service offerings for their clientele across the supply chain.

This progressive outlook is epitomized by ITS's early initiatives preempting the San Pedro Bay ports' Clean Air Action Plan. Its 20-year green lease with the Port of Long Beach spearheaded electrification of docked ships, substitution of yard equipment fuels with renewable alternatives, and advancement of cargo handling technologies to the cleanest available options. ITS has continuously demonstrated an unwavering commitment to reducing air pollution while maintaining efficient and eco-friendly port operations.

WiTricity: Driving Industry Standards with Magnetic Resonance Technology

WiTricity’s profound dedication to fostering wireless charging for EVs has placed it at the forefront of magnetic resonance technology innovation. Its comprehensive patent portfolio holds critical importance in establishing the global standards for EV wireless charging ratified by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the Chinese national standard (GB). This technology is not only confined to the automotive sector but extends its applicability to myriad products from consumer electronics to the realms of micro-mobility and robotics.

A Continuous Pursuit of Sustainable Operations

The advancements at ITS are also reflected in its technological investments – its latest venture being the incorporation of hybrid drive technology to power its rubber-tired gantry cranes. The integration of the Ford E-Transit into its light-duty fleet is yet another testament to its long-standing ethos of sustainable and effective operation.

As the pilot program carries forward, both WiTricity and ITS stand at an enviable intersection of innovation and practical application, outlining a future wherein wireless charging could become a norm for fleets across the globe. The insights drawn from this program are expected to fuel broader adoption, making wireless EV charging an accessible and compelling option not only for commercial operations but potentially for individual consumers too.

The ambitions of WiTricity and ITS, now harmonized in this pilot, signal a transformation for the transportation industry and a reduction in carbon footprint. Where wires once tied down the conception of charging, WiTricity's vision facilitates a world where ease of mobility and charging go hand in hand, creating a seamless interface for energy replenishment.

The Future Is Wireless

The Port of Long Beach has become a living laboratory demonstrating what could be the future of wireless technology in transportation. The success of this initiative could set the stage for other ports and transportation hubs across the world to follow suit, foregrounding a future where sustainability and efficiency coalesce through technological marvels.

In conclusion, the union of WiTricity's forward-thinking wireless charging solutions and ITS's dedication to eco-friendly and efficient operations could stand as a prototype for peers in the industry. The Port of Long Beach is just the starting point for this compelling journey towards a greener, wirelessly powered future.

For more information about WiTricity and its wireless EV charging technology, please visit www.witricity.com.

About WiTricity

WiTricity leads the way in the development and implementation of wireless electric vehicle charging through their state-of-the-art magnetic resonance technology. Their expansive patent portfolio and critical contributions to global EV wireless charging standards demonstrate their pivotal role in shaping the future of electric mobility.

About International Transportation Service (ITS)

ITS has been at the forefront of implementing green initiatives within port-related operations since 2006, with a track record of introducing renewable and clean technologies ahead of industry benchmarks. Their commitment to reducing the environmental impact of port operations is evidenced by their history of pioneering efforts and ongoing investments in cutting-edge, eco-conscious equipment.

As we move towards a more connected and automated future, the portent of this innovative pilot program spearheaded by WiTricity and ITS at the Port of Long Beach shines a light on the boundless possibilities of wireless technology and its role in shaping sustainable and efficient transportation ecosystems.

Looking Ahead: The Implications of a Wirelessly Charged World

The implications of this pilot extend beyond the immediate benefits to ITS and their operations. As WiTricity's technology continues to make waves, the transportation industry could see a significant shift towards not only greener but also more streamlined processes that can dramatically impact the way we think about energy consumption and management in the context of mobility.

Ultimately, the ongoing partnership between WiTricity and ITS, exemplified by this pilot program, represents a beacon for innovation and sustainability in an industry that is increasingly looking to reconcile the demands of modern logistics with environmental stewardship. The eyes of the world are keenly fixated on the Port of Long Beach as it becomes an epicenter for the future of wireless EV charging.

The practical insights expected from this pilot could redefine expectations and set new standards in the efficient operation of EV fleets, offering a glimpse into a future where the cumbersome cords are replaced with sleek, ground-breaking wireless charging systems that marry convenience with performance.

In embracing this wireless revolution, WiTricity and ITS are not only engineering a singular solution for the Port of Long Beach, but also laying the groundwork for a scalable and adaptable technology that could revolutionize the transportation sector across the globe. With such innovations entering the market, the future of EV charging and fleet management appears to be on the cusp of wireless transformation.

SOURCE WiTricity

The collaboration between WiTricity and ITS, leading to a successful implementation of this wireless charging program, is set to propel the entire clean energy and transportation industries forward. As WiTricity continues to solidify its position as a driver of innovation in wireless charging, and ITS blazes the trail for sustainable port operations, the world eagerly anticipates the potential rippling effects of their partnership and the technological advancements that will follow.

With a view of fostering broader adoption and setting the tone for future advancements, this pilot program may soon become a reference point for change-makers worldwide. The Port of Long Beach's pioneering venture could indeed be the first wave of a transformational tide in wireless charging for EVs, signaling a new era for the transportation industry and beyond.