Power‑Up Without the Struggle: It’s Like a Giant Wireless Phone Charger
Imagine a whole building silently delivering the same steady hum as a giant wireless phone charger. That’s what this new tech is all about: a network of inductive coils that can bolt power through walls, floors, and even the coffee you just brewed.
- Zero‑cord commute – Cut the tangled mess of cables that once annoyed you at the office.
- Instant recharge – Place your phone under a pad and watch the battery bar rise in seconds.
- Eco‑friendly vibes – Say goodbye to single‑use chargers and enjoy a cleaner planet.
With this system, you could pair a laptop with a wall‑sized charging grid that’s practically invisible but super efficient. “Dead battery” moments might become a thing of the past, turning every desk into a spontaneous power source.
Will the future of tech mean we’ll stay plugged in 24/7, or will it just make our lives a little easier during meetings? Either way, this invention is a true game‑changer for anyone who hates an exhausted phone.
Gothenburg’s Plug‑Free Taxi Experiment
Electric cars are surging, but most drivers still grapple with the awkward dance of plugging in. In Sweden’s coastal city of Gothenburg, a bold, three‑year pilot tried to change the game by ditching cables entirely.
The Set‑Up
- Volvo Cars fielded a squad of 20 XC40s
- Induct EV supplied the inductive (wireless) charging tech
- Gothenburg City laid down the infrastructure
Since March 2022, those taxis have cruised more than 4.3 million kilometres, according to a Business Region Göteborg report. The wireless amps cranked up 13.5 % of the fleet’s total power consumption.
Voices from the Ground
Robert Eriksson, Volvo’s senior technical lead, told Euronews Next, “We’re learning how people will actually use this tech. It’s all about the human factor.”
Meanwhile, Talal Maksassi, a local taxi driver, laughed: “No more cable fuss! Just park over the pad and let the car recharge.”
Why It Matters
Eliminating plugs means fewer roadside headaches, less clutter, and a smoother ride for everyone. For drivers, it means less downtime and more “on the road” time. For cities, it opens up possibilities for efficient, invisible power networks that keep streets free of cables.
Beyond the Taxi Routes
This experiment hints at a future where electric vehicles can charge while parked, on the move, or even while the driver stares out at the city skyline. It’s a small step with a big impact, and all eyes are on Gothenburg’s “plug‑free” roads.
How does it work?
Say Hello to Wireless Charging with Volvo and InductEV
Volvo’s XC40 now comes with a neat little trick that feels less like a science experiment and more like a game of “spot the spot.” The SUV is fitted with a 360‑degree camera that spots a simple blue box lying on the pavement. Align the XC40 over this little dot and the charging begins — it’s as simple as placing a phone on a charger, but with a whole new twist.
First Time: The Tumble of Aligning the Car
Maksassi admits the first attempts were a bit of a wizardry act:
- “You need to be in the exact spot to charge the car. Otherwise, it doesn’t work.”
- “At first it was tricky, but now you just get in the groove.”
It’s kind of like learning to aim a laser pointer: once you’re in the zone, the whole thing just clicks.
The 360° Eye
The camera’s crystal‑clear view helps you locate that blue box with the keenest of eyes. Those who have driven it say the system is surprisingly forgiving once you find the sweet spot.
What Actually Happens Behind the Blue Box
Eriksson explains the behind‑the‑scenes magic:
- Blue box on the ground: a coil that zaps wireless inductive power upward.
- Under‑car pad: receives the energy and routes it to the battery via internal wiring.
Think of it as a giant, invisible phone charger stretching its power from the ground all the way up to your battery.
Power Specs – 75 kW at Your Service
The in‑ground units can push up to a robust 75 kW, meaning you’re looking at partial hot‑wheels in a short time if you’re lucky.
Related: Can More Hubs Drive EU EV Sales?
With technology like this on the road, the next big question is whether a larger network of charging stations could ignite a boom in electric‑vehicle demand across Europe.
‘Green City Zone’
Gothenburg’s Wireless Taxi Revolution
In a bold move to keep its streets as clean as a fresh sea breeze, Gothenburg is testing a wireless charging system that lets taxis zip around without the tangles of wires. The pilot is part of the city’s grand “Green City Zone” plan, a playground where new eco‑tech can grow and prove itself in real traffic. The goal? Zero‑emission streets by 2030 and a future where every new car and van in the EU is electric by 2035.
Why Wireless? The CEO’s Take
Patrik Andersson, the upbeat CEO of Business Region Göteborg, made it crystal clear: “Wireless charging feels like magic for taxis and fleet operators, especially at key spots around town. It fits our climate ambitions perfectly.” He added that the majority of drivers who tried it are already sold on the idea of storing electricity without a single plug.
What the Study Says
- Plug‑free charging works best when there are plenty of stations.
- Fewer cables mean fewer headaches for drivers.
- More power points = smoother, greener traffic.
Can Other Cities Follow?
Volvo Car’s Eriksson is upbeat about the scalability of the project. “If the city has electric cars and power grids, you can set up a wireless charging network almost anywhere—just pad the streets with stations and let the city top up the electric oil.”
Key advice from Eriksson? “You can’t do it alone; you need to team up with the city’s planners, suppliers, and drivers.” Coordination is the secret sauce.
New Charging Spots Coming Soon
Gothenburg just added two inductive chargers outside a gigantic international conference hall, and the trial itself features two stations with four in‑ground chargers. These new spots will help keep the city’s taxi fleet an ever‑more silent, eco‑friendly convoy.
Want to see the magic in action? Watch the video in the media player above for a live look at the future of urban transport.