In a significant step towards sustainable urban transportation, the city of Zaragoza has introduced an innovative wireless electric vehicle charging technology developed by the CIRCE Technology Centre. This groundbreaking system, unveiled as part of the European project INCIT-EV, could revolutionize urban mobility across Europe by enabling electric vehicles (EVs) to charge without cables and even while in motion.
The INCIT-EV project, which concluded after four years of research and development, received €15 million in funding from the European Commission, with nearly €3 million directly invested in Zaragoza. This initiative has positioned the city as a key player in the development and testing of inductive charging systems, further enhancing its reputation as a leader in sustainable innovation.
A groundbreaking milestone for urban mobility
The new wireless charging technology represents a major leap forward in the efficiency and convenience of EV charging. Vehicles equipped with this system can charge dynamically, meaning they can recharge while in motion, eliminating the need for stationary charging periods. This development has the potential to reshape urban transportation by reducing downtime and making electric mobility more practical for urban fleets, such as taxis and delivery vehicles.
The project’s successful completion marks a significant achievement for Zaragoza, whose local government has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable mobility. The city’s commitment to fostering innovative technologies has positioned it as a testing ground for futuristic solutions that could soon become standard across Europe. “Zaragoza is a city committed to the future of sustainable mobility, open to testing new technologies that, in the near future, will become part of everyday life,” said Tatiana Gaudes, the city’s Councillor for Environment and Sustainability.
Key technological advances: efficiency and safety
One of the standout achievements of the INCIT-EV project is the development of a static inductive charging system for electric taxis. This system allows vehicles to charge up to 50 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes, offering an efficient solution for urban fleets that require quick, reliable charging options. The system’s design, featuring a cooled coil installed in the ground, ensures safe and energy-efficient charging without the risk of overheating.
The introduction of dynamic charging—allowing vehicles to recharge while driving at speeds up to 130 km/h—could dramatically transform long-distance travel. By integrating this technology into roadways, EVs could continuously recharge during their journey, significantly reducing the need for frequent stops and lowering operational costs. This development is expected to play a crucial role in accelerating the transition to more sustainable transportation methods across Europe.
A bidirectional future: vehicles as energy storage units
Another innovative highlight of the INCIT-EV project is the implementation of a bidirectional inductive charging system, which has been installed outside the Mobility City facility in Zaragoza’s Expo area. This system enables vehicles not only to charge wirelessly but also to act as mobile energy storage units, exchanging electricity with buildings and renewable energy sources. This solution has a capacity of up to 25 kW, offering new possibilities for balancing energy demand and contributing to the stability of the electrical grid while facilitating the integration of renewable energy in urban environments.
Andrés Llombart, General Director of CIRCE, emphasized the importance of this innovation: “These cutting-edge technologies eliminate the need for cables and optimize the charging process through a secure and efficient system, ready to be integrated into existing urban infrastructures. With this initiative, Zaragoza takes a key step towards cleaner mobility and a more sustainable urban environment where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.”
Zaragoza: a leader in sustainable mobility
Zaragoza’s pioneering role in the INCIT-EV project highlights its dedication to achieving ambitious sustainability goals, including its commitment to becoming one of Europe’s 100 Climate-Neutral Cities by 2030. The advancements made through the INCIT-EV project align closely with the city’s efforts to meet the targets of the European Green Deal and the 2030 Urban Agenda, reinforcing its position as a model city for climate-neutral transportation.
CIRCE, as a key technological partner, continues to collaborate with Zaragoza on other groundbreaking mobility initiatives. These include the JUSTStreets project, which aims to redesign urban infrastructure and change mobility behavior in 12 cities, and the ELABORATOR project, which seeks to implement innovative solutions for safe, inclusive, and sustainable urban mobility.
The collaboration between Zaragoza and CIRCE through the INCIT-EV project is a pivotal development not only for the city but also for the broader European mobility landscape. As a member of CharIN, the international association working towards a universal standard for electric vehicle charging, CIRCE is now focused on creating regulations to ensure that these inductive charging systems can be replicated in other cities committed to climate neutrality. The establishment of these standards will be crucial in facilitating the widespread adoption of wireless charging technology across Europe.
In conclusion, Zaragoza’s role in the INCIT-EV project marks a significant milestone in the evolution of electric mobility, offering a glimpse into a future where EVs can charge effortlessly, without cables, and even while in motion. As the city continues to innovate and lead in this field, it is poised to become a beacon of sustainable urban transportation, not only for Spain but for cities around the world.
