Wireless induction charging for hybrid coastal ferry successfully tested

摘要

MANY READERS WILL be familiar with induction charging systems thanks to their electric toothbrush or shaver, but the Finnish technology group Wartsila has successfully tested its automatic wireless induction charging system on a rather larger scale: a hybrid powered coastal ferry. This is claimed to be the first commercial ferry in the world operating with high power wireless charging capability for its batteries, and the successful project represents a notable breakthrough in the evolution of plug-in electrically operated vessels. The tests were carried out on the 85 metre long MF Folgefonn in Norwegian waters during the end of August/early September of this year. The ferry is owned by Norled, one of Norway's largest ferry operators.