PSTA Debuts First Inductive Wireless Charging Station on US East Coast
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2020
PSTA Debuts First Inductive Wireless Charging Station on US East Coast
St. Petersburg, FL – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) officially opened the first inductive wireless charging station on the US East Coast.
This new wireless charging station, the 250-kilowatt Inductive Power Transfer Technology (IPT), includes a primary charging plate aimed at reducing wait time for electric buses to be fully charged (photos below). Our fleet of two electric buses, with four more expected in of 2020, currently charge by using a plug-in charger taking approximately four hours to fully recharge. This new technology now cuts the wait-time by more than half.
“This innovative technology is one giant step forward for not only PSTA, but transit agencies across the nation. Being the first electric charging station of its kind in Florida sets the standard of transportation agencies becoming more environmentally-friendly,” said Brad Miller, PSTA Chief Executive Officer. “At PSTA we are committed to reducing our carbon-footprint while still providing the best service possible to our community.”
The process works by an electric bus stopping over the charge plate and aligning with it (video here). The only training drivers will need is how to properly align with the charger, which connects with the bus wirelessly. Once the driver is aligned with plate, he or she will just have to press a button and a 10 minute charge will begin (video here). Our electric buses average 180 miles or 15 hours before having to re-charge.
“We are excited that this rapid charger will allow our all-electric buses to remain in continuous service throughout the workday,” said Joe Barkley, PSTA Board Chair. “As we add additional all-electric buses to our fleet, this charging system will add dramatically to our efficient, cost saving electric bus service.”
Project construction and installation was awarded to A & K Energy Conservation, Inc. to not exceed a total cost of $192,000. Funding is derived from Pinellas County's Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Stephanie Weaver
PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager
O: (727) 540-1853 | C: (727) 249-6542
E: Sweaver@psta.net
PSTA: The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is the public transit provider for Pinellas County, providing more than 12.1 million rides per year. PSTA operates 40 bus and trolley routes with a fleet of 210 vehicles.