Fuel from the road - a new way of powering trams, buses, (and cars too)

An exciting new approach to providing energy to vehicles operating in urban areas is the use of inductive electrical power transfer. Bombardier’s Primove Project has been leading the way. Peter Stonham looks at progress so far.

The pioneering Curitiba bus way in Brazil

The pioneering Curitiba bus way in Brazil

New double-decks for London: a mockup of the new Routemaster design from Wrightbus

New double-decks for London: a mockup of the new Routemaster design from Wrightbus

Vanhool’s new Exquicity duel mode bus for BRT

Vanhool’s new Exquicity duel mode bus for BRT

Volvo electric hybrid

Volvo electric hybrid

Mobilicity driverless pod bus from Capoco Design

Mobilicity driverless pod bus from Capoco Design

The concept of vehicles drawing their energy supply from electric power as they move is not new. Trains, trams and trolley buses have done it for decades. But for road vehicles to be able to pick up their fuel without a physical connection would be a radical step. It is one which Bombardier believe is possible by inductive power transfer.

With thinking initially developed to give trams and buses a wire-free energy source, the concept is now being promoted as a potential energy source for all...