In Pictures: Swiss startup Winduction develops wireless charging system that sends power through bus tires

Winduction's breakthrough hinges on cutting the transmission distance between charging coils, a challenge that has long limited wireless power transfer.

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The ETH Zurich spin-off claims its tire-embedded coils achieve over 90% charging efficiency, rivalling wired systems.

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Inductive charging could spare electric bus fleets from the heavy, costly batteries that currently dominate EV design.

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As cities worldwide electrify public transit, in-road wireless charging offers a route to smaller battery packs and lighter vehicles.

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Wireless charging embedded in bus tires could allow continuous top-ups along routes, reducing downtime at depot chargers.

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Winduction's steel-free tire design is central to the system, as metal reinforcement would interfere with inductive power transfer.

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For transit agencies, the promise of smaller batteries translates to lower upfront costs and more passenger capacity per vehicle.

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The technology remains in development, but its developers see a path to commercial deployment in urban bus fleets.

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If scaled, tire-based inductive charging could reshape how electric buses are specified, purchased, and operated.

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