“Arena del Futuro”: wireless charging ready for commercial development

Brescia, 10th June 2022.-  The experimental Arena of the Future circuit, built on the A35 Brebemi highway to supply power to electric vehicles through a wireless inductive charging system, is already exploring the development of strategic infrastructure projects at the national and international level. This is a clear sign that the transition towards the decarbonization of the transport sector is generating significant advances for the benefit of mobility and the environment.

Today, the Chairman of A35 Brebemi Francesco Bettoni together with all of the other project partners, and in the presence of the Minister of the Italian Republic Mariastella Gelmini, were in Chiari (Bs) to officially unveil the inductive recharging technology for electric vehicles known as DWPT (Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer), a system that has also been tested in different parts of the world.

The Italian pilot project coordinated by A35 Brebemi, a company owned by Aleatica – a global transport infrastructure operator that focuses on smart, safe, sustainable and innovative mobility solutions – is the most advanced of its kind. It involves organizations that are reference points in each sector of competence, including: ABB, Electreon, IVECO, IVECO BUS, Mapei, Pizzarotti, Politecnico di Milano, Prysmian, Stellantis, TIM, FIAMM Energy Technology, Università Roma Tre, Università di Parma, Vigili del Fuoco and Ministry of the Interior – Polizia Stradale.

This technology allows for EV (electric vehicles) to recharge their batteries while travelling in dedicated lanes. This innovative system of coils positioned under the asphalt transfers energy directly to the vehicles (cars, trucks and buses). A “zero emissions” mobility system, which includes different elements studied by the industrial experts involved, interacts with each other: asphalt, control units, cables, electric vehicles and 5G connectivity.

Infografia Aleatica Inglees page 0001

Recently, experts from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Mobility in Italy (MIMS) and STEMI (Structures for the ecological transition of mobility and infrastructure, presented a document entitled “Decarbonizing Transport: Scientific Evidence and Policy Proposals”. It recognizes that wireless charging technology is a possible solution that would help achieve pre-set objectives, particularly in light of current discussions related to the “Fit for 55 package” presented by the European Commission to implement the Green Deal strategy, aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030.

As electric vehicles push the transportation sector towards decarbonization, despite critical issues related to battery lifespans and size, induction charging can contribute to a transition towards sustainable mobility models that further improve the user experience. The results of the testing that has been done and that is still underway as part of the Italian project “Arena del Futuro,” confirm that DWPT brings extraordinary advantages.

Findings on the use of this induction charging technology demonstrate: greater energy efficiency of vehicles due to the ability to charge on roads; a reduction in vehicle battery volume without impacting the load capacity for people and goods; an increased average lifespan for batteries due to the fact that charging peaks can be avoided by charging during the day at regular intervals; and a better overall quality of travel that optimises time with the combination of different recharging systems.

All these goals are also achievable thanks to the innovative technologies offered by 5G and AI-based application solutions, which will facilitate the exchange of information between the vehicle and management platforms, increasing road safety and travel efficiency.

DWPT technology, in its dynamic and static inductive versions, has already attracted potential interest for commercial development in Italy and abroad. Its versatility is one of the main reasons why it is so attractive, because in addition to being useful on roads and motorways, it is also suitable when combined with other infrastructure such as harbours, airports, and parking lots. 

The “Arena del Futuro” project is a prime example of collaborative innovation for zero emission mobility for both people and goods.

Profile of project partners

A35 Brebemi-Aleatica motorway

The A35 Brebemi-Aleatica is the direct motorway link between Brescia and Milan, the fastest and safest route between the two cities. Active since 23 July 2014, the infrastructure extends 62.1 km to which the Castegnato toll booth and the ramps for interconnection with the A4 motorway have been added. The motorway can be reached from the city of Brescia via the A4 motorway (taking the exit ramp after Brescia Ovest in the direction of the A35 Milan-Linate), the Tangenziale Sud of Brescia and the SP19 or using the new A21 (Corda Molle). There are six toll booths on the motorway: Chiari Ovest, Calcio, Romano di Lombardia, Bariano, Caravaggio and Treviglio. After passing the last toll booth at Treviglio, you enter the A58 Tangenziale Est Esterna Milano (TEEM), which allows the A35 Brebemi to reach the A1 at Melegnano, the A4 at Agrate, Linate and the Milan Metropolitan Area via two junctions, on the right, Pozzuolo Martesana and on the left, Liscate, which exit respectively onto the SP103 Cassanese and the SP14 Rivoltana. A35 Brebemi has received important international awards, in the US and the UK, as the best infrastructure project financing and the best European project bond.

Aleatica is a leading global operator and developer of transportation assets headquartered in Madrid with annual revenues of c. €810m and ca 3,000 employees worldwide. The company currently manages 20 concessions – 16 highways, 2 ports, 1 light railway line and 1 airport – across seven countries in Europe and Latin America (Spain, Italy, UK, Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Chile). Aleatica is wholly owned by  IFM Global Infrastructure Fund, which is advised by IFM Investors, a global institutional fund with c. EUR 181 billion under management as of March 31, 2022.

ABB

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

ABB is a world leader in electric vehicle infrastructure, offering the full range of charging and electrification solutions for electric cars, electric and hybrid buses, vans, trucks, ships and railways. ABB entered the e-mobility market back in 2010, and today has sold more than 460,000 electric vehicle chargers across more than 88 markets.

ABB is the title partner in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, an international racing series for fully electric single-seater racecars. It brings together ABB, a global leader in electric vehicle fast-charging with the world’s first fully electric international motorsport class, who have a shared commitment to drive progress towards a more sustainable future. The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is more than a race, it enables us to push the boundaries of technology, which can be transferred from the race track to real-world situations, helping to preserve resources and enable a low-carbon society. 

Electreon
ElectReon is a global leader in wireless charging technology for a full range of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and has developed a range of solutions to support charging in any mode – parked, slow-moving and driving at speed. The company accelerates the world’s transition to electric mobility by leveraging existing road infrastructure and its proprietary wireless charging technology to eliminate range anxiety, lower total costs of EV ownership and reduce battery capacity – making it one of the most environmentally sustainable, scalable and compelling charging solutions available today. For cities and fleet operators, ElectReon offers a shared, invisible “Charging as a Service” platform enabling cost effective electrification of public, commercial and autonomous fleets with minimal batteries and smooth and continuous operation.

FIAMM

FIAMM Energy Technology is a multinational company engaged in the production and distribution of batteries for automotive and industrial use. It was established following the separation of the automotive and industrial lead-acid battery business from the FIAMM Group. In order to be close to its customers’ needs, FIAMM Energy Technology has numerous sales and technical offices (including Italy, Germany, Great Britain, Slovakia, France, Spain, Dubai, USA, Singapore, Malaysia and China) and a widespread network of importers and distributors, and operates with a staff of one thousand people. For more information on FIAMM, please visit: www.fiamm.com

IVECO

IVECO is a brand of Iveco Group N.V. (MI: IVG). IVECO designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, off-road trucks, and vehicles for applications such as off-road missions.

The brand’s wide range of products include the Daily, a vehicle that covers the 3.3 – 7.2 ton vehicle weight segment, the Eurocargo from 6 – 19 tons and, in the heavy segment above 16 tons, the IVECO WAY range with the on-road IVECO S-WAY, the off-road IVECO T-WAY and the IVECO X-WAY for light off-road missions. In addition, the IVECO Astra brand builds off-road trucks, rigid and articulated dumpers as well as special vehicles.

IVECO employs close to 21,000 individuals globally. It manages production sites in 7 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and Latin America where it produces vehicles featuring the latest advanced technologies. 4,200 sales and service outlets in over 160 countries guarantee technical support wherever an IVECO vehicle is at work.

For further information about IVECO: www.iveco.com

IVECO BUS

IVECO BUS is a brand of Iveco Group N.V., a global leader in commercial and specialty vehicles, powertrain, and financial services, listed on the Borsa Italiana in Milan. A major player in the field of public transport, and among the leading bus and coach manufacturers in Europe, IVECO BUS designs, manufactures and markets a broad range of vehicles that meets all the needs of public and private operators: school, intercity and tourism coaches; standard and articulated city buses, including BRT dedicated versions; city midibuses; minibuses for all passenger transport missions.

IVECO BUS benefits from a strong expertise in alternative energies vehicles and is now capable of offering a complete range running on compressed natural gas – fully compatible with biomethane – and in the electromobility field, to suit every kind of transport need. Thus, IVECO BUS positions itself as a reference partner to face the numerous challenges of sustainable mobility.

IVECO BUS employs over 6,000 people across four production units, in Annonay, France, Vysoké Myto, Czech Republic, Brescia, Italy and in Rorthais, France with its electromobility center of excellence. The extensive IVECO BUS and IVECO service network guarantees assistance around the world wherever an Iveco Bus vehicle is at work.

For further information about IVECO BUS: www.ivecobus.com

Mapei

Founded in Milan in 1937, Mapei is a world leader in the production of chemicals for the building industry and it has contributed to the construction of the most important examples of architecture and infrastructure on a global level. With 90 subsidiaries in 57 countries and 88 production facilities in 36 different nations, the group employs more than 10,500 people worldwide. In 2019, the Mapei Group posted a consolidated turnover of 2.8 billion euro. The company’s success is based on specialisation, internationalisation, R&D, and sustainability. www.mapei.it

Politecnico di Milano

The Politecnico s a scientific-technological university that prepares engineers, architects and designers. The University has always focused on the quality and innovation of its teaching and research, developing a fruitful relationship with the world of business and manufacturing by means of experimental research and technological transfer. Increasingly linked to didactics, research is a priority commitment that allows the Politecnico di Milano to achieve high quality results at an international level and to ensure dialogue between the university and the world of business. Research also constitutes a path parallel to that of cooperation and alliances with the industrial system.

Familiarity with their prospective world of work is a vital requirement for the preparation of students. Being able to relate to the needs of the manufacturing and industrial world and public administration, helps research to follow new paths and deal with the need for constant rapid innovation. Its alliance with the industrial world, in many cases promoted by Fondazione Politecnico and by consortia to which the Politecnico belongs, enables the university to fuel the industries typical of the districts it operates in and stimulate their development.

The challenge being met today projects this tradition with strong local roots out beyond the borders of Italy, in a relationship being developed first and foremost on a European level with the objective of contributing to the creation of a “single market” for professional preparation. The Politecnico is part of several research and training projects, in  collaboration with the most qualified European and international universities, from North America to Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. Today, the push to internationalise sees the Politecnico di Milano part of the European and world network of leading technical universities and it offers many exchange programmes, double degrees and a variety of study courses taught entirely in English.

Pizzarotti
Impresa Pizzarotti & C. S.p.A. was founded in 1910 as a sole proprietorship by Gino Pizzarotti and, since then, it has evolved continually thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit that has distinguished four generations of the Pizzarotti family.

Relentless research into innovation and technological excellence are the cornerstones on which the family has built and continues to grow the group’s success story. Since the late fifties, it has consolidated its presence in the building sector, making its name as one of the most important and best qualified Italian general contractors thanks to the realisation of large public works for both state bodies and major private Italian companies. Its commitment and ability to deliver widely diverse projects have also led to renown on foreign markets, where it started to work in the seventies, and it is today recognised as a benchmark in terms of knowhow and construction capacity.

Impresa Pizzarotti & C. S.p.A. realises large-scale projects and projects, having developed diversified competences in various sectors in years of experience. Its range of services include design, construction and also management in concession of works such as transport infrastructures, motorways, railways, tunnels, bridges, dams, hydraulic structures, real estate, hotels, hospitals, prefabs and renovation work, all carried out to fully respect and protect the environment.

Prysmian

Prysmian Group is the global leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry. With almost 140 years’ experience, a turnover of more than 10 billion euro, about 28,000 employees in over 50 countries and 104 production plants, the group boasts a solid presence on technologically advanced markets and delivers the widest range of products, services, technologies and knowhow. It manufactures underground and submarine cables for power transmission and distribution, special cables for applications in different industries and medium and low voltage cables for the construction and infrastructure sector. It also produces telecom cables and accessories for voice, video and data transmission, with a comprehensive range of optical fibres, optical and copper cables and connectivity systems. Prysmian is a public company, listed on the Italian Stock Exchange in the FTSE MIB index.

Stellantis

Stellantis is one of the world’s leading automakers and a mobility provider, guided by a clear vision: to offer freedom of movement with distinctive, affordable and reliable mobility solutions. In addition to the Company’s rich heritage and broad geographic presence, its greatest strengths lie in its sustainable performance, depth of experience and the wide-ranging talents of employees working around the globe. Stellantis will leverage its broad and iconic brand portfolio, which was founded by visionaries who infused the marques with passion and a competitive spirit that speaks to employees and customers alike. Stellantis aspires to become the greatest, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders, as well as the communities in which it operates.

TIM

and products for communications and entertainment, placing itself at the forefront of digital technologies. 

TIM addresses its offer to individuals, businesses and public administrations, as well as to the wholesale market, and makes use of specialised digital companies that create solutions, also in partnership with leading groups: Noovle is TIM’s cloud company, Olivetti is the digital hub focusing on the development of IoT solutions, Telsy is the cybersecurity company, and Sparkle builds and provides international infrastructure and services. Kena is the Group’s second mobile telephony brand, while TIMVision produces and distributes entertainment content.  In Brazil, TIM Brasil is one of the main players in the South American telecommunications market and a leader in 4G coverage. In developing its business, the group has adopted a sustainability strategy based on the objectives of climate strategy, the circular economy, digital growth and gender equality and aims to become carbon neutral in 2030 and achieve zero net emissions by 2040. It also supports projects of high social interest via TIM Foundationgruppotim.it

Roma Tre University

Founded in 1992, Roma Tre is one of the youngest Italian universities. Its ‘youth’ is also a strength that has been and continues to be a forceful driver for its rapid, dynamic growth, which sees the university now able to boast some 34,000 students from all over Italy. Its 13 departments offer 76 degree courses, including three-year bachelor’s, five-year master’s and five or six-year integrated master’s degrees, 24 research doctorates and 43 post-graduate courses.

The many strengths on which the prestige of its large student and scientific community is based include the consistency of its courses accompanied by attention to new methodologies and communication languages; its openness towards the international community thanks to the Erasmus programme, numerous double and joint degrees and important international research; the recognised “Excellence” of 4 departments in particular (Law, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics, and Science) and its commitment to issues of environmental sustainability and eco-sustainable design.

Roma Tre’s founding values include the promotion and organisation of international research, higher education and the development and dissemination of knowledge, environmental protection, international solidarity, gender equality, and the recognition and motivation of merit. The university’s teaching and research constantly interact across disciplines to address a global world and thus promote the updating and enrichment of knowledge, and combine with third-stream activities as a vehicle for technological transfer and local development. The international dimension is a strategic element for the university, which, among others, adheres to the inspirational principles and instruments of the Magna Charta Universitatum and to the European Research and Higher Education Area, embracing its principles and tools.

Parma University

Parma University is a state university with a millenary history, having been founded during the 11th century, and its primary activities are education, research and third stream, namely the transferral of knowledge to the community. Today it has over 30,000 students and approximately 1,700 members of teaching, research and technical-admin staff.

Its many student services, attention to quality education, innovation, research and the needs of the labour market make it one of the most important and well-known universities in Europe.

Its complete range of 96 courses include three-year bachelor’s, five-year master’s and five or six-year integrated master’s degrees, doctorates, specialisation schools and advanced specialisation courses.

Internationally relevant scientific research is carried out at the university and excellences include discoveries regarding mirror neurons in the neuroscience sphere, research in the field of information engineering that led to the conception of autonomous (driverless) vehicles, and research in the fields of mathematics and food.

Press Contacts

Autostrada A35 Brebemi-Aleatica

Andrea Cucchetti . +39 3495554664
acucchetti@consiliumcom.it

Aleatica

Itzel Meyenberg +52 556960 0044

itzel.meyenberg@aleatica.com

ABB

Gian Filippo D’Oriano +39 3351302779

Gian-filippo.doriano@it.abb.com

Electreon

Charlie Levine, +972 585818433
charlie@electreon.com

FIAMM Energy Technology

Simona Bravi, +39 3351833449

sbravi@consiliumcom.it

IVECO – IVECO Bus

Italy: Castaldi Sara sara.castaldi@iveco.com

Europe: Emanuela De Vita emanuela.devita@iveco.com

MAPEI

Daniela Pradella +39 348 2586205
press@mapei.it   d.pradella@mapei.it 

Pizzarotti

Adele Oppici  +39 0521.202.321

oppicia@pizzarotti.it

Politecnico di Milano

Media Relations Tel. +39 02 2399 2229 Cell +39 366 62 11 436

relazionimedia@polimi.it

Prysmian
Andrea Andreoni , +39 3401998783

andrea.andreoni@prysmiangroup.com

Stellantis

Manuela Battezzato, manuela.battezzato@stellantis.com

TIM Press Office

+39 06 3688 2610

https://www.gruppotim.it/media

Twitter: @TIMnewsroom

Università Roma Tre

Alessandro Santelli, +39 328 1089731

ufficio.comunicazione@uniroma3.it

Università di Parma

U.O. Comunicazione istituzionale e Cerimoniale

tel.: +39 0521 904004 – 4050 – 4016 – 5005 – 6886

ufficiostampa@unipr.it