# Proximity-Charged Trams Underground Power Source Eliminates Need for Overhead Cables By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-03-14 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/proximity-charged-trams References: [blogs.edmunds](http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2010/03/proximity-charging-system-frees-korean-electric-tram-from-overhead-cables.html) & [csmonitor](http://www.csmonitor.com/World/2010/0312/Korea-OLEV-concept-vehicle-sees-the-future-and-it-s-magnets) Seoul's zoo has a new tram with battery that is one-fifth the size of a typical EV battery and doesn't need overhead power wires to keep it charged. The prototype is the world's first [electromagnetically-charged tram](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wireless-charging-1). Its batteries receive a continual power charge from power strips buried along the travel path. The Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)-built zoo train will serve as a model for [electric-powered buses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/higer-new-v) and proximity charged trams that can operate without overhead cables. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 44% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Proximity-charged Trams:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing proximity-charged trams that eliminate the need for overhead power wires. - **Underground Power Source:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring underground power sources for electric vehicles that can offer continuous charging. - **Electromagnetic Charging:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Advancing technology for electromagnetically-charged transportation, such as trams and buses, to enable convenient and efficient charging on the go. ### Where This Applies - **Transportation:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating proximity-charged trams and electric-powered buses into the transportation sector to reduce reliance on overhead power cables and promote sustainable mobility. - **Electric Vehicles:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Applying underground power sources and proximity-charging techniques to enhance the efficiency and convenience of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. - **Renewable Energy:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Expanding the use of underground power sources for transportation and exploring their potential as a renewable energy solution for other industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Magnetic Wall-Scaling Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trois-mobility-concept.md) - [Wireless Robotic EV Charges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/evbuddy.md) - [Electric Public Transport Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-public-transport-network.md) - [Compact EV Chargers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ev-chargers.md) - [Induction-Charging EV Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inductev.md) - [Swedish Electric Road Highways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trafikverket.md) - [Wireless Bike Battery Chargers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiler.md) - [Automatic EV Charging Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/witricity.md) - [Parking Spot Vehicle Chargers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watt-ev-charger.md)