Groundbreaking innovation converts any light into energy
SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 – VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Kapsch TrafficCom is proud to introduce Elumian, the world’s first light-powered transponder designed to push the boundaries of innovation in the intelligent transportation industry.
A tolling transponder is a small electronic device placed in vehicles to facilitate automatic, wireless toll payment on toll roads, bridges, or tunnels. Elumian harnesses energy from any light source—whether natural, ambient, or artificial—providing continuous charging to its internal battery.
Elumian represents a breakthrough in sustainability, powered by the innovative Powerfoyle™ technology developed by Swedish partner Exeger. Kapsch TrafficCom is the exclusive vendor for Powerfoyle in the tolling transponder space.
Since it does not have to rely on direct sunlight but harvests regular ambient light as well as artificial light to charge its battery, the Elumian lifetime is extended. This flexibility not only increases the transponders’ lifespan but also enhances resource efficiency, making it a more sustainable choice for tolling systems globally.
Alfredo Escriba, CTO at Kapsch TrafficCom, comments: “Elumian represents a fundamental shift in how we approach sustainability within our industry. With its extended lifespan and reduced need for replacements, Elumian helps our customers make more environmentally responsible decisions without compromising on performance or quality.”
The Elumian transponder is a forward-thinking evolution of the successful TRP-4010 model by Kapsch TrafficCom. Its plug-and-play installation offers ease of use while maintaining top-tier performance. The official name is TRP-4010-40E, connecting the successful existing design with the forward-thinking Elumian concept.
At the core of this breakthrough technology is Exeger’s patented Powerfoyle solar cell, a flexible, durable material that efficiently converts light to energy across a broader spectrum than traditional solar cells, making it more efficient in real life conditions.
Powerfoyle is responsibly sourced, made of abundantly available material and produced in Sweden, using 100% renewable electricity and emitting no toxic emissions, further aligning Elumian with sustainability goals.
Georgios Foufas, Chief Commercial Officer at Exeger, continues: “I am thrilled to collaborate with Kapsch, a global pioneer on this groundbreaking segment in intelligent transportation systems. The potential for growth in this vast market is immense, and we are excited to be at the forefront of it. With the introduction of Elumian, we are together taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future by prolonging battery life and minimizing the need for battery changes.”
The unique energy solution of Elumian reduces distribution and disposal costs compared to conventional transponders, setting a new benchmark for sustainable practices in the ITS industry. The presentation of Elumian underscores the commitment of Kapsch TrafficCom to delivering innovations that advance the future of transportation while minimizing environmental impact.
Exeger is a Swedish company with a unique solar cell technology that converts all forms of light into electrical energy. This material, Powerfoyle, is the world’s only fully customizable solar cell. With its superior design properties, it can be integrated seamlessly into any electronic device.
Powerfoyle enhances every product it is integrated into with extended or even unlimited battery life, putting the power of cutting-edge solar cell technology directly in the hands of people. Exeger is leading the way to energy independence through more sustainable and user-friendly products – with the vision to touch the lives of a billion people by 2030.
Kapsch TrafficCom is a globally renowned provider of transportation solutions for sustainable mobility with successful projects in more than 50 countries. Innovative solutions in the application fields of tolling, tolling services, traffic management and demand management contribute to a healthy world without congestion. With one-stop-shop-solutions, the company covers the entire value chain of customers, from components to design and implementation to the operation of systems.
Kapsch TrafficCom, headquartered in Vienna, has subsidiaries and branches in more than 25 countries and is listed in the Prime Market segment of the Vienna Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: KTCG). In its 2022/23 financial year, about 4,000 employees generated revenues of EUR 553 million.
