Kapsch TrafficCom presents first light-powered transponder

1 min read

Kapsch TrafficCom has announced the introduction of Elumian, the world’s first light-powered transponder designed to support more intelligent transportation.

Credit: llia Nesolenyi - adobe.stock.com

A tolling transponder is a small electronic device placed in vehicles to facilitate automatic, wireless toll payment on toll roads, bridges, or tunnels. Elumian looks to harness energy from any light source - whether natural, ambient, or artificial – in order to provide continuous charging to its internal battery.

Elumian is being described as representing a breakthrough in sustainability, powered by the Powerfoyle technology developed by Swedish company Exeger. Kapsch TrafficCom is the exclusive vendor for Powerfoyle in the tolling transponder space.

Since it does not have to rely on direct sun light 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, said, “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 an evolution of the successful TRP-4010 model by Kapsch TrafficCom and its plug-and-play installation offers ease of use while maintaining performance.

At the core of the 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.

"The potential for growth in this vast market is immense, and we are excited to be at the forefront of it,” said Georgios Foufas, Chief Commercial Officer at Exeger. “With the introduction of Elumian, we are taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future by prolonging battery life and minimizing the need for battery changes."

Elumian also reduces distribution and disposal costs compared to conventional transponders, setting a new benchmark for sustainable practices in the ITS industry.