The electric vehicle (EV) world is experiencing continuous innovation, with advancements in regenerative braking, battery technology, and shared and connected transport systems. One notable development is the deployment of wireless charging technology on pavements, also known as electrified roads or inductive charging. A new quarter-mile stretch of 14th Street in Detroit has become the nation’s first wireless charging public roadway for EVs, part of a pilot program with Michigan’s Department of Transportation and Electreon, an Israeli-based company. Using copper inductive charging coils in the road, EVs equipped with receivers can charge their batteries while driving, idling, or parking above the coils.
Wireless charging is achieved through galvanic isolation between the input side and output circuitry. The most common method is inductive, transferring energy between loosely coupled coils via magnetic induction. In the Dynamic Wireless Charging (DWC) mode, the transmitter coil is embedded in the roadway, while the secondary circuit is inside the vehicle. This method, according to researchers, has the potential to extend EV cruising range, reduce battery size and weight, and contribute to the rise of EV penetration in the transportation sector.
Michigan Central and the city of Detroit are collaborating on an electrified road pilot project to test and perfect the technology before making it available to the public. The pilot project will include inductive charging on part of Michigan Avenue in addition to 14th Street, with construction expected to start in spring 2025. The induction system has been shown to withstand wide temperature variations, and Electreon, the company behind the technology, plans to implement similar projects in other countries. Using Charging as a Service (CaaS) financing options, Electreon aims to address the barriers to fleet electrification and promote widespread EV adoption.
Stefan Tongur, vice president of business development at Electreon, believes that wireless charging can unlock widespread EV adoption, addressing range limitations, grid constraints, and battery size and costs. The project in Detroit could pave the way for a zero-emission mobility future where EVs are the norm. The pilot project aims to showcase the viability and effectiveness of wireless dynamic charging on public roads for various vehicle types and use cases. It also serves as a potential first step towards larger Electric Road Systems being considered in multiple US states, with the goal of building partnerships with US-based companies to promote collaboration and growth in the EV sector.
The electrified road charging system has the capability to charge multiple vehicles at once, potentially leading to smaller, lighter, and cheaper EVs. Furthermore, it could play a significant role in expanding EV usage in the US and become a normative model for powering EVs. Electreon’s primary goals for the pilot project include demonstrating the effectiveness of wireless dynamic charging on public roads for multiple vehicle types, building partnerships with US-based companies in the EV industry, and serving as a blueprint for future collaboration and growth. By showcasing the benefits and feasibility of inductive charging, the project aims to support the growth of EV adoption in the transportation sector.
Overall, the development of electrified roads and wireless charging technology represents a significant advancement in the EV industry. By addressing range limitations, grid constraints, and battery costs, this innovative approach has the potential to accelerate the transition to a zero-emission mobility future. Through collaborative efforts and pilot projects like the one in Detroit, the EV sector is moving closer towards widespread adoption and sustainable transport solutions.
