Imagine cruising down a highway in your electric vehicle (EV), never needing to stop for a charge. This vision is becoming a reality in France, where a segment of the A10 highway now supports wireless charging for EVs as they drive. Could this innovation mark the end of traditional plug-in charging stations?
A Leap Forward in EV Charging
A 0.9-mile (1.5-kilometer) section of the A10 highway in France is now equipped with technology that wirelessly charges EVs on the go. The system delivers up to 300 kW of power to vehicles that are compatible, rivaling the speed of Tesla’s V4 Superchargers and surpassing the V3 version, all without the need for cables.
This groundbreaking project, known as “Charge as you Drive,” is spearheaded by VINCI Autoroutes, France’s largest toll road operator, in collaboration with Electreon. The initiative marks the first step toward the nation’s goal of creating nearly 6,000 miles (9,000 km) of electric highways by the year 2035.
During trials, four modified electric vehicles, including a semi-truck, a van, a passenger car, and a bus, successfully charged while maintaining highway speeds. This dynamic charging system uses inductive technology, transferring energy from coils embedded in the road surface to receivers installed beneath the vehicles.
How It Works
The wireless charging system functions through inductive energy transfer, where coils buried under the asphalt transmit power to receivers under the vehicle. Independent tests by Gustave Eiffel University have shown that this system can consistently provide over 200 kW of average power, with peaks exceeding 300 kW. This capacity is sufficient to keep a fully loaded heavy-duty truck on the move at highway speeds.
Electreon CEO Oren Ezer commented, “This marks a pivotal moment in the global development of wireless roads. Our technology is the only one capable of delivering high-power, reliable dynamic charging. It not only meets but exceeds all the targets set by the French government.”
Implications for the Future
For the logistics and freight sectors, this technology could be transformative. It eliminates the need for lengthy charging stops, a significant benefit for long-haul transport. VINCI Autoroutes CEO Nicolas Notebaert noted that this advancement will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the freight sector, which currently contributes over 16 percent of France’s total emissions.
Global Expansion
Electreon is extending its wireless charging projects to nine other countries, including the U.S., Israel, and several European nations. In the U.S., electric roads are already operational in Michigan and Utah. Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, Electreon has demonstrated wireless charging for buses, reducing battery size by nearly 90 percent due to on-route charging capabilities.
In Sweden, a wireless charging road is being developed near Visby to test the system on buses and trucks. If successful, this technology could address common concerns about EV charging times and infrastructure, potentially revolutionizing how we power electric vehicles on the move.
For more information on this cutting-edge technology, visit the original article and learn about related developments in France, the U.S., and beyond.
Original Story at www.carscoops.com