Detroit has unveiled the first-in-the-nation intercity roadway designed to wirelessly charge electric vehicles (EVs) as they travel or when parked. Located near Michigan Central Station, this quarter-mile stretch marks a significant leap in EV charging infrastructure, utilizing innovative wireless charging technology based on inductive coupling.

The pilot project, initiated by the Michigan Department of Transportation and supported by Electreon, an Israeli technology company, features copper coils embedded in the pavement. A receiver pad installed under the EV's chassis transfers electricity to the battery as it passes over the coils, providing dynamic charging for EVs in motion and static charging for parked vehicles. While inductive charging infrastructure exists globally, this marks the first public road deployment of its kind in the United States.

The technology, already employed in Europe, promises flexibility and rapid deployment. Electreon's power management units can charge up to 60 EVs simultaneously, with the potential for widespread use in public transit buses, shuttles, and last-mile delivery trucks. The efficiency of the system will be evaluated using a receiver-equipped Ford E-Transit commercial van, laying the groundwork for future applications.

This wireless charging system employs magnetic resonance induction, transferring power wirelessly from the road's coils to the EV's battery. Unlike conventional conductive charging, this approach eliminates the need for plugs or cables, providing a quick and efficient solution. The project, costing $1.9 million in state funds and $4 million from Electreon and project partners, showcases the potential of wireless charging in shaping the future of electric mobility.

Source: eepower.com