Detroit road can charge EVs as they drive

The City of Detroit has installed what it says is the nation’s first wireless charging public roadway for electric vehicles (EVs).

Using inductive charging coils, a 400-metre stretch of the city’s 14th Street is now capable of charging EVs equipped with receivers as they drive on the road.

The trial project is a joint collaboration between the City of Detroit, Michigan’s Department of Transportation (MDOT), tech firm Electreon and other partners.

“Developing electrified roadways may be the catalyst to accelerate interest and acceptance of EVs for all consumers,” said MDOT Director, Bradley C. Wieferich.

“Making it easier for EV users to find a reliable charging source without disrupting their commute supports both fleet operations and passenger travel.

“We’re proud to collaborate with private industry partners and the City of Detroit to support these important initiatives leading us toward a more sustainable future with fewer emissions.”

The stretch of road will be used to test and perfect the technology ahead of making it available to the public within a few years, according to MDOT.

How it works

Israeli firm Electreon, which is behind the technology, also has contracts to operate similar projects in Israel, Italy, France, Sweden and Germany.

The company’s wireless charging is based on inductive coupling between copper coils installed below the road surface and receivers installed on electric vehicles.

When a car with a receiver nears the charging segments of the road, electricity is wirelessly transferred through a magnetic field to the vehicle’s battery.

These charging segments can transfer wireless electricity to the receiver either when the vehicle is parked (static charging) or is driving in-motion (dynamic charging).

Each coil in the road is activated only when a vehicle with an approved receiver passes over to ensure that energy transfer is controlled and provided only to vehicles that require it.     

“We’re excited to spearhead the development and deployment of America’s first wireless charging road,” said Dr Stefan Tongur, Electreon’s vice president of business development.

“Alongside Michigan’s automotive expertise, we’ll demonstrate how wireless charging unlocks widespread EV adoption, addressing limited range, grid limitations, and battery size and costs.

“This project paves the way for a zero-emission mobility future, where EVs are the norm, not the exception.”

Image: City of Detroit