In a bid to alleviate one of the primary inconveniences of owning an electric vehicle (EV), a team of researchers from Indiana is pioneering a groundbreaking solution: highways capable of wirelessly charging EVs while they’re in motion, even at high speeds.
The Concept
Engineers hailing from Purdue University, in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Transportation, have unveiled plans to develop a stretch of highway capable of charging electric vehicles, including semitrucks, as they cruise at speeds of up to 65 mph.
Implementation
Construction is slated to commence on the quarter-mile test segment of US Route 231/Route 52 in West Lafayette, Indiana. The innovative technology, which is patent-pending, operates by embedding transmitter coils beneath the surface of the highway pavement. These coils transmit energy through a magnetic field to receiver coils affixed to the undersides of electric vehicles.
Technical Requirements
For successful wireless charging, vehicles must be equipped with receiver coils. Manufacturers would need to integrate this capability into their products, or EV owners could retrofit their vehicles with the necessary device.
Unique Advantages
While similar wireless EV charging systems exist, Purdue’s initiative distinguishes itself by possessing sufficient power to charge even heavy-duty vehicles like semitrucks. This marks a significant advancement in the field.
Milestones
Although electrified roads have been implemented previously, such as one in Detroit, this project represents the first instance of testing on a highway and specifically on electric semitrucks.
Pilot Program
Scheduled to commence in May 2025 upon the completion of installation, the pilot program aims to explore various aspects of the technology. Researchers will assess scenarios such as vehicles deviating from the coil path, the impact of adverse weather conditions on the charging process, and potential issues arising from pavement cracks.
Future Prospects
The team harbors ambitions of electrifying a segment of an Indiana interstate within the next four to five years, signaling a promising future for electric vehicle infrastructure.
This groundbreaking endeavor promises to revolutionize the landscape of electric vehicle charging, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable transportation.
