A ground-breaking new development has been successfully implemented just west of downtown Detroit, as work crews have completed the installation of the nation’s first wireless-charging public roadway designed for electric vehicles. This innovative infrastructure project is poised to revolutionise the process of charging electric vehicles, offering drivers a more convenient and efficient experience.
The quarter-mile stretch of 14th Street will serve as a testing site for this pioneering technology, allowing for further refinement before it is made available to the public in the near future. Spearheaded by the Michigan Department of Transportation, this initiative aims to overcome obstacles to mobility and pave the way for widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Developed by Electreon, an Israel-based company specialising in wireless charging solutions for electric vehicles, the technology utilises copper inductive charging coils embedded beneath the road surface. These coils enable vehicles equipped with receivers to charge their batteries while driving, idling, or parking above the coils, eliminating the need for physical plug-in charging stations.
Stefan Tongur, Electreon’s Vice President of Business Development, emphasised the far-reaching implications of this project, asserting that it will facilitate widespread EV adoption by addressing limitations such as range, grid capacity, and battery size and costs. The ultimate goal is to transition towards a zero-emission mobility future, where electric vehicles are the standard rather than the exception.
The wireless-charging roadway is engineered to automatically transfer electricity through a magnetic field to vehicles equipped with the necessary receivers as they pass over the charging segments. This technology not only provides a seamless charging experience for drivers, but also ensures the safety of pedestrians, motorists, and animals.
The Michigan Department of Transportation has committed to a five-year plan to develop the electric road system, with intentions to solicit bids for the installation of inductive charging on a portion of busy Michigan Avenue. This forward-thinking approach is in line with the infrastructure goals of the Biden administration, which include the establishment of half a million EV charging stations across the United States.
As electric vehicles continue to gain popularity nationwide, the implementation of wireless-charging technology places Michigan and Detroit at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution. Director Bradley C. Wieferich of the Michigan DOT affirmed the state’s dedication to leading the curve and staying ahead of technological advancements in the automotive industry.
As the project moves forward, discussions concerning revenue models for the wireless-charging roadway in Michigan are ongoing. Tongur highlighted the intelligence of the technology, emphasising its capability to identify and authenticate users for charging purposes, thereby ensuring a secure and seamless experience for drivers.
In conclusion, Detroit’s innovative wireless-charging public roadway represents a significant milestone in the journey towards a sustainable and energy-efficient transportation landscape. With the support of cutting-edge technology and forward-looking initiatives, the future of electric vehicle adoption and infrastructure development looks brighter than ever.
+ There are no comments
Add yours