Could in-road charging overcome EV range anxiety?
Gretchen Whitmer, the Democratic governor of the state of Michigan, has announced a $1.9 million contract with Electreon, a wireless charging solutions company, to build the first mile of an in-road charging system for electric vehicles, a test run for what is being called “the road of the future” on the outskirts of Detroit, the city that was the heart of the US automotive industry, Detroit and forever associated with big beasts like GM, Ford and Chrysler.
In-road charging for EVs could be offered as a subscription service or be included in toll charges. Under the road surface, a chain of passive inductors allows vehicles to be charged while driving (dynamic charging), when stopped in traffic (semi-dynamic charging), or when stopped at conveniently marked locations (stationary charging).
As with other consumer electronics devices such as smartphones, wireless charging may initially appear as a luxury option, but will likely become the norm over time as companies see it as a way to decarbonize their fleets, given that charging issues are still cited as the main reason for not going electric.
WiTricity is another company offering wireless charging solutions, and has installed its technology in parking spaces for fleet vehicles, and has already managed to convince some car manufacturers such as Hyundai to…
