In a groundbreaking development for electric vehicles (EVs), Detroit debuts the inaugural stretch of inductive-charging road in North America. Spearheaded by Israeli company Electreon, known for its successful EV-charging road implementations in Israel and Europe, this innovative technology aims to redefine the charging landscape for electric vehicles.
The quarter-mile inductive-charging road is strategically located on 14th Street in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, near the Michigan Central mobility district. The technology relies on a network of specialized coils embedded beneath the asphalt, each intricately connected to power-managing hubs along the roadside. As EVs equipped with corresponding receivers traverse these coils, wireless charging occurs seamlessly, ushering in a new era of wire-free charging infrastructure.
Electreon’s overarching objective is to enhance EV efficiency by minimizing battery size while extending overall range. Stefan Tongur, the company’s Vice President of Business Development, emphasizes a shift toward targeting public buses and last-mile delivery vehicles rather than passenger cars. This focus aligns with the practicality and cost-effectiveness of deploying the technology in locations that optimize charging time, such as stoplights and bus stops.
Unlike conventional charging methods on highways, Electreon envisions strategic installations at intersections where vehicles tend to remain stationary for more extended periods. This approach ensures efficient charging opportunities, leveraging the technology’s requirement for vehicles to remain above the coils during the charging process.
During a demonstration for local lawmakers and media, Electreon showcased the technology’s capabilities by driving a Ford E-Transit equipped with the wireless-charging receiver along the newly unveiled road. The presentation highlighted a charging rate reaching up to 19 kilowatts, offering a glimpse into the transformative potential of inductive-charging roads for the future of electric mobility. As the United States embraces diverse charging solutions, Detroit’s milestone paves the way for further advancements in EV infrastructure.