France Tests a Route that Allows Electric Vehicles to be Charged While in Motion

Photo: Electreon

The production and use of electric vehicles is currently increasing worldwide because they are fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. However, these vehicles can only be charged at home or at specific locations. As a result, many people are in danger if their vehicles run out of power while traveling long distances. To solve this problem, France has launched a 1.5-kilometer-long 'wireless charging road' capable of charging electric vehicles without a cable connection. The road, which was launched on the outskirts of Paris, will automatically charge the batteries of various types of electric cars, buses and heavy trucks while driving.

The road will provide up to 200 kilowatts of uninterrupted power to charge electric vehicles. If necessary, it can reach 300 kilowatts, which is capable of providing the same power as the world's fastest chargers, such as Tesla's V3 Supercharger. Numerous copper coils have been installed under this road. These coils create a magnetic field, which transfers power to an electric vehicle equipped with a special receiver. 

The method is much like wireless charging technology, where a mobile phone is charged by placing it on a power bank or charging pad. Since the power is transferred through a magnetic field, the charging process is not interrupted even in heavy rain, snow or snowfall. Thanks to the fast charging facility, cars and trucks will now be able to travel long distances, without having to stop to charge halfway. As a result, the need to carry large and heavy batteries in the car will be greatly reduced.

According to a report by Arena EV, the range of electric vehicles can be significantly increased in just a few minutes on this automated charging road. As a result, the technology shows new potential in solving the problem of electric vehicles running out of charge on long journeys. If the technology can be widely introduced, it will be possible to produce relatively light, affordable and battery-efficient electric vehicles. It is also expected to reduce the cost of vehicle production.

The road, designed by technology company Electreon, also has an added benefit. The risk of damage is reduced because the electric vehicle charging technology is built into the road. France's transport ministry said it plans to build about 9,000 kilometers of wireless charging roads across the country by 2035 to make electric vehicle travel easier, more efficient and more environmentally friendly.