While many people are still amazed at the sight of a car plugged into an electrical outlet in the parking lot, the reality is that this is already an outdated concept. Isn't it just marvelous how technology continues to evolve, giving us so little time to get used to its new advances? The Israeli company Electreon Wireless has undoubtedly taken on the challenge of keeping things moving. Quite literally, in this case.
Electric Vehicle Charging
Electreon Wireless believes that so-called Wireless Electric Roads are our future. As the name already indicates, these roads are capable of charging electric vehicles wirelessly while they drive on them. It sounds like a massive advance for the electrical car industry, which is still grappling with the issue of extended charging times and limited ranges.
The Wireless Electric Roads platform shows us a bright future. Not only can electric cars be charged on the go, but this also means that they require much smaller batteries. Through this initiative, manufacturers can focus on all kinds of other ‘extras’ that have until now been considered too heavy, in the literal sense. Meanwhile, drivers get to choose between a dynamic, semi-dynamic, or static charging option, as the gas-powered, hybrid, and electric variants of the future.
ELECTREON Dynamic wireless charging
Back in 2019, Electreon Wireless proved its case by fully charging a Renault Zoe while it was driving through a section of street in the Israeli coastal town of Beit Yanai. This section had coils embedded in it, allowing for smooth energy transmission. At 8.5 kW and with a 91% efficiency, it is a job well done.
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Electric Vehicle Charging: Test Run In Sweden
These guys certainly attracted attention. They are now planning to run another test in Sweden later this year. Those with a vested interest in the electric car industry would do well to carefully follow these initial tests, as cars-charged-by-the-road is a premise that could lead to the ascend of fully autonomous cars. After all, the range will never be an issue anymore, nor will the weight of the battery be.
On the Swedish island of Gotland, many will, therefore, be interested to see if electric cars can indeed be charged by the 2.5-mile stretch of road harboring copper coils, testing it on an airport shuttle service for public use between the airport and the town center of eco-municipality Visby.
Photo by Electreon. Charging batteries while driving.
All Charged Up
The charging roads would not just be excellent for autonomous vehicles, including shuttles and public transport. It might also be a game-changer for trucks and the transportation industry, as electric trucks would no longer require super heavy batteries or mandatory downtime for charging.
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A great prospect. Now the wait begins for Sweden’s trial run. If this test does indeed go as well as planned, we might see a lot more of this very soon.
Cover photo by Zhang Kaiyv
Before you go!
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