Key Takeaways
1. A dynamic inductive charging system has been installed on a public stretch of the A10 near Paris, allowing electric vehicles to charge while driving.
2. The system delivers up to 300 kilowatts of power through induction coils embedded in the road, enabling wireless charging for compatible vehicles.
3. Initial tests show charging power averages over 200 kilowatts, similar to current fast-charging stations, with successful evaluations confirming the technology’s durability.
4. Wider implementation could reduce the size of EV batteries, lower costs, and help meet climate goals by increasing electric vehicle adoption and decreasing CO₂ emissions.
5. The technology requires compatible receiver coils in vehicles, and a charging payment model is being considered, with details expected as the project develops.
For the first time, a public stretch of the A10 located southwest of Paris has been enhanced with a dynamic inductive charging system that enables electric vehicles to charge while they drive. This pilot initiative, named “Charge as you drive,” signifies a significant step toward the broader adoption of electric mobility.
Project Overview
On a 1.5-kilometer (0.9-mile) trial section of the A10, collaborators such as VINCI Autoroutes, Electreon, VINCI Construction, Gustave Eiffel University, and Hutchinson have set up a system that can deliver up to 300 kilowatts of power to vehicles that are in motion. Induction coils that are embedded in the roadway create a magnetic field, which is transformed into electricity by receiver coils located inside the vehicles. This means that compatible cars, buses, and trucks can charge wirelessly while moving along the road, eliminating the need to pause at a charging station.
Performance Metrics
Electreon reports that initial measurements indicate an average charging power exceeding 200 kilowatts, which is similar to what is seen at contemporary fast-charging stations. Presently, four prototype vehicles are in operation, which include a heavy truck, a van, a passenger car, and a bus, all undergoing testing in real traffic situations. The system has successfully passed essential technical assessments: material tests at the Road Research Center in Mérignac and a 25-year durability simulation at LAMES lab in Gustave Eiffel University confirmed the technology’s longevity. After these positive evaluations, the system has received approval for deployment on public roadways.
Future Implications
Should the “Charge as you drive” technology be implemented on a larger scale, electric vehicles could potentially come with smaller batteries in the future. This would not only lower the costs of EVs but also diminish the CO₂ emissions tied to battery creation and disposal. Additionally, the wider acceptance of electric vehicles might speed up, aiding in the achievement of climate objectives—particularly in France, where road traffic is responsible for about 95% of emissions related to transportation.
There are still unanswered questions regarding how drivers will be charged for the electricity used while wirelessly charging on the highway. Electreon is considering a “charging-as-a-service” model, where users might pay either for each use or through monthly subscription fees. A control unit placed in the road will automatically recognize authorized vehicles and activate the power transfer only when necessary. Detailed pricing and tariff information is anticipated to be revealed as the project advances.
Compatibility and Availability
In theory, any electric vehicle can charge while it moves, provided it has a compatible receiver coil fitted beneath its chassis. However, this technology is not yet available to the public. It necessitates either retrofitting existing vehicles or incorporating the system into new models during their production phase.
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