France Pioneers Dynamic Wireless Charging Road Technology

Edited by: Tetiana Pin

France has achieved a significant milestone in the evolution of electric transportation by launching the world's inaugural stretch of motorway equipped with a dynamic wireless fast-charging system designed specifically for electric vehicles. This groundbreaking pilot initiative, officially titled “Charging in Motion,” represents a major step forward in sustainable infrastructure development.

The chosen location for this technological demonstration is a crucial national transit route: the A10 motorway, situated just southwest of the capital city, Paris. The deployment focused on a test segment spanning 1.5 kilometers. This real-world application allows engineers to rigorously assess the system's viability under typical traffic conditions, confirming its high operational efficiency.

The core innovation lies in embedding specialized induction coils directly into the road surface itself. As an electric vehicle passes over the 1.5-kilometer segment, these coils generate a powerful magnetic field. Corresponding receiving elements, strategically mounted on the undercarriage of specially prepared electric vehicles, intercept this magnetic energy. This captured energy is then immediately converted into electrical power, allowing the vehicle's battery to replenish continuously while the car remains in motion.

The performance metrics recorded during testing were highly encouraging. The system successfully demonstrated the secure transfer of an average power output exceeding 200 kilowatts, with peak measurements reaching over 300 kilowatts. These power levels are comparable to those offered by the most advanced stationary charging stations available today, fundamentally altering the possibilities for long-distance electric travel. The project was executed through a collaboration involving the Israeli technology firm Electreon and the prominent infrastructure operator VINCI Autoroutes.

This technological leap holds substantial promise for reducing the reliance on massive, resource-intensive battery packs currently required for long-range EVs. By enabling continuous charging, the technology could significantly decrease manufacturing costs and lessen the strain on planetary resources associated with battery production. The Ministry of Transport of France confirmed the project not only fulfilled all its mandated objectives but also concluded ahead of its original schedule, underscoring the maturity of the technology.

While discussions regarding pricing structures and tariffs for this innovative service are ongoing, the activation mechanism is already fully refined. A dedicated control unit is responsible for identifying authorized vehicles. Energy transfer is only initiated precisely when the vehicle is positioned directly above the charged zone. Essentially, any electric vehicle equipped with the necessary receiver apparatus will be able to utilize this infrastructure. This development is positioned by France as a powerful demonstration of how technological innovation can effectively neutralize “range anxiety,” transforming electric transport from a stop-start process into a seamless, continuous flow of energy replenishment.

The early success of the A10 pilot project confirms the technology's readiness for broader integration into European infrastructure plans. This aligns perfectly with the ambitious goal of electrifying 9000 kilometers of major European roadways by the year 2035, paving the way for a truly interconnected and sustainable continental transport network.

Sources

  • Notebookcheck

  • World's first dynamic wirelessly-charged motorway shows highly promising real-world results

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