A groundbreaking innovation in electric vehicle (EV) charging technology is emerging in France, promising to revolutionize how EVs are powered and potentially eliminating the need for drivers to stop at charging stations during long trips. This new wireless charging system, developed by Electreon Wireless in collaboration with Vinci Construction, Gustave Eiffel University, and Hutchinson, involves embedding coils into roadways that can transfer electricity directly to moving vehicles. Currently, a one-mile pilot stretch near Paris is successfully delivering more than 300 kilowatts of power to EVs in motion, a feat that could have significant implications for the future of transportation worldwide.
The technology works by using coils installed beneath the road surface, which generate an electromagnetic field to wirelessly charge vehicles equipped with compatible receiver coils. Early tests on this pilot stretch have demonstrated the system’s ability to power various types of electric vehicles, including trucks, vans, cars, and buses. Impressively, the system can sustain power delivery of over 200 kilowatts in steady conditions, enough energy to keep large cargo trucks moving for extended distances without needing to stop for traditional charging.
If implemented on a larger scale, dynamic wireless charging could dramatically reshape how electric transportation operates. For heavy-duty trucks, this means smaller, lighter, and less expensive batteries could be used since vehicles could recharge while driving. Delivery fleets and public transit buses could benefit from reduced downtime, allowing them to stay on the road longer and improve operational efficiency. For everyday drivers, the anxiety of running out of battery charge—commonly referred to as range anxiety—could become a thing of the past, as highways themselves would act as continuous power sources.
This innovation is not limited to France. In the United States, similar projects are already underway. Detroit, Michigan, has embedded charging coils along a section of 14th Street that can wirelessly power EVs while they move. Meanwhile, Purdue University and the Indiana Department of Transportation are collaborating on a quarter-mile stretch of highway in Indiana designed to charge electric vehicles, including heavy trucks, on the go. These initiatives signal growing momentum globally to adopt wireless charging infrastructure as a complement to traditional plug-in stations.
Despite the promising potential, several challenges remain before dynamic wireless charging can become widespread. A key question is the cost of installing and maintaining these power roads. The infrastructure investment required to embed coils into highways and ensure reliable power delivery at scale is substantial. Additionally, questions about who will bear these costs—whether governments, private companies, or a combination of both—remain unresolved. Public-private partnerships may be critical to funding and managing the rollouts, but the exact models for such collaboration are still being developed.
Control and regulatory issues also pose uncertainties. Determining how pricing for wireless charging will work, how to monitor usage, and how to integrate this system with existing power grids and transportation networks will require careful planning and innovation. Furthermore, the technology’s durability and effectiveness under varying traffic conditions and weather scenarios need thorough testing to ensure safety and reliability.
Nonetheless, the pace of development in this field is rapid, and the benefits of dynamic wireless charging are compelling. By enabling continuous charging while driving, this technology could reduce the size and cost of EV batteries, lower emissions by encouraging wider adoption of electric vehicles, and make electric transportation more convenient and accessible for millions of people. It could transform freight and public transit industries by minimizing downtime, improving logistics, and cutting operational costs.
Beyond the environmental advantages, dynamic wireless charging has the potential to redefine mobility and energy consumption. Instead of relying solely on stationary charging stations, roads themselves could become part of the energy infrastructure, creating a more integrated and efficient transportation ecosystem. This innovation aligns well with broader trends towards sustainable transportation, smart infrastructure, and the electrification of the vehicle fleet.
As this technology progresses from pilot projects to larger implementations, collaboration among automakers, technology firms, construction companies, and government agencies will be crucial. Addressing financial, technical, and regulatory hurdles will require coordinated effort and investment. However, if successfully scaled, wireless charging roads could usher in a new era of electric vehicle travel, characterized by convenience, efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.
In summary, the wireless charging pilot in France represents a significant step forward in EV technology, demonstrating that vehicles can be powered while on the move with high levels of efficiency and power output. This system holds promise to alleviate range anxiety, reduce battery costs, and keep vehicles—especially heavy-duty trucks and buses—on the road longer without stopping to recharge. With similar projects underway in the