Detroit, Michigan, has achieved a significant milestone in vehicle electrification with the completion of the nation’s first wireless-charging public roadway. This innovative project, using technology from Electreon, is set to transform the electric vehicle (EV) landscape, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable transportation.
By Aubree Ross
A Milestone in Electrification
The newly installed wireless-charging road on 14th Street in Detroit is equipped with inductive-charging coils that can charge EVs equipped with receivers as they drive. This groundbreaking technology represents a major step forward in addressing the range limitations of EVs and promoting the adoption of electric vehicles. The road is part of a pilot initiative announced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in September 2021, in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Electreon.
How the Charging Technology Works
Electreon’s wireless charging technology is based on inductive coupling between copper coils installed below the road surface and receivers installed on the underside of electric vehicles. The road transfers electricity using a magnetic field only when a vehicle with a receiver is near the in-road charging segments. This ensures controlled energy transfer and safety for drivers, pedestrians, and wildlife. The technology allows for both static charging when the vehicle is parked and dynamic charging while driving.
The Corktown Neighborhood Project
The charging road runs alongside the Newlab at Michigan Central Building in Detroit’s historic Corktown neighborhood, home to over 60 tech and mobility startups. This location allows for further testing and advancement of this next-generation technology. MDOT and Electreon have installed a combined mile of inductive-charging roadway in the area, with plans to expand the project along US-12 (Michigan Avenue) in 2024.
Future of Sustainable Transportation
This project in Detroit is a significant step towards creating a more sustainable transportation infrastructure. Electreon operates 18 projects across eight countries, showcasing the global potential of this technology. The successful implementation and testing of this wireless in-road charging technology could pave the way for widespread adoption, making EVs more convenient and accessible, and significantly contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions in transportation.
Detroit’s wireless-charging road is a pioneering development in the field of electric vehicle technology. This project not only addresses current limitations of EVs but also sets the stage for a more sustainable and efficient transportation future. As Electreon’s technology continues to be tested and refined, it holds the promise of revolutionizing how we power our vehicles and move towards a greener, more sustainable world.