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Sweden is getting smart roads that will charge EVs on the go

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Ayaan Paul
Ayaan PaulApr 05, 2023 | 08:01

Sweden is getting smart roads that will charge EVs on the go

Cutting-edge technology in the world of battery-powered electric vehicles could see the development of something that feels straight out of a sci-fi movie - electric roads, where cars recharge while driving. 

What

The Israeli company ElectReon, which specialises in inductive charging of electric vehicles, is working on the Smartroad Gotland pilot project in Sweden which includes a kilometre-long stretch of road that charges vehicles while they move.

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Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden has conducted a study using the electric road system, combined with real-life driving patterns, demonstrating that such a system could reduce the size of the battery by up to 70%. 

In addition, the system reduces the load on the power grid, which can be spread out over the day. Several countries, including Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, are testing electric road systems to electrify their road networks. 

Why

With a ban on the sale of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles looming by 2030 in Sweden and across Europe, electric vehicle (EV) sales have skyrocketed, causing uneven load on the power grid and issues with charging electric vehicles. The Swedish Transport Administration is building a 21-km stretch of electric road, with the project expected to be completed in 2026.

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In recent years, there has been a growing global focus on developing new technologies to support more sustainable modes of transportation. Governments and private companies across the world are investing heavily in research and development to make EVs more efficient, affordable, and practical for consumers.

There is a great deal of innovation happening in the transportation sector as countries across the world work to reduce carbon emissions and build more sustainable infrastructure. As new technologies continue to emerge and evolve, it is likely that the way we travel will continue to change and evolve as well.

Around the world 

Here are a few examples of the many innovations happening around the world in the field of sustainable transportation:

  • Norway: Norway is a global leader in electric vehicle adoption, with EVs making up over 54% of new car sales in 2020. To support this shift towards electric mobility, the country has invested heavily in charging infrastructure. Oslo has installed over 1,000 public charging stations and offers free EV charging in some areas. Norway has also implemented several financial incentives for EV owners, including reduced tolls, free parking, and tax exemptions.
  • China: China is the world's largest EV market, and the country has invested heavily in battery production and research. In 2020, Chinese companies produced over 80% of the world's lithium-ion batteries for EVs. The Chinese government has also implemented aggressive targets for EV adoption, with a goal of having EVs make up 50% of all new car sales by 2035.
  • Germany: Germany is investing in the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology as an alternative to battery electric vehicles. The government has pledged to invest €9 billion in hydrogen technology by 2030, with a goal of having 5 GW of electrolysis capacity installed in the country by that time. Germany is also investing in public charging infrastructure for EVs, with a goal of installing 1 million charging points by 2030.
  • United States: The United States has implemented several federal tax incentives for EV owners, including a tax credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase of a new electric vehicle. The country is also investing in research and development of new EV technologies, including solid-state batteries and wireless charging. In addition, several states, including California, have implemented aggressive targets for EV adoption and are investing in charging infrastructure to support that transition.
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Many companies and organisations are also working towards developing a wireless EV charging technology:

  • WiTricity: WiTricity is a US-based company that specialises in wireless charging technology for electric vehicles. They have developed a system that uses magnetic resonance to transfer power between a ground-based charging pad and a receiver on the vehicle. The company has partnered with several automotive manufacturers, including General Motors, to develop wireless charging systems for EVs.
  • Qualcomm: Qualcomm is another US-based company that is developing a system that uses magnetic induction to transfer power between a ground-based charging pad and a receiver on the vehicle. Qualcomm has partnered with several automotive manufacturers, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz, to test their wireless charging technology.
  • KAIST: The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has developed a wireless charging system for electric buses. The system uses power transfer pads embedded in the road to charge the buses as they drive along their routes. KAIST has conducted several successful tests of their wireless charging system and is working on commercialising the technology.
  • Hevo: Hevo is a US-based startup that has developed a wireless charging system for electric vehicles in urban areas. The system uses curbside charging pads that are embedded in the ground, allowing EV owners to park and charge their vehicles without the need for cords or cables. Hevo is currently testing their technology in several cities around the United States.

While the technology is still in the early stages of development, it has the potential to make EVs even more convenient and practical for consumers.

ALSO READ: How safe are EVs?

ALSO SEE: EVs Launched At Auto Expo 2023

Last updated: April 05, 2023 | 08:01
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