France unveils world's first electric vehicle charging highway

France pioneers dynamic EV charging on public roads

In a groundbreaking leap for sustainable transportation, France has officially inaugurated the world's first public highway section capable of wirelessly charging electric vehicles (EVs) as they drive. This pioneering initiative, currently spanning a 1.5-kilometer stretch of the A10 motorway near Paris, marks a significant validation of 'charge-as-you-go' concepts, proving their real-world viability.

Powering the future of freight

The ambitious pilot project, aptly named "Charge as You Drive," is meticulously evaluating the continuous delivery of electricity directly to moving vehicles. Independent analysis from Gustave Eiffel University has attested to the system's impressive performance, reporting peak power exceeding 300 kW and a consistent average power of over 200 kW. To put this into perspective, this output is roughly four to six times more potent than a typical Tesla Supercharger, making it more than capable of powering hefty 40-ton electric trucks and simultaneously replenishing their batteries mid-journey.

While the technology is adaptable to all forms of electric transport, France's immediate focus is on electrifying its crucial freight sector. Trucks are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for over 16% of France's total emissions. Transitioning to electric trucks is a cornerstone of the nation's environmental strategy. However, the practicalities of equipping heavy-duty vehicles with batteries large enough for substantial ranges – potentially weighing several tons, incurring substantial costs, and demanding rare materials like lithium and cobalt – present considerable challenges. Furthermore, charging such massive batteries in a reasonable timeframe, say under 45 minutes, would necessitate power outputs in the megawatt range, a daunting prospect for current infrastructure.

Shifting the paradigm: Energy absorption over refuelling

This innovative charging highway offers a compelling alternative. Instead of the conventional 'fill-up' model akin to traditional gas stations, the vision is to embrace an 'energy absorption' paradigm. By continuously drawing power while in motion, electric trucks could potentially operate with significantly smaller batteries, perhaps 50-80% less capacious, thereby mitigating weight, cost, and resource concerns.

The technology behind the innovation

The experimental road segment employs advanced dynamic wireless induction technology, remarkably similar in principle to the wireless charging pads used for smartphones. Engineers have ingeniously embedded copper coils beneath the road surface, connecting them to discreet power control units situated along the roadside. When an EV approaches, the system intelligently detects its presence and energizes the coils directly beneath it. These energized coils generate a precisely targeted magnetic field. For this to work, vehicles, both cars and trucks, must be equipped with one or more receiver pads or coils mounted on their chassis. As the vehicle travels over the powered section of the road, the magnetic field induces an electric current within its receiver, directly powering the electric motor or topping up the battery.

Crucially, the system remains dormant until a vehicle with a functional receiver is detected, ensuring safety for other road users and wildlife. Its modular design also allows for phased implementation and easier maintenance.

Global adoption and future challenges

Years of rigorous testing have preceded the integration of this robust system into the actual road infrastructure. France's pioneering step is set to inspire others, with Germany already preparing to construct a kilometer-long section of inductive charging highway on the A6, also utilizing Electreon's technology, slated for construction in 2025. Italy is actively testing a similar truck-focused system, while the United States has several smaller-scale pilot projects underway, including one in Detroit. Nations like China, South Korea, and Israel are also conducting their own trials.

Despite this exciting progress, significant questions linger. The substantial cost of building extensive electrified road networks remains a key concern. Developing equitable billing systems to accurately charge drivers for the electricity consumed based on distance traveled is another complex hurdle. Furthermore, widespread deployment will necessitate considerable investments in upgrading existing electrical grids, particularly high-voltage transmission lines, to handle the increased demand.