DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – Electric Vehicle travelers through Detroit will be able to save time on recharging after a new road capable of charging vehicles on the move was completed Wednesday, the first of its kind in America. 

The Israeli startup Electreon, helped furnish a quarter mile section of 14th Street in Detroit’s Michigan Central. 

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“We’re excited to spearhead the development and deployment of America’s first wireless charging road,” said Dr. Stefan Tongur, Electreon vice president of business development. “This milestone stands as a testament to our collaborative efforts with the State of Michigan and MDOT, the City of Detroit, Michigan Central, Ford, Mcity, Jacobs, Next Energy, DTE, and others. Alongside Michigan’s automotive expertise, we’ll demonstrate how wireless charging unlocks widespread EV adoption, addressing limited range, grid limitations, and battery size and costs. This project paves the way for a zero-emission mobility future, where EVs are the norm, not the exception.”

The technology involves inductive coupling between copper coils installed below the road surface according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. 

“These charging segments can transfer wireless electricity to the receiver either when the vehicle is parked (static charging) or is driving (dynamic charging),” according to MDOT officials. “The electric road is safe for drivers, pedestrians and wildlife. Each coil in the road is activated only when a vehicle with an approved receiver passes over the coil. This ensures that energy transfer is controlled and provided only to vehicles that require it.” 

There is more work to be done in the area, and officials expect that there will be more testing and construction through the end of 2023 and into 2024. 

“For more than a century, Detroit has been known around the world as the leader in transportation innovation,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “We are the birthplace of the auto industry, and the home of the first mile of concrete road and the first three-way traffic signal. Today, thanks to Gov. Whitmer and our partners at Michigan Central and Electreon, we can add the nation’s first wireless charging public roadway to that list of innovations.”

In 2021, Electreon’s wireless in road charging technology was named one of the world’s top 100 inventions by Time Magazine. The company operates 18 projects across eight countries. 

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“Developing electrified roadways may be the catalyst to accelerate interest and acceptance of EVs for all consumers,” said MDOT Director Bradley Wieferich. “Making it easier for EV users to find a reliable charging source without disrupting their commute supports both fleet operations and passenger travel.”

Last September, the the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Electreon signed a five year contract to “develop and work toward implementing a scalable wireless public in-road charging network for electric vehicles (EV).”  

The state has invested $1.9 million in state money for the $6 million project according to Michele Mueller, Senior Project Manager of Connected and Automated Vehicles for MDOT, while Electreon is footing the remainder of costs. 

Excluding Tesla EV chargers, the state has roughly 2,000 operational electric vehicle charger ports including several hundred direct current fast chargers. For a list of EV charging stations, see here.