Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular and affordable, but they still face several challenges, including limited range, battery size, and charging infrastructure. But what if there was a way to charge your EV on the go, without having to plug it in or stop at a station? That’s the idea behind wireless charging.
Detroit Wireless Charging Roads (MDOT) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
What is wireless charging?
Wireless charging is a technology that allows electric vehicles (EVs) to receive power from coils buried beneath the road surface without having to plug in or stop at a charging station. This could make EVs more convenient, efficient and affordable for drivers, while also reducing the environmental impact of transportation.
![How the Motor City is paving the way for charging road electrification everywhere](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/12/1200/675/2-How-the-motor-city-is-paving-the-way-for-wireless-charging-roads-everywhere.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Detroit Wireless Charging Roads (MDOT) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Wireless charging has been tested by several automakers and researchers around the world, but until now no U.S. city has introduced it on public roads.Detroit is the birthplace of the automobile industry. Wireless charging coil installation Located along a quarter-mile stretch of 14th Street in the historic Corktown neighborhood.
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How does it work?
The wireless charging system was developed by Electreon Wireless, an Israeli company specializing in inductive charging technology. The system consists of a copper coil buried under asphalt and connected to a power source. When a vehicle equipped with a receiver passes over the coil, it creates a magnetic field that wirelessly transmits electricity to the vehicle’s battery.
![How the Motor City is paving the way for charging road electrification everywhere](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/12/1200/675/3-How-the-motor-city-is-paving-the-way-for-wireless-charging-roads-everywhere.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Detroit Wireless Charging Roads (MDOT) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
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How Detroit is testing wireless charging
The project is a collaboration between the State of Michigan, MDOT, the City of Detroit, Mid-Michigan, Ford, Jacobs, Next Energy, DTE and others. This is part of a five-year pilot program to test the feasibility and performance of wireless charging in real-world conditions and explore potential applications in public transportation such as buses and shuttles.
![How the Motor City is paving the way for charging road electrification everywhere](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/12/1200/675/4-How-the-motor-city-is-paving-the-way-for-wireless-charging-roads-everywhere.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Detroit Wireless Charging Road Monitoring (MDOT) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
The first vehicle to use the wireless charging system was the Ford E-Transit electric commercial van, provided by Ford Motor Company and equipped with an Electreon receiver. Ford plans to use the vehicle to collect data and provide feedback to project partners about vehicle efficiency and operations, as well as potential long-term public transportation opportunities.
![How the Motor City is paving the way for charging road electrification everywhere](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/12/1200/675/5-How-the-motor-city-is-paving-the-way-for-wireless-charging-roads-everywhere.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
E-Transit electric commercial van from Ford Motor Co. (MDOT) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
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What are the benefits of wireless charging?
Wireless charging has the potential to offer several benefits to EV drivers and the community at large. Benefits include:
Convenience: Wireless charging can potentially save drivers time and money by eliminating the hassle of finding and connecting to a charging station. It also enables continuous charging while driving, potentially extending the range and battery life of EVs.
Fee: Wireless charging could reduce the need for large and expensive battery packs, reducing EV manufacturing and maintenance costs. It could also reduce demand on charging infrastructure, saving resources and space in cities and communities.
Passed: Wireless charging has the potential to make EVs more attractive and accessible to consumers, especially those living in apartments or areas with limited charging options. It could also increase the market share and competitiveness of EVs, creating more jobs and innovation in the auto industry.
environment: Wireless charging has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution caused by transportation, improving the health and quality of life for people and the planet.
![How the Motor City is paving the way for charging road electrification everywhere](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/12/1200/675/6-How-the-motor-city-is-paving-the-way-for-wireless-charging-roads-everywhere.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
E-Transit electric commercial van from Ford Motor Co. (MDOT) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
What are the challenges with wireless charging?
Wireless charging also faces several challenges and limitations that need to be addressed before it can be widely adopted. Part of the problem is:
efficiency: Wireless charging is not as efficient as wired charging, so some energy is lost during transfer. This not only increases the electricity consumption and cost of EVs, but also potentially increases the carbon footprint of power generation. The efficiency of wireless charging is determined by several factors, including the distance between the coil and receiver, vehicle speed and alignment, weather and road conditions.
compatibility: Wireless charging requires compatible equipment both on the road and in the vehicle, which can limit system availability and interoperability. Not all EVs have receivers, and not all roads have embedded coils. This can create a chicken-and-egg problem where supply and demand for wireless charging are interdependent. To solve this, industry and government need to develop and adopt standards and regulations.
safety: Wireless charging involves high voltage electricity and magnetic fields, which can pose risks to people and animals. To prevent this, systems must be designed and tested to ensure they meet health and safety standards and guidelines.
Cart important points
Wireless charging is an emerging and promising technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way vehicles are driven and powered. Although it potentially offers many advantages in terms of convenience, cost, implementation, and environment, it also faces several challenges and limitations that need to be overcome. Detroit is the first U.S. city to install wireless charging on public streets, but it won’t be the last. We expect more cities and countries to follow suit and join the electric road revolution.
What do you think about wireless charging and its potential impact on transportation and society? Would you use it if it was available in your area? Please let us know by email. Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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