France Launches World’s First Wireless Charging Highway for Electric Vehicles
In a groundbreaking development, France has officially launched the first highway designed to wirelessly charge electric vehicles while they drive. Located near Paris, along the A10 motorway, this innovative 1.5-kilometre stretch can power multiple buses, cars, and heavy trucks on the move.
Verified by independent labs from Gustave Eiffel University, this unique highway can provide continuous charging at over 200 kW, with peak performance reaching 300 kW. This level of power is comparable to some of the fastest electric vehicle chargers available today, such as Tesla’s V3 Supercharger.
How It Works
The concept behind this self-charging highway involves copper coils placed under the asphalt. These coils generate a magnetic field that transfers energy to electric vehicles equipped with special receivers. It works similarly to how some phones charge wirelessly when placed on a magnetic power bank. Importantly, this charging method remains effective even in heavy rain or snowy conditions.
Thanks to its fast charging speeds, this highway could enable vehicles to embark on longer journeys without the frequent need for breaks or the burden of carrying large batteries. According to ArenaEV, just a few minutes on this road can significantly extend the driving range of electric vehicles. This advancement could ease one of the primary challenges facing electric vehicles: limited range. Furthermore, if adopted widely, it could lead to more affordable and lighter electric vehicles since manufacturers won’t need to include hefty batteries.
In addition to the wireless charging feature, the highway offers other advantages. Built directly into the pavement, this system eliminates the risk of wear and tear from moving parts. Developed by Electreon, the initiative aligns with the French Ministry of Transport’s ambitious plan to create 9,000 kilometres of wireless charging roads by 2035.
This innovative technology marks a significant step toward enhancing the convenience and efficiency of electric vehicles, paving the way for a cleaner and greener future on the roads.
