Using Inductive Charging Technology Roads Can Be Electrified To Charge Cars
Photo: Michael Fousert / Unsplash
Electric vehicles today have the capacity to travel hundreds of miles in a single charge. Yet, absence of wide networks of charging stations and long charging time are what have stopped most EV enthusiasts to shift from vehicles powered by fossil fuel.
Despite of improvement in range and government support in the form of subsidies, electric vehicles accounted for 4% of global auto sales.
That could change in coming years as researchers are exploring to make roadways capable of charging vehicles while driving. Indiana Department of Transportation and Purdue University, according to New York Times, are planning to develop first wireless charging concrete roads using technology known as inductive charging.
Inductive charging, as of now, is mostly used by Samsung and Apple, among many other smartphone manufacturers.
To enable wireless charging of EVs, the device, which includes a coil that produces magnetic field when connected to the electric grid, is wrapped below the concrete pavement. EVs will be equipped with a similar kind of device to receive the power transferred.
The research estimated that the construction cost of electrified roads may vary of $1.1 million to $2.8 million per kilometer, New York Times reported.
The planned project, which is still in its infancy stage, carries the potential to revolutionize the EV industry and as such will put an end to the range anxiety for long haul vehicles, if not for passenger cars.