Stepping boldly into the realm of futuristic mobility, Detroit, renowned as the historic epicenter of the US auto industry, has implemented the country's inaugural wireless-charging public roadway designed for electric vehicles.
(Photo : Electreon)
In February 2022, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, in coordination with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced that Electreon had won a tender to deploy a 1 mile (1.61 km) wireless Electric Road System in downtown Detroit, Michigan.
MDOT and Electreon Collaborative
In a concerted effort involving the city, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), and Electreon, seek to assess and refine the technology that holds the potential to transform the power and operational dynamics of electric vehicles.
Beneath the surface of a quarter-mile stretch along 14th Street, Interesting Engineering reported that this lies a revolutionary wireless-charging roadway featuring copper inductive charging coils.
These coils, strategically embedded, have the capability to transfer electricity wirelessly through a magnetic field to vehicles equipped with Electreon receivers. The groundbreaking technology allows for the charging of vehicle batteries seamlessly while they drive, idle, or park above the coils.
Importantly, the coils are activated exclusively when a vehicle with a receiver passes over them, ensuring the safety of pedestrians, motorists, and animals utilizing the roadway.
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The groundbreaking initiative introduced in 2021 by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer plays a pivotal role within the Michigan Central Innovation District. This district serves as a strategic hub dedicated to advancing technologies and fostering initiatives specifically designed to address the challenges within the realm of mobility.
As per a report from Axios, Ford Motor Co. is actively engaged in the extensive restoration of the historic Michigan Central train station located within the innovation district. The vision behind this effort is to transform the station into a central hub for the development of self-driving vehicles, reflecting the forward-looking approach of the automotive industry.
In a practical testing environment, researchers are actively involved in evaluating the wireless charging technology using a Ford E-Transit equipped with an Electreon receiver. The ultimate goal of this research is to ensure the accessibility of wireless charging technology to the public in the coming years.
This real-world scenario not only tests the viability of the technology but also aligns with the broader mission of integrating innovative solutions into everyday mobility practices.
A Bright Future
Moreover, a five-year commitment has been established by MDOT and Electreon to develop and test an electric road system on Michigan's roadways.
Adjacent to the station, Electreon has strategically installed two static inductive charging stations, offering charging capabilities for vehicles equipped with Electreon technology while parked.
In 2024, MDOT plans to solicit bids for the reconstruction of a section of Michigan Avenue (US-12) and the installation of additional inductive charging infrastructure.
Beyond the domestic landscape, Electreon has secured contracts for similar projects in Israel, Sweden, Italy, and Germany. The firm contends that its innovative technology can reduce battery size, weight, and cost while addressing concerns related to range anxiety and emissions.
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