Israeli startup Electreon officially opened the first wireless charging road in Detroit, marking the United States‘ first such public roadway.
“We’re excited to spearhead the development and deployment of America’s first wireless charging road.”
Stefan Tongur, Electreon Business Development VP
Electreon’s project development
Car and Driver reported that the Michigan Transportation Department and the city government of Detroit assisted Electreon in opening the innovative 400-meter wireless charging road on 14th Street between Marantette and Dalzelle streets earlier this week.
Interestingly, the project development unveiling showed a modified Ford Transit using the wireless charging road with a 19kW peak charging rate.
They reportedly conducted the technology demonstrations on Wednesday at Michigan Central Innovation District.
“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.”
Stefan Tongur, Electreon Business Development VP
How does it work?
Wireless electric vehicle charging roads have inductive charging pads beneath the asphalt. These are managed by multiple hubs at intervals to monitor if one section malfunctions and ensure that other parts of the wireless charging road can still charge vehicles.
Notably, EVs must have transmitters underneath the body to receive the energy from the road. The coils underneath the road transmit energy through a magnetic field, charging an EV’s battery.
Government support
AP News reported that Electreon and the state Department of Transportation formed a five-year partnership to develop the wireless charging road system in Detroit. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) partially funded the project with a $1.9 million investment.
The DOT will look for bids to reconstruct part of Michigan Avenue, where they plan to develop inductive charging technology.
“In Michigan, we want to stay ahead of the curve. We want to lead the curve. The technology is smart. The technology knows who you are — you’re a verified and authentic user — you can get a charge.”
Michigan DOT Director Bradley C. Wieferich
Electreon will utilize 14th Street’s quarter-mile segment to test and refine the wireless charging technology through the end of 2023 before launching it to the public in the next few years, the Michigan Department of Transportation stated. Moreover, the company will further test the technology with Ford’s E-Transit van in early 2024.
