France’s Wireless EV Road: Charging on the Move Begins

The future of electric vehicle infrastructure is here, as France has launched the planet’s first operational wireless charging highway. This 1.5-kilometer road near Paris is engineered to provide continuous power to electric cars, buses, and trucks while they are actively driving. The system employs a series of copper coils buried under the road, which generate a dynamic magnetic field. EVs fitted with compatible receivers can then tap into this field to replenish their batteries, receiving power comparable to high-speed charging stations, with outputs up to 300 kW. Rigorously tested, the technology is proven to work effectively in diverse weather environments, from heavy rain to icy conditions. This ‘charge-while-driving’ capability offers a powerful solution to range anxiety, potentially enabling the design of lighter, more accessible EVs by reducing the demands on battery size. The inherent durability of the embedded system, featuring no moving mechanical components, translates to lower operational and maintenance costs. This pioneering road is a significant stride toward France’s bold vision of building 9,000 km of such roads by 2035, aiming to transform the landscape of electric transportation.