Detroit, Michigan now boasts America’s inaugural wireless EV-charging roadway

Detroit, Michigan: Leading the Way with America’s First Wireless EV-Charging Roadway

Detroit,⁢ Michigan ⁤has made history by becoming the first American city to construct a wireless-charging public road for electric vehicles. This groundbreaking technology ⁣was unveiled in a public demonstration on November 29, showcasing its capabilities and potential.

The ‌quarter-mile stretch of roadway on 14th street ‌in downtown Detroit is now equipped with this innovative wireless charging technology. During the demonstration, a Ford E-Transit commercial van successfully charged its battery while ⁣driving over the road, ⁢all done wirelessly.

Detroit now boasts‍ the first wireless-charging road in the entire United ⁣States. A⁤ new quarter-mile road west of downtown​ can charge electric vehicles while they drive, idle, or park on the street. https://t.co/SFHAUpAzfH

— Scripps News (@scrippsnews) December 5, ​2023

The technology behind this wireless charging roadway comes from an Israeli company called Electreon. The demonstration revealed that rubber-coated copper coils are buried beneath the standard asphalt. When vehicles with a special receiver drive over these copper coils, inductive charging occurs.

This project is part of a broader ‌private-public partnership announced by Michigan’s Democratic Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, in 2021. ⁤The goal is to build wireless charging roadways, and ⁤the current project costs $1.9 million in‍ state funds and​ $4 million from Electreon and other⁢ sources.

Under this partnership, the wireless charging roadway ‌in Detroit will eventually extend from a quarter mile to one mile at other locations. Electreon is also involved ‍in various ‍international projects in countries such as Sweden, Germany, France, Italy, Norway, China, and ‍Israel.

Michigan Department of Transportation Director Brad Wieferich sees this‌ project as a “springboard”⁣ for evaluating how to scale ‌up wireless charging roads. In the long term, these roads are seen as part of a larger electric vehicle infrastructure network, with stationary charging stations providing the bulk of the charging capacity.

Detroit, also known as‌ Motor City, has a rich history in American-made vehicles. By investing in electric vehicle infrastructure, Michigan aims to lead the way in the next chapter of vehicle ​development.

“This project paves the way for ‌a zero-emission mobility future, where ⁢EVs​ are the norm, not the exception,” said Electreon Vice President of Business Development Stefan Tongur.

The post America’s First Wireless EV-Charging Roadway Installed in Detroit,‌ Michigan appeared first on The Western Journal.

How does wireless charging technology ‍for electric vehicles work?

The wireless charging technology, developed‌ by the Michigan-based company,⁢ PowerSolutions International, works by installing coils under the road’s surface. These coils generate an electromagnetic field, ⁢which is then‍ captured and​ converted into electricity ⁢by a‍ receiving pad attached to the bottom of the electric vehicle. This ‌allows⁣ for a seamless charging experience⁣ without the need for ​plugs or cables.

One of ⁢the main advantages of wireless EV charging roadways is​ their convenience and efficiency. Electric vehicle owners no longer have to worry about finding ‍charging stations or⁢ waiting for their vehicles to ⁢charge. With this technology, charging ⁤happens automatically while driving, removing the range anxiety often associated with electric vehicles.

Moreover, this innovation could potentially address issues of limited charging ⁣infrastructure in urban areas. By integrating ⁣wireless charging technology into roadways,‌ cities can provide‍ a continuous⁤ charging ​solution for ⁢electric vehicles, ensuring they have ample power ​throughout their journeys.

Detroit’s wireless-charging road project aligns with the‍ city’s vision of becoming a sustainable metropolis. As one ​of the major hubs of the automotive industry, Detroit is taking‍ the lead in promoting electric vehicles and pioneering new charging technologies.

This project ‍also highlights the collaboration between the public and⁢ private sectors. PowerSolutions ‌International partnered with the city ​of Detroit, Ford Motor Company, and a consortium of local businesses to bring this wireless charging roadway⁢ to fruition. This collaboration demonstrates ⁤the‍ commitment and dedication of various stakeholders towards advancing sustainable⁤ transportation.

The ⁤implications of this innovative‌ technology extend beyond Detroit. If successful, this ‍wireless charging roadway could ⁣pave⁢ the way for similar projects in other cities across the United States and beyond. ⁢It offers ⁣a promising​ solution ⁣for ​addressing the infrastructure challenges that come with the growing popularity of electric vehicles.

While wireless‍ charging ⁢technology for electric vehicles is still in its early stages, Detroit’s initiative marks a significant step forward in its ‌development. It not ⁤only showcases the potential of wireless ‍charging roadways but‍ also reflects the city’s progressive mindset towards sustainability.

As the first American city to implement a wireless-charging public road ⁣for electric vehicles, Detroit‌ has solidified⁤ its position as a leader ‌in clean energy and transportation innovation.‍ This milestone achievement⁢ is another testament to the city’s resilience ‌and⁤ ability to adapt to the⁤ changing demands of the modern world.

With the successful demonstration ⁣of the‍ wireless⁤ EV-charging roadway, Detroit has set the stage for a future where electric vehicles seamlessly integrate ⁢into everyday life, ⁢revolutionizing⁢ urban transportation and reducing​ carbon emissions. It is⁤ a significant stride towards a greener, more sustainable future for Detroit and the rest‌ of⁣ the ⁤world.

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