The State of Michigan Department of Transportation is set to trial the first in-road wireless charging system for EVs in the US, which could be operational by 2023.
“As we aim to lead the future of mobility and electrification by boosting electric vehicle production and lowering consumer costs, a wireless in-road charging system is the next piece to the puzzle for sustainability,” State of Michigan, governor, Gretchen Whitmer said.
The technology, which will be provided by Israeli start-up Electreon, will be installed in a one mile stretch of road in Detroit city district.
Described as the Michigan Project, it will see Electron collaborate with Ford Automotive Company, US engineering firm Jacobs, energy supplier DTE, infrastructure company Kiewit and vehicle conversion firm Roush CleanTech.
“Electrified roadways have the potential to accelerate adoption of electric vehicles by consumers and fleet operations alike by enabling continuous vehicle operations and turning public streets into safe and sustainable shared energy platforms,” added Whitmer
The Michigan Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the State Department of Future Transportation and Electrification, will contribute US$1.9m (£1.3m) in funding for the project. Electreon will be responsible for providing the wireless charging technology, currently under development, and will lead the planning, implementation and operation of the project.
