Imagine a world where electric cars never require lengthy pit stops or plugging in for recharging. It may sound like magic, but it’s becoming a reality thanks to Electreon, an Israeli startup founded in 2013.
Electreon is revolutionizing the electric vehicle (EV) industry by developing electric roadways capable of wirelessly charging moving vehicles.
This groundbreaking technology has the potential to eliminate the limitations of range anxiety and inconvenient charging, making EV ownership more accessible and convenient for everyone.
In a recent demonstration, Electreon successfully drove an electric Toyota(as seen in the above image) for an astonishing 1,207 miles on a test track using their wireless charging coils embedded beneath the asphalt.
This achievement showcases the immense potential of wireless charging to transform the future of transportation.
The Impressive Demonstration
To showcase the capabilities of their wireless charging technology, Electreon chose a Toyota Rav4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid model, for a 100-hour continuous drive on their test track.
With their invisible, underground charging system, the SUV’s battery remained charged as it circled the track at an average speed of 30 mph. What makes this demonstration even more remarkable is that only 25% of the track was electrified.
According to Oren Ezer, CEO and cofounder of Electreon, an electric road can deliver more energy than a vehicle consumes, even at highway speeds. This accomplishment highlights the potential of wireless charging to revolutionize EV ownership.
Overcoming the Challenges
Range limitations and inconvenient charging are the two primary obstacles that discourage people from switching to electric vehicles. Currently, the longest-range EV available on the market is the Lucid Air Grand Touring, which offers 516 miles of driving range.
However, it comes with a hefty price tag of $138,000. Most mainstream EV models provide a range of 200 to 300 miles, necessitating multiple stops of 30-60 minutes during long road trips.
Electreon aims to address these challenges by developing electrified roads coupled with specially equipped vehicles capable of utilizing this technology. By doing so, they believe they can solve the range anxiety issue and make EV ownership more appealing.
Advantages of Dynamic Wireless Charging
Electreon highlights several advantages of “dynamic wireless charging” for electric vehicles.
One significant benefit is the reduced reliance on large, expensive, and environmentally taxing batteries to achieve long driving distances. To emphasize this point, Electreon conducted their experiment using a vehicle that, under normal conditions, would only have a range of approximately 46 miles.
By wirelessly charging the vehicle as it drove, they proved that traditional range limitations could be overcome without relying on extensive battery power. This breakthrough has the potential to make EVs more cost-effective, sustainable, and accessible to a wider consumer base.
The Future of Wireless Electric Roads
Electreon’s initial focus has been on developing wireless-charging solutions for fleets of buses and trucks, which have predictable routes and charging needs.
However, they envision their technology benefiting personal EV ownership as well. The company has plans to establish a mile-long stretch of electric road in Detroit, further solidifying their commitment to advancing the implementation of wireless charging.
Electreon’s CEO, Oren Ezer, predicts that major automakers will offer wireless-charging capabilities within the next 2-3 years, enabling consumers to experience the convenience and freedom that wireless charging brings.
Electreon’s wireless charging technology represents a significant step forward in the evolution of electric vehicles. By embedding charging coils beneath the road surface, they have successfully demonstrated the possibility of wirelessly charging moving vehicles, eliminating the need for frequent stops and inconvenient charging stations.
With the potential to overcome range limitations and reduce reliance on large batteries, Electreon’s dynamic wireless charging offers a compelling solution to make EV ownership more accessible and convenient.
The successful demonstration of wirelessly charging a Toyota Rav4 Prime for an impressive 1,207 miles showcases the immense potential of this technology.
Electreon’s CEO, Oren Ezer, believes that wireless-charging capabilities will be offered by major automakers within the next 2-3 years, signaling an exciting future for EV owners.
The introduction of electric roadways and specially outfitted vehicles has the power to revolutionize the way we think about transportation. Range anxiety, one of the major concerns surrounding EV ownership, can be effectively addressed through wireless charging, enabling longer journeys without the need for extended pit stops.
Furthermore, by reducing the reliance on large, expensive, and environmentally taxing batteries, wireless charging contributes to a more sustainable and cost-effective EV market.
While Electreon has initially focused on developing wireless charging solutions for fleets of buses and trucks, their plans to open a mile-long stretch of electric road in Detroit demonstrate their commitment to advancing this technology for personal EV ownership.
This bold step brings us closer to a future where electric roadways are a common sight, enabling seamless and convenient charging for EVs.
In conclusion, Electreon’s wireless charging technology holds tremendous potential for transforming the electric vehicle industry.
By eliminating the limitations of range anxiety and offering a more sustainable and cost-effective solution, dynamic wireless charging on electric roadways can revolutionize the way we travel.
With continued innovation and implementation, we can look forward to a future where driving an electric car without the need for frequent charging stops becomes the new norm, making EV ownership accessible to all.
Rashmi completed her Graduation in economics and international relations.
Along with this, she is also completing a diploma course in human psychology to understand the nature of society and to analysis the facts related to this more systematically.
Apart from her studies, she is a voracious reader and writer too.