A project in France could completely reshape the future of transportation. An innovative road has been built on one of the country’s main highways, allowing electric cars, buses, and even trucks to recharge their batteries while driving. This solution aims to eliminate drivers’ main concerns about limited range and lengthy charging times for electric vehicles.
Many motorists still hesitate to buy electric vehicles, worried that the battery might run out at the most inconvenient moment. While manufacturers continue to improve battery technology, the issue of fast and convenient charging remains pressing. French engineers have proposed a radically new approach that could set a global standard.
The Technology of the Future
The new highway is based on an induction charging system. Special coils are placed beneath the road surface, generating an electromagnetic field. When an electric car drives over this road, energy is transmitted to a receiver underneath the vehicle and instantly converted into electricity to recharge the battery.
The initial tests took place on a section of the A10 highway between Bordeaux and Paris, near Angervilliers. Over a distance of 1.5 kilometers, passenger cars, buses, and even large trucks were able to charge while traveling at speeds between 100 and 130 km/h. This was made possible by the system’s power output, reaching 200–300 kW—comparable to modern high-speed charging stations.
Advantages for drivers
The main advantage of this new technology is that there is no need to stop for charging. Drivers can cover long distances without worrying about finding charging stations. This is especially important for intercity transport and public transit, where every minute counts.
According to representatives from Electreon, the company that developed the system, their technology has already exceeded the requirements set by the French government. Engineers note that dynamic charging not only speeds up the process but also makes operating electric vehicles more convenient and cost-effective.
International Experience
France was not the pioneer in this field. Back in 2016, a similar system was tested in Sweden, and Renault conducted wireless charging trials on short stretches of road. However, the French project is the first to implement the technology on such a long and busy stretch of highway.
The success of French engineers has already attracted the attention of other countries. Nine nations, including the US and Israel, have joined the initiative. There are plans to expand the network of such roads to 5,000 kilometers in the coming years, and to 9,000 kilometers by 2035.
Future plans
French authorities are confident that widespread adoption of induction roads will accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. This will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions, decrease reliance on traditional fuels, and make roads safer and more environmentally friendly.
Looking ahead, similar technologies may appear in other European countries as well as in the US, where talks are already underway to build pilot segments. Experts believe that within a few years, such roads will become a familiar part of urban and highway infrastructure.
If you didn’t know, Electreon is an Israeli company specializing in the development of wireless charging systems for vehicles. The company actively collaborates with governments from various countries and major automakers, rolling out its solutions in Europe, the US, and the Middle East. Electreon’s partners include leading universities and research centers, as well as brands like Renault and Iveco.
