Wirefree Highway: Florida's New Road will Charge EVs While Driving
A new electrified highway project aims to eliminate "range anxiety" by transferring power directly from the asphalt to electric vehicles on the move.
The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) has announced the construction of a 1.2-kilometer (0.75-mile) stretch of road equipped with an underground wireless charging system.
The breakthrough infrastructure project will be built as part of State Road 516 in Lake and Orange counties. It is designed to serve both private drivers, and commercial fleets that rely on strict schedules and require maximum time efficiency.
Electrical Power Beneath the Asphalt
The system utilizes specialized wireless charging technology installed directly beneath the asphalt. Electric vehicles fitted with compatible receiver equipment will be able to draw energy dynamically while driving, eliminating the need to plug in at a stationary charging station.
The technology enables a continuous transfer of power to the vehicle’s battery as it passes over the electrified infrastructure. By keeping batteries topped up on the go, the system removes the necessity for prolonged charging stops.
The End of "Range Anxiety"
Construction is slated to begin until the end of this year. While the technology will initially be tested using a select fleet of dedicated vehicles, the ultimate goal of the initiative is clear: to make "range anxiety" a thing of the past and eliminate the need for drivers to detour in search of available charging stations.
If the pilot proves successful and is replicated on a national scale, it could effectively dismantle the last major argument against widespread electric vehicle adoption.