France Pilots In-Motion EV Charging on A10 Expressway
France inaugurated its first electric vehicle-in-motion charging public expressway on the stretch of A10 express highway near Paris. This has been set up temporarily to pilot various trials.
Understanding the Working Mechanism of In-Road Charging Technology
The system works on a principle akin to wireless charging for smartphones. Copper coils are housed beneath the asphalt, with power units installed along the roadside. The system is triggered when a car fitted with a special receiving module traverses this section. A magnetic field is generated, and an electric current is induced in coils beneath the car, thereby charging its battery.
The Power and Range of the 'Charge As You Drive' Pilot
Impressive results have emerged from the first project, Charge as You Drive, on its 1.5 km section:
- Peak Load: Above 300 kW.
- Average Load: Above 200 kW.
- Power Comparison: Many times higher than Tesla Supercharger stations.
The system can run the engine and charge the battery of a 40-ton electric truck at the same time based on its power.
Worldwide Adoption and Future Prospects
Electreon is the company responsible for the technology. Similar projects preparations are ongoing in other countries: Germany, Italy, USA, China, South Korea, and Israel. If this system is continually proven viable in trial runs in France, it may greatly aid in accelerating the global movement toward electric transportation.
