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- Detroit Paves the Way with Electrified Roads 🚗⚡
Detroit Paves the Way with Electrified Roads 🚗⚡
Revolutionizing the road to electric vehicle (EV) adoption, Detroit has just made history by becoming the first American city to install an electrified roadway.
— Written by Shayna Berglas
The Breakthrough Technology
Developed by Electreon, an innovative Israeli company specializing in wireless charging solutions for EVs, this groundbreaking technology turns roads into charging stations. Last week, a quarter-mile stretch in Detroit became the testing ground for this electrifying experiment, with copper inductive charging coils embedded beneath the road.
When an EV with a compatible receiver approaches the roadway, a magnetic field transfers electricity seamlessly to the car. It's a wireless charging marvel that works while driving, parking, or idling, ensuring a constant flow of energy for electric vehicles.
Don’t worry, the pavement won’t zap you. Electrified roads are safe for drivers, pedestrians, and even our furry friends. The technology is designed to automatically recognize and charge vehicles based on their driving behavior, making the experience seamless and efficient.
Michigan's $5.9 million quarter-mile experiment is just the beginning. Electreon has already secured contracts for similar projects in Israel, Sweden, Germany, and Italy. The goal is to reduce battery sizes in EVs, increase their range, and minimize the impact on the electric grid.
Why This Matters
The electrified road isn't just a tech spectacle – it's a significant step towards addressing challenges hindering broader EV adoption. The current power grid, designed for a fossil-fuel world, faces strain with an 18% increase in electricity demand projected by 2030. Additionally, the scarcity of charging infrastructure contributes to EV range anxiety.
While EVs' average range has quadrupled since 2011, electrified roads offer a solution to these challenges. Imagine an unlimited range for EVs, not just for your road trip but also for public transit buses, long-haul trucks, delivery vehicles, and taxis that can operate continuously without the need for frequent charging stops.
Wireless EV charging is expected to grow to $827 million worldwide by 2027. It’s worth noting that currently, opting for a plug-free charge can add $3,000 to $4,000 to an already pricey vehicle. But like most new technology, affordability will likely follow the pace of scalability. Keep your eyes on the road, folks!
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