Charge EVs as They Drive:
Indiana Road’s New EV Charging Technology

(Photo thanks to Eric Graves via X)

Purdue and INDOT Develop the First Wireless Charging Highway for Electric Vehicles

Purdue University and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) are collaborating on a groundbreaking project to create the first highway segment in the United States capable of wirelessly charging electric vehicles (EVs) as they drive. This innovative initiative aims to revolutionize the future of transportation by enabling EVs, including heavy-duty trucks, to maintain their charge while traveling at highway speeds.

The Project Overview

Construction is currently underway on a quarter-mile test bed located on U.S. Highway 231/U.S. Highway 52 in West Lafayette, Indiana. This test bed will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of a patent-pending wireless charging system designed by Purdue engineers. The system aims to deliver power to an electric truck traveling at highway speeds, setting the stage for future electrified highways.

Technological Advancements

The Purdue-designed wireless charging system operates at significantly higher power levels than existing systems in the U.S., making it suitable for heavy-duty trucks. Transmitter coils are embedded in the pavement and send power to receiver coils attached to the underside of vehicles. This technology is similar to how smartphones charge wirelessly, but on a much larger and more powerful scale. The transmitter coils are designed to work within concrete pavement, which constitutes a significant portion of the U.S. interstate system.

Benefits of Electrified Highways

Electrified highways are particularly beneficial for heavy-duty trucks, which are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions due to their extensive use in freight transportation. By charging EVs while they drive, the system reduces the need for large batteries, allowing trucks to carry more cargo and reduce operational costs. This could attract more investment in electrified infrastructure, benefiting all vehicle classes.

Pilot Program and Future Goals

The construction of the test bed began in April and is expected to continue through the fall. An electric truck provided by Cummins Inc., an Indiana-based company, will be used to test the system as part of a pilot program set to begin next year. The long-term goal is to electrify a section of an Indiana interstate within the next four to five years.

Broader Implications and Collaborations

This project is part of a larger effort to develop wireless EV charging technology across the U.S. and globally. Purdue is a founding member of the Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification (ASPIRE) center, which integrates research and real-world applications of electrified transportation. ASPIRE’s partnerships extend to numerous universities and industry members, working collectively to advance EV infrastructure.

Addressing Challenges and Safety Concerns

The technology aims to address the “middle mile” of the supply chain, which is the most challenging part of the transportation sector to decarbonize. By allowing trucks to charge on the go, the system could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs. Safety concerns regarding the magnetic fields used in wireless charging are mitigated by confining the energy between the roadway and the vehicle base.

Looking Ahead

The development of electrified highways represents a significant leap forward in sustainable transportation. Being able to charge EVs as they drive, this technology promises to reduce emissions, lower operational costs, and pave the way for a more sustainable future. With the successful implementation of this pilot project, Indiana could set a precedent for the rest of the country and the world in the field of wireless EV charging.