Charging Ahead: How Wireless Tech Could Revolutionize Commercial EV Fleets

Recent pilot initiatives have demonstrated that wireless charging technology may reduce expenses for commercial electric vehicle fleets.

The Indiana Department of Transportation, in collaboration with Purdue University, is embarking on a project to equip a segment of U.S. Highway 231 in West Lafayette, Indiana, with the capability to wirelessly charge electric trucks. Purdue University announced that a Cummins-supplied test truck will commence trial runs over this specific portion of the highway starting the following year.

Work on the experimental stretch of road kicked off on the first of April and is anticipated to extend into the autumn season. Prior to this, lab evaluations were conducted to determine whether segments of the road's concrete and asphalt could withstand the burden of heavy trucks.

Purdue University provides a photo of an Indiana road selected for a pilot program to experiment with wireless charging technology while driving

The charging equipment developed by Purdue is claimed to be capable of operating at greater power levels compared to existing systems demonstrated in the United States, which makes it more appropriate for larger vehicles. Should the trials yield positive results, Purdue alongside the Indiana state authorities plan to extend charging capabilities to a more extensive segment of the highway in the upcoming four to five years.

In-motion charging technology, enabling vehicles to power up while on the move, has undergone experimentation and trial runs in various locations including Michigan, Sweden, and Israel. In 2022, Stellantis put this concept into practice with an electric Fiat 500. Meanwhile, a patent application from Ford suggests that the automotive giant is also developing this innovative charging solution.

WiTricity, a firm specializing in wireless charging solutions, has initiated a half-year trial in collaboration with International Transportation Service LLC, to assess the efficacy of their wireless charging technology using a group of Ford E-Transit vans at the Port of Long Beach. Here, the vehicles are charged by parking over a designated pad, with the company asserting that the charging capabilities are on par with standard Level 2 AC charging stations.

The Ford E-Transit equipped with a WiTricity wireless charging system

Wireless charging offers numerous advantages, such as improved charging convenience that may lead to the use of smaller batteries in electric vehicles. This reduction could consequently lower both the price and heft of the cars. Moreover, by doing away with wires and plugs, wireless charging could enhance the daily usability of electric vehicles.

The increased automation enabled through wireless charging paves the way for autonomous electric vehicles by eliminating another aspect that requires human interaction. However, for self-driving vehicles to become a reality, they must demonstrate dependability and economic feasibility, which is far from guaranteed.

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