While many grey nomads remain highly sceptical that the electric vehicle (EV) revolution is moving fast enough to ever affect their Big Lap plans, potentially game-changing technological breakthroughs continue to happen apace.
One of the most eye-catching is the rapid development of dynamic wireless systems that will allow electric vehicles to actually charge up while they are driving along special roads.
Global technology leader ENRX has just been selected to put the system in place on a four-lane highway in the US state of Florida.
The initiative involves the construction of a one-mile electrified roadway on the new State Route 516, near Orlando.
State Route 516 will offer wireless, dynamic charging capabilities to electric vehicles. PIC: ENRX
Electric vehicles will receive a charge as they drive over electric coils embedded in the roadway, with energy flowing from the coils to a receiver pad mounted to the underside of the vehicle, providing safe, wireless power even at highway speeds.
If the technology were to be widely adopted, it would mean electric vehicles would no longer need to stop at recharging stations.
The time it takes to recharge and the lack of charging infrastructure in Australia are two of the most common arguments used to dismiss the potential for EVs for Outback adventuring.
“When you can charge while driving, range anxiety and frequent charging stops will be a thing of the past,” says ENRX CEO, Bjørn Eldar Petersen. “Our unparalleled expertise in induction technology allows us to deliver charging at 200 kW even at high speeds.”
Once installed, the charging system is said to be maintenance-free. It is built to last for several decades and will work for all future systems.
“Dynamic charging offers a new level of freedom and flexibility for electric car drivers by eliminating the need for frequent stops at charging stations and enabling longer distances to be covered without recharging,” Mr Petersen said.
In a statement, ENRX said dynamic charging could also reduce the need for large battery capacities, allowing cars to be equipped with lighter and more affordable battery packs.
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Like to see them try that across the Nullabor…
meanwhile most of our roads are falling to pieces..big time..!
And the Eyre Highway!
Can’t wait for the Birdsville Track to get this!
In Australia we have difficulty maintaining existing roads, let alone building new ones. A trip around Oz using this technology – not in my lifetime.
This idea belongs with the “Jetson’s” concept – never in my lifetime.
It would be practically and technically impossible with Australian mammoth complex of road systems.
Maybe in Canberra, but embedded into melted or eroded by flood bitumen elsewhere hmm.
Possibly in a hundred years time, but I doubt it.
This way of charging is very inefficient and it will be very expensive to construct.