The state of Michigan introduced what it claims is the first public wireless EV charging roadway. The one mile of track was developed by the state’s Department of Transportation in conjunction with wireless charging stations developer Electreon. The company had been awarded a $1.9 million contract by the state in 2022 to build the system.
Michigan offers nearly 600 miles of roadway equipped for connected vehicle testing, and is building what it calls “the road of the future” with a new 40-mile connected corridor project being led by MDOT and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. The full system will feature in-road charging and a small cell/DAS system to further connectivity for drivers.
“As we aim to lead the future of mobility and electrification by boosting electric vehicle production and lowering consumer costs, a wireless in-road charging system is the next piece to the puzzle for sustainability,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I am happy to see Michigan lead and keep building on these ground-breaking initiatives creating new business opportunities and high-tech jobs.”
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