Stopping to charge could become a thing of the past: A technology from Honda that will change the automotive world!
Honda will begin testing a system that wirelessly transfers energy to electric vehicles and trucks from the road under real traffic conditions in Japan starting in 2027.
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Honda is preparing to test a new road technology in real highway conditions that aims to reduce the need for electric vehicles to stop for charging. The system, developed in collaboration with Taisei Corporation and Taisei Rotec, can wirelessly transfer energy to cars and large electric trucks while they are in motion.
According to the plan, tests on public roads will begin in Japan starting from the fiscal year that begins in April 2027. The trials will be conducted under real traffic conditions on the Tateyama Expressway in the Chiba region.
TESTS WILL BEGIN IN 2027
The system works with energy transfer units placed under the road surface. Receiver hardware in the vehicle can take the electricity from these units and transfer it to the battery without the need for a cable connection. This will allow electric vehicles to store energy as they pass over designated road sections.
Honda and its partners believe the technology could provide advantages, especially for commercial vehicles and trucks traveling long distances. The project aims for power transfer of up to 150 kW for large commercial vehicles. The companies will also examine whether energy transfer continues reliably while the vehicle is moving at high speed.
One of the challenges facing the technology will be durability. The hardware placed under the road is expected to withstand the load created by commercial vehicles weighing approximately 20 tons. In this context, the companies plan to build a new test road in late 2026 to conduct long-term durability tests with real vehicles.
Trials simulating approximately one million wheel loads will be conducted on the test section. In addition to energy transfer performance, the electromagnetic field emitted by the system into the environment will also be monitored.
According to Honda, the system is not designed only for new highways. The energy-transferring components can be installed into the road by removing specific sections of existing asphalt. This approach aims to facilitate the replacement or improvement of parts during future maintenance and renovation work.
It is not yet clear when the technology will enter widespread use. Honda has not shared information regarding the cost of this infrastructure compared to traditional fast-charging stations. It is stated that the economic viability of the system will be evaluated in later stages.