Detroit is now home to the country’s first chunk of road that can wirelessly charge an electric vehicle (EV), whether it’s parked or moving.
Why it matters: Wireless charging on an electrified roadway could remove one of the biggest hassles of owning an EV: the need to stop and plug in regularly.
Sure but in the US, commercial truckers are mandated to take at least a 30 minute break after 8 hours of driving. And the EU tells personal drivers to take a break of 45 mins after 4ish hours of driving.
Realistically, if you get a weekend to burn and are feeling bored, rent a Model 3 and go on a trip. I think you’d be surprised how much of a non-issue it would be.
You’re kinda missing the forest for the trees…
Elaborate?
Most people’s driving isn’t (or shouldn’t be) a marathon sport. It’s not like this is F1.
Set your expectations realistically. This road just isn’t going to take off as a practical solution. EV makers have already seemed to decide 300 miles is about the target for a vehicle range, and there’s no incentive to beef up batteries.
Spending billions of dollars to build out roads so people can go from waiting 15 mins to charge down to 10 minutes is an insane waste of money. Most large charging operators are now partnering with locations that are designed to keep you sitting around for a bit longer than a rural interstate rest area, so there’s not much of a reason for them to throw money at this.
I’m sorry this isn’t the answer the very hopeful folks want to hear but find any manufacturer who’s taking in-motion wireless charging seriously right now 🤷♂️