France unveils highway that charges EVs as you drive

The world’s first highway segment capable of charging electric vehicles while they’re in motion has opened about 40 kilometers outside Paris, according to Electrek. The stretch is only 1.5 kilometers long, but its charging power is already comparable to that of high-speed stations.

How the road charging works

Dynamic wireless induction technology functions much like wireless smartphone charging. Engineers embedded copper coils beneath the asphalt and connected them to power units installed along the roadside.

When an electric vehicle approaches, the corresponding section of roadway activates. The coils generate a magnetic field, and receivers mounted on the underside of the vehicle capture the energy and send it to the battery — no stopping or cables required.

Supercharger-level power, but wireless

The project is being developed by Electreon, Wireless, and the Vinci Group. According to the companies, the new system delivers more than 300 kW of peak power and more than 200 kW on average while the vehicle is in motion.

That puts charging speeds on par with Tesla Superchargers — only wire-free.

Technology efficiency

On a test track, several vehicles saw their range increase within minutes. Tests confirmed the system is stable and close to real-world deployment. It also works in snow and rain, poses no electric shock risk, and avoids the wear-and-tear issues of traditional connectors.