As cities and countries push toward net‑zero emissions and smarter transport networks, a groundbreaking real‑world technology is emerging: dynamic wireless charging roads. This innovation integrates sustainable energy distribution with next‑generation mobility systems, enabling electric vehicles (EVs) to charge while in motion — a milestone that promises to reshape how we think about electric transport and infrastructure.

What Are Wireless Charging Roads?

Dynamic wireless charging roads use inductive charging coils embedded beneath the roadway surface. When an equipped EV drives over these coils, power is transferred wirelessly and in real time to the vehicle’s battery. Unlike traditional charging stations where vehicles must stop and plug in, this system supports charging on the go, dramatically reducing downtime and range anxiety for electric transport.

This smart infrastructure relies on energy management systems that can coordinate power delivery with grid capacity, often integrating with renewable energy sources for even greater environmental impact. When combined with digital traffic management and grid‑side intelligence, such systems illustrate the future of connected, low‑carbon mobility networks.

A World First: Real‑World Implementation on the A10 Motorway

In a major recent development, France has completed one of the world’s first operational dynamic wireless charging trials on a public motorway. On a 1.5‑kilometer stretch of the A10 near Paris, a consortium led by VINCI Autoroutes and technology partner Electreon has installed induction coils under the road surface that charge vehicles as they drive, including passenger cars, utility vehicles, buses and heavy trucks.

Initial real‑world tests have shown charging power above 300 kW peaks and average delivery exceeding 200 kW under good conditions — levels high enough to meaningfully extend driving range in everyday traffic. This confirms that the technology is not just laboratory science, but a viable infrastructure solution for real roads.

How It Works and Why It Matters

Electric vehicles fitted with special receiver coils can pick up energy from the road’s inductive system without cables. The roadway itself becomes part of the energy network, seamlessly transferring power from electricity grids — ideally fed by renewables such as wind and solar — to vehicles that need it most.

Key benefits include:

• Extended EV Range — Vehicles can recharge while moving, reducing the need for large onboard batteries or frequent charging stops.
• Improved Energy Efficiency — Charging during driving helps flatten peak electricity demand and allows for smarter grid integration.
• Lower Emissions — By supporting EV fleets such as buses and logistics vehicles with continuous clean energy, wireless roads contribute to decarbonized transport.
• Smart Infrastructure Integration — These roads can work with traffic sensors, smart grids, and digital controls to optimize both mobility and power distribution.

Global Momentum and Future Outlook

France isn’t alone. Similar initiatives are underway or being planned in the United States, where cities like Detroit have introduced public roads capable of wirelessly charging EVs in motion, and Indiana has demonstrated wireless charging for heavy trucks at highway speeds. Meanwhile, pilot programs in Switzerland and other European countries are testing inductive systems to understand technical, regulatory, and operational parameters.

The convergence of wireless charging infrastructure with smart mobility systems represents a tangible step toward sustainable, efficient transportation networks — ones that reduce reliance on fossil fuels, support renewable energy use, and enhance the user experience for drivers and fleets alike.

Conclusion

Dynamic wireless charging roads illustrate a powerful concrete application at the intersection of sustainable energy and smart mobility. By enabling vehicles to draw power as they travel, this technology tackles two critical challenges in the transition to electric transport: charging convenience and grid compatibility. With successful real‑world trials already underway — from France’s motorway pilot to U.S. heavy‑vehicle demonstrations — the road ahead for smart, energy‑integrated mobility is becoming a reality.