Electromagnetic Road Technology to Power Electric Cars

In May 2009, Enviro-News looked at the development of innovative new environmentally friendly road-power technology in South Korea, which would see electric cars deriving power from large strips set into roads.  Similar technology has been proposed by German automotive firm IAV (Ingenieurgesellschaft Auto und Verkehr), which would see roads equipped with electrical conductors capable of transferring energy to cars, both when stationary and in motion.  

The whole concept is based around contactless energy transfer – in other words, no cables are needed.  Instead, a magnetic field is established, so the parts of the car receiving electricity wouldn’t need to be in direct contact with the parts of the road supplying it. 

Electric Car Technology

IAV envisages a future scenario for electric car technology where electrical conductors are incorporated into the road surface, and electric cars feature a pickup – gaining energy from the magnetic field between the two.  In this way, the electric cars would receive real-time electricity to power them along, or to collect and store it whilst inactive. 

Among the benefits associated with this electromagnetic induction are that weather conditions do not impact on its ability to work, and that the connection will not degrade over time.  

Efficient Energy Transfer

Such a system has the potential to extend the range of the present generation of electric cars and, what’s more – according to IAV – the system offers efficient energy transfer – average power loss being approximately 10 per cent.  On this basis, the road power technology wouldn’t need to cover a whole expanse of road, but could be laid down at regular intervals.  However, a constant distance would need to be kept between the road and the electric cars using it: IAV suggests getting round this issue by using active vehicle suspension and other tactics. 

Electromagnetic Energy

The company foresees such electromagnetic energy-based road technology reaching a level at which it can be produced within coming years, as opposed to decades.  It has already tested the technology on a small-scale model, with positive results. 

Next will be a full-size trial – planning for which is presently underway. 

See also:

Roads to Offset CO2 Emissions