86. UK Is Testing Roads That Charge Electric Cars As They Drive

Imagine never having to pull over to fuel your car. This is exactly what Highways England is planning to implement for drivers of electric vehicles. Automobiles would be fitted with wireless technology and then driven on roads with special electromagnetic field generating equipment buried underneath. Trials will run for 18 months before a decision is made to move the project to public roads. This is not the first time such technology sees the light of day: in 2013, the South Korean town of Gumi switched on a 12km (7.5 miles) route that allows special buses to be charged with similar technology.

“Vehicle technologies are advancing at an ever increasing pace and we’re committed to supporting the growth of ultra-low emissions vehicles on England’s motorways and major A roads,” wrote Highways England chief highways engineer, Mike Wilson. “The off-road trials of wireless power technology will help to create a more sustainable road network for England and open up new opportunities for businesses that transport goods across the country.”

Highways England plans to test this technology over 18 months before a decision is made to move the project to public roads

Electric cables are buried under the road to generate electromagnetic fields which are caught by a coil inside the vehicle and converted into electricity

The government is already committing £500 million over the next five years to keep Britain at the forefront of this technology