Sweden Prepares to Charge Electric Vehicles While Driving

The world's first permanently electrified road for electric vehicles (EVs) was built in Sweden in 2018. The project, called eRoadArlanda, is a 2-kilometer stretch of road near Stockholm that has a conductive rail embedded in the road surface. When an electric vehicle equipped with a conductive arm on its underside drives over the rail, it can draw power from the grid and charge its battery.

The eRoadArlanda system is designed to supplement the battery power of EVs, making it possible for them to travel long distances without the need for frequent recharging stops. The technology is being developed to be compatible with a variety of electric vehicles, from cars to trucks and buses. In addition to its potential to increase the range of electric vehicles, the system also has the potential to reduce the need for large, expensive batteries, making EVs more affordable.

The eRoadArlanda project is part of Sweden's goal to achieve a fossil fuel-free transportation system by 2030. The technology has been tested in a variety of weather conditions, including heavy snow, and has been found to be reliable and efficient. While the cost of building the infrastructure for the system is still relatively high, proponents argue that the long-term benefits in terms of reduced emissions and improved energy efficiency will be worth it.