A New Era for Electric Vehicles: Charging While Driving
Electric vehicles (EVs) have long been praised for their environmental benefits, yet their adoption still faces hurdles—chief among them is range anxiety. As global demand for sustainable transport rises, so does the need for reliable, accessible charging infrastructure. The solution may lie beneath our wheels. Dynamic inductive charging is emerging as a promising alternative, enabling vehicles to power up while in motion. The technology embeds coils in road surfaces to wirelessly transfer energy to moving EVs. Recently, Germany has taken a major step forward with the launch of the E|MPOWER project—an ambitious initiative transforming traditional roads into charging networks.
FAU-Led E|MPOWER Project Reaches Critical Milestone
The E|MPOWER project, spearheaded by Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), recently celebrated a major breakthrough: the installation of a dynamic inductive charging test track on the A6 motorway near Nuremberg. This project, in partnership with the German Federal Highway Company and technology firms like Electreon and Risomat, aims to test the economic and technical viability of powering heavy-duty transport through embedded road coils. Bavarian state ministers officially inaugurated the site, calling it a “game-changer” in the push for sustainable mobility.
Electric Trucks and Cars Could Benefit Alike
Unlike conventional charging stations or overhead lines, the E|MPOWER system allows seamless energy transfer through coils placed in the road. These coils generate a magnetic field that wirelessly charges a vehicle’s battery via a matching coil installed onboard. This innovation could drastically reduce charging stops, eliminate range-related concerns, and keep logistics operations uninterrupted. The technology benefits not just passenger vehicles, but also long-haul trucks—one of the largest contributors to transport emissions.
Real-World Testing Begins This Year
Initial road tests using specially outfitted vehicles are set for the second half of the year. The goal is to assess efficiency, cost, and ease of implementation. The FAU team will analyze how well the coils perform under real traffic conditions and how effectively they can be integrated during road construction. Researchers are also exploring automation in coil installation to scale the technology. Once proven, this method could provide a blueprint for national and international road electrification.
Safe, Invisible, and Ready for the Future
Importantly, E|MPOWER’s system is designed with safety and discretion in mind. Only compatible vehicles interact with the coils, while the infrastructure remains inert for others. The magnetic fields used conform to international health and safety standards. Since the components are hidden within the road, the technology avoids clutter and maintains existing landscapes. With the backing of academic research and public-private collaboration, inductive charging is poised to become a cornerstone of future mobility infrastructure.
