Honda is developing road technology that can wirelessly charge electric vehicles while they are in motion. The system aims to deliver up to 150 kW of power, with highway tests scheduled to begin in April 2027.
While charging times for electric vehicles are shortening, Honda is working on a system that doesn't require stopping to recharge. The Japanese manufacturer, in collaboration with Taisei Corporation and its subsidiary Taisei Rotec, is developing technology that will enable wireless energy transfer to vehicles in motion via units embedded in the road surface.
A key objective of the project is to provide power transfer up to 150 kW. The system aims to reduce the need for charging stops, especially for electric commercial vehicles with large batteries, by allowing them to receive energy while traveling.
First Highway Test Planned for April 2027
Although the idea of wireless charging while in motion is not new, Honda's project stands out due to its targeted power level and the planned tests on public roads.
The system is planned to be tested on the Tateyama Expressway in Japan's Chiba region starting in April 2027. Prior to this, work will commence at the Taisei Group Future Technology Field test facility in Fukushima later in 2026.
In this initial phase, both the energy transfer technology and the system's durability for long-term use in conjunction with the road surface will be evaluated.
Charging Equipment to be Embedded in Asphalt
Three companies are undertaking different roles in the project. Honda is developing the in-vehicle energy receivers and the roadside transmitter units, while Taisei is preparing the system's DC power supply infrastructure. Taisei Rotec is responsible for the road applications that will embed the equipment into the asphalt.
The technology operates with energy transfer units placed sequentially on the road surface. Vehicles equipped with compatible receivers will be able to receive energy without a cable connection as they pass over these sections.
According to Honda's statement, the developed units are the first of their kind to integrate an inverter and a coil into a single structure. The design, which can be embedded in the road surface, aims to reduce cabling requirements and the number of components used in installation thanks to DC power supply.
Must Withstand the Load of Heavy Vehicles
The charging equipment embedded in the road must also withstand heavy vehicles passing over it. The project is developing a structure capable of enduring loads caused by the passage of a heavy vehicle weighing approximately 20 tons.
In tests at Fukushima, the long-term durability of the road surface will be examined under conditions equivalent to one million wheel load applications. Solutions to limit the unwanted spread of electromagnetic fields into the environment will also be evaluated.
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