Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced this week that the state intends to test wireless, in-road charging capabilities on its highways.
The first step in a development process that would see roads charge EVs as they drive, the state is looking for partners to develop a one-mile stretch of highway with the capability embedded in it to test the technology’s feasibility.
“Michigan was home to the first mile of paved road, and now we’re paving the way for the roads of tomorrow,” said Governor Whitmer at the Motor Bella opening ceremony. “This project reinforces my commitment to accelerating the deployment of electric vehicle infrastructure in Michigan.”
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The step is proposed as a way to help overcome range anxiety. Perhaps more importantly than making private EV owners more comfortable, though, the step could be huge for fleet operators looking to electrify the heavy-duty hauling industry.
The Michigan Department of Transportation will release a Request for Proposal on Tuesday, September 28 to design, fund, evaluate, iterate, test, and implement the new inductive roadway. The stretch of highway for the test has not been selected yet but MDOT says that it knows the test will take place in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb county.
The department will work closely with the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy on this project.
“At MDOT, we know the future of mobility involves connectivity, and this initiative dovetails nicely with our other successes linking vehicles and infrastructure through technology,” said MDOT Director Paul C. Ajegba. “This is a model we will build on across the state to further promote the governor’s broad and ambitious vision.”