Michigan recently launched an initiative to develop the nation’s first wireless charging infrastructure on a public road.
“Michigan was home to the first mile of paved road, and now we’re paving the way for the roads of tomorrow with innovative infrastructure that will support the economy and the environment, helping us achieve our goal of carbon neutrality by 2050,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said, announcing the initiative at a ceremony at Motor Bella. “This project reinforces my commitment to accelerating the deployment of electric vehicle infrastructure in Michigan and will create new opportunities for businesses and high-tech jobs amidst the transition to electric vehicles.”
The Inductive Vehicle Charging Pilot will deploy an electrified roadway system that allows electric buses, shuttles and vehicles to charge while driving. This will ensure electric vehicles can operate continuously without stopping to charge, eases range anxiety and accelerates the transition to all-electric transit fleets.
The initiative is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification.
On Sept. 28, MDOT will release a Request for Proposal for designing, funding, evaluating, testing and implementing the Inductive Vehicle Charging Pilot along a one-mile stretch of state-operated roadway in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb counties.