On Wednesday, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Electreon announced they had entered into a five-year agreement to develop and implement a scalable, wireless, public in-road EV charging network.
A first in the United States, the in-road system would charge electric vehicles while in motion or standing still.
“This agreement helps solidify Michigan as the U.S. leader in developing and implementing a wireless in-road charging network,” State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said. “We now can work toward better policy and regulatory framework that provides a welcoming environment for this unique technology. Ultimately, the research and work conducted on this project will help lead to large-scale deployment across Michigan and the U.S.”
Under the agreement, MDOT and Electreon will work together to develop best practices for the implementation and management of a wireless electric road system. The agreement includes analyzing benefits associated with ERS in regard to pressure on the grid and costs associated with large-scale electrification of the transportation sector, integration into the 2045 electrification strategy, leveraging state and federal funding, and the exploration of business models for ERS to serve as a revenue stream for the state. The agreement will also measure pollution reduction and accessibility.
“The potential for electrifying roads and cities is practically endless, and working together with MDOT, we are reshaping the future of transportation,” said Oren Ezer, CEO and co-founder of Electreon. “Through ongoing collaboration on our Detroit project, MDOT has proven to be innovative leaders in the industry. We’re excited to enter into this agreement to create a blueprint for scaling wireless charging for all EVs across Michigan and the U.S. and look forward to aligning with additional DOTs in the future.”
Earlier this year, the State of Michigan awarded Electreon a contract to build a 1-mile ERS in Detroit, which is slated to be operational in 2023. Working with NextEnergy and Jacobs Engineering Group, the project lives within Michigan Central, a mobility innovation district, and is supported by partners like the City of Detroit, DTE Energy, and Ford Motor Company.
Both the MDOT and Electreon said they believe electrified roadways have the potential to accelerate EV adoption by enabling continuous vehicle operation and turning public streets into sustainable shared energy assets. The State of Michigan is exploring electrifying state-owned vehicles by 2030, including EV trucks, vans, and cars.