Detroit Opens First Electric Charging Road In America

December 11th, 2023 by

Mustang Mach-E outside on a fall day from Bill Brown Ford

Detroit Leads The Charge With America’s First EV Charging Road

Detroit, often hailed as the Motor City, has taken a monumental step in urban transportation with the launch of America’s first wireless-charging public roadway for electric vehicles to extend battery life. This project marks a significant milestone in the city’s history, setting a new standard for sustainable mobility worldwide. It’s a future that aligns perfectly with the all-electric Mustang Mach-E, available at Bill Brown, Michigan’s premier Ford dealer in Livonia.

 

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How Detroit’s New Electric Charging Road Works

The demonstration of this innovative project featured a blue electric Ford E-Transit commercial van, which successfully charged while moving over a quarter-mile stretch of 14th Street near the iconic Michigan Central Station. This was made possible by rubber-coated copper coils buried beneath the road surface, a testament to the city’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology.

Wireless Charging Technology

The key to this wireless charging road lies in its inductive charging technology. The coils under the road create an electromagnetic field, which is picked up by a special receiver installed in the EV. This innovative approach allows for dynamic charging. This means that EVs, such as the Mustang Mach-E, can recharge while in motion, effectively addressing the challenge of limited driving range and reducing the need for frequent stops at charging stations. This groundbreaking technology not only enhances the convenience of EV usage but also marks a significant step forward in integrating sustainable practices within urban infrastructure.

Benefits For EV Drivers

The introduction of Detroit’s wireless charging road represents a transformative shift in urban transportation. It alleviates grid limitations and range anxiety, two major barriers to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. By enabling continuous, on-the-go charging, the need for large, heavy batteries in EVs is reduced, leading to lighter and more energy-efficient vehicles.

Revolutionizing EV Charging

The inductive-charging roadway is seen as a range extender rather than a complete solution for EV charging infrastructure. It allows for the possibility of reducing battery sizes in EVs, balancing infrastructure costs with vehicle costs. This approach could significantly impact the EV market, making electric vehicles more accessible and practical for everyday use.

The Future Of Electric Charging Roads

This endeavor is part of a partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation, Electreon, and the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. The project aims to demonstrate the practicality of this type of EV charging infrastructure. 

Plans are underway to extend this technology to a mile of inductive-charging roadway, including a larger section on Michigan Avenue, with construction slated for 2025. Electreon, a key player in this project, has similar initiatives in various countries, indicating a growing global interest in this technology.

Driving Into The Future With The Mach-E Available At Bill Brown Ford

Experience the future of driving with the 2023 Mustang Mach-E, available at Bill Brown Ford in Livonia, Michigan. In a world where Detroit’s electric charging road stands as a monumental infrastructural achievement and a beacon of innovation in urban transportation, owning a Mustang Mach-E puts you at the forefront of this sustainable mobility revolution. Our efforts align with this vision of progress and innovation at Bill Brown Ford.

At Bill Brown Ford, our inventory boasts over 1000 of the latest Ford models, including the innovative Mustang Mach-E, ready for immediate purchase or lease. As Michigan’s premier Ford dealer, we are committed to offering a wide selection of vehicles that embody the future of automotive technology.

We make car shopping easy! Whether you want to purchase, lease, or custom order, our streamlined process ensures a hassle-free experience. Utilize our online configuration tool to design your dream Ford, or connect with our expert team for personalized guidance. We’re dedicated to making your journey to owning a Mustang Mach-E smooth and enjoyable.

Choose Bill Brown Ford for a confident start to your new EV journey. Schedule your test drive today at our Livonia, Michigan dealership, and get the best deal on your new Ford Mach-E, perfectly complementing Detroit’s vision of sustainable urban transportation.

 

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FAQs

How does the wireless charging road in Detroit work?

The road uses inductive-charging coils to create a magnetic field, which is converted into electric energy to charge the vehicle’s battery as it drives over.

What are the benefits of wireless charging for electric vehicles?

Wireless charging offers convenience, reduces range anxiety, and promotes widespread EV adoption by making charging effortless and integrated into daily driving.

Are there any plans to expand the wireless charging road system to other cities?

Yes, there are plans to expand this technology to other cities, leveraging Michigan’s automotive expertise and the success of Detroit’s project as a model.

How safe is the wireless charging technology used in Detroit’s electric road?

The wireless charging technology is designed with safety as a priority. Each coil is individually connected and only activates to charge a vehicle when a sensor-equipped vehicle is directly above it, ensuring no unintended energy transfer.

Can all-electric vehicles use the wireless charging road in Detroit?

Currently, only vehicles equipped with a compatible receiver can utilize the wireless charging road. However, as the technology develops, it is expected that more vehicles will be able to use this innovative charging method.

What type of receiver is needed for a vehicle to use the wireless charging road?

Vehicles need a specific receiver that can pick up the electromagnetic energy from the inductive coils under the road. This receiver is installed in the vehicle and converts the electromagnetic energy into electrical energy to charge the battery.

How does this technology compare to traditional EV charging stations?

Unlike traditional EV charging stations that require vehicles to stop and plug in, Detroit’s wireless charging road allows vehicles to charge while in motion, offering a more seamless and efficient charging experience to extended battery range.

Is this technology being used in other parts of the world?

Yes, similar wireless charging technology for roads is being explored and implemented in various countries, including Israel, Sweden, and Germany, indicating a growing trend in sustainable transportation solutions globally.