Florida Pilots 200kW Wireless EV Charging on State Route 516

The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) is launching a pilot project to integrate wireless electric vehicle charging directly into highway infrastructure. The initiative allows compatible vehicles to recharge their batteries while in motion, potentially eliminating the need for frequent stationary charging stops.

In partnership with Norwegian technology firm ENRX and the ASPIRE Engineering Research Center, CFX is constructing an electrified segment of the new State Route 516 near Orlando, Florida. The system utilizes inductive charging coils embedded within the roadway, which transfer energy to receiver pads mounted on the underside of vehicles. The system is designed to deliver up to 200 kW of power, a capacity comparable to high-speed DC fast chargers. While initial plans suggested a one-mile stretch, the electrified roadway has been adjusted to approximately 0.75 miles (1.2 km).

The Shift to Dynamic Charging

Dynamic wireless charging represents a departure from the current EV model of "plug-and-wait" infrastructure. By using inductive power transfer, energy moves wirelessly from the road to the vehicle without physical contact. This technology specifically addresses "range anxiety," the fear that a vehicle will run out of power before reaching a charging station.

ENRX, a company formed through the merger of IPT Technology and EFD Induction, focuses on high-power dynamic charging exceeding 100 kW. This capability is critical for heavier vehicles that require more energy to maintain highway speeds, moving the charging process from a destination-based activity to a continuous utility provided by the road itself.

Industry Implications

If the pilot proves successful, the implications for the transport industry are significant, particularly for long-haul electric trucking. The ability to charge during transit could drastically reduce the downtime associated with commercial fleet operations. Furthermore, integrated roadway infrastructure could lower the overall cost of electric vehicles; if power is available on the highway, manufacturers may be able to utilize smaller, lighter battery packs without sacrificing the vehicle's effective range.

Glenn Pressimone, CFX Chief of Infrastructure, noted that piloting this emerging technology has the potential to make a significant impact on the future of roadway infrastructure nationwide. Bjørn Eldar Petersen, CEO of ENRX, added that when charging occurs while driving, frequent charging stops will become a thing of the past.

Future Outlook

As the project moves forward, the industry will monitor how the 200 kW delivery performs under real-world traffic conditions and how compatible vehicle hardware integrates with the embedded coils. While the core technology is confirmed, the long-term scalability of embedding such systems into thousands of miles of national highways remains the primary question for policymakers and engineers.