The Era of EV Charging on Highways is Here! Introducing a New Solution for Electric Vehicle Charging

In recent years, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has steadily increased, leading to a growing demand for related infrastructure development. While EVs have often been criticized for their long charging times, innovative technologies like 'on-the-go charging' have recently garnered attention.

NEXCO East Japan, a Japanese highway operator, plans to launch a new experimental project for EV charging starting in 2025. They will participate in a project to build a system in the Osaka region that involves embedding electric coils beneath roadways to wirelessly transmit electricity to electric bus routes. This system will enable buses to charge their batteries non-contact while stationary.

Furthermore, they plan to conduct on-the-go charging experiments on the highway mainline in 2029. Electric vehicles will automatically charge while driving on designated 'power supply lanes.' To achieve this, they are accelerating efforts in road surface material improvements and related technology development.

Currently under development, 'on-the-go power supply' technologies are primarily categorized into electric field coupling and magnetic field coupling methods. Electric field coupling utilizes electrodes to create an electric field, while magnetic field coupling employs electromagnetic coils to generate a magnetic field for power transmission.

Ceramic aggregates used in the electric field coupling method are known for their low water absorption rate, resulting in high transmission efficiency. Utilizing such aggregates in road paving can reportedly achieve approximately 70% transmission efficiency. This is because ceramic aggregates minimize electrical loss due to their low moisture content.

The realization of on-the-go charging is expected to significantly enhance the usability of EVs. Currently, the driving range on a single charge is limited, posing challenges for long-distance travel. However, on-the-go charging can greatly alleviate this constraint.

As on-the-go charging technology advances, it is anticipated that charging can be done quickly, similar to refueling at a gasoline station. This will likely contribute to the wider adoption of electric vehicles. The Japanese government aims to achieve 100% electric vehicle sales for new cars by 2035, and infrastructure development is crucial to achieving this goal.

Furthermore, the commercialization of on-the-go charging could lead to a reduction in the battery capacity required for EVs. Since charging becomes more readily available, there will be less need for excessively large batteries for long-distance travel. This could potentially lead to lighter vehicles and lower prices.

Meanwhile, the operating costs of EVs are also projected to decrease significantly. According to government agency surveys, the electricity cost for traveling 100km in a typical household is about 310 yen, compared to about 690 yen for a gasoline car. This means that the fuel cost per kilometer is reduced to less than half. As home charging becomes more accessible for EV owners, this cost-saving effect is expected to become even more pronounced.

With the combined efforts of the government and the private sector in accelerating the development of EV infrastructure, the era of electric vehicles is expected to accelerate. Globally, EV adoption is already on the rise. The realization of on-the-go charging will dramatically enhance the usability of EVs, offering advantages in terms of fuel efficiency and driving range. To expedite the transition to a zero-emission vehicle era, continuous technological investment and efforts from the government and industry are anticipated.