The key facts

  • Honda is developing a system for wirelessly charging electric vehicles on the move (DWPT); tests are planned no earlier than April 2027
  • The project has been underway since 2021 with Taisei Corporation and Taisei Rotec; the test road section will be built by the end of 2026
  • They will check safety, durability (1 million wheel impacts), power transfer of up to 150 kW, and charging at high speed

The essence of the technology

Japanese company Honda is developing a system for wirelessly charging electric vehicles while they are in motion. The technology, called Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT), involves transferring electricity through special devices embedded in the road surface. Under the surface, devices that transmit energy using a magnetic field are installed, while a receiver placed in the lower part of the electric vehicle directs the received energy into the battery. According to the description, the principle resembles wireless smartphone charging, except the charging devices are built into the road itself. This will reduce the need to stop at charging stations.

Timeline and partners

According to the company's statement, testing of the new technology is planned to begin no earlier than April 2027. Honda has been working on the project since 2021 together with the construction companies Taisei Corporation and Taisei Rotec. At the first stage, the technology is planned to be tested on electric transport used in logistics and freight transportation.

How the tests will proceed

Construction of a special test road section is planned to be completed by the end of 2026. Engineers will check the safety of the system, including the level of electromagnetic radiation, as well as the strength and durability of the equipment. To do this, vehicles will repeatedly drive over the section: specialists will check whether the embedded devices can withstand one million impacts from vehicle wheels. In addition, the possibility of transferring energy with a power of up to 150 kW and charging vehicles moving at high speed will be evaluated.

Context

Honda is not the only company developing such technology. Similar systems for wirelessly charging vehicles while driving are also being tested in France, Italy, and the United Kingdom.