KATHMANDU: Honda Motor plans to test a technology that can wirelessly charge electric vehicles while they are moving on Japanese expressways from fiscal 2027.
Honda R&D, Taisei Corporation and Taisei Rotec have jointly developed the wireless charging system, which uses power transmission equipment embedded beneath the road surface. The system transfers electricity to equipment installed in the vehicle while it is driving.
The companies plan to initially focus on commercial EVs used in logistics and transportation. The system is being developed to support vehicles traveling at highway speeds, with testing planned to verify charging performance, safety and durability.
Honda will develop the power transmission and receiving equipment, while Taisei will handle the power supply system. Taisei Rotec will develop construction methods for embedding the charging equipment into roads.
Honda said the technology could reduce the need for frequent charging stops and address concerns over charging locations, charging time and driving range. It could also allow EV manufacturers to use smaller battery packs, potentially reducing vehicle weight and cost.
However, the cost of installing the system remains a major challenge. Existing roads would need to be excavated to install the charging equipment beneath the surface. As a result, the companies are considering specific road sections based on traffic volume and the types of vehicles using them.
Expressways are considered suitable for the technology because vehicles can travel at relatively constant speeds without traffic signals and intersections. The companies are also working on pavement structures that can withstand repeated loads from heavy commercial vehicles.
Honda and its partners are participating in a demonstration project planned by East Nippon Expressway Company on the Tateyama Expressway in Chiba Prefecture from fiscal 2027.
Honda has been developing dynamic wireless power transfer technology since 2021. The company aims to put the technology into practical use, initially in the logistics and transportation sector.
