Michigan will build first wireless EV charging road in US

Michigan will build first wireless EV charging road in the US, Whitmer says.

Imagine having the ability to recharge an electric car without having to connect.

It’s the type of technology that will reduce anxiety about the range and increase the shift to electric vehicles. Michigan could be home to the very first charging wireless system on the road access to the public in the nation.

It’s the concept behind a brand new initiative Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Tuesday morning in her opening speech at Motor Bella, this year’s alternative to the North American International Auto Show, which is scheduled for the week of the M1 Concourse in Pontiac.

They will choose a 1-mile stretch of road situated in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb to serve as the home of the Inductive vehicle charging Pilot. 

It is expected that the Michigan Department of Transportation is planning to publish an invitation to submit proposals on September 28. 

It’s not yet clear what the technology will work or when the pilot project will be operating. Also, what will cost, though experts have mentioned this kind of technology as a potential future option for EV charging.

“We’re rebuilding infrastructure in Michigan. Orange barrels are everywhere. We must be rebuilding, but we’re doing it in a resilient way that supports advanced technology,” Whitmer spoke to reporters.

Read more: The USA Remove Iron Dome funding from the upcoming budget. 

However, he also noted his belief that the wireless charging initiative is essential to fulfilling the requirements of fleets.

In a later statement, Whitmer pointed to Michigan’s past and the state’s future when explaining the importance of the announcement.

“Michigan was home to the first mile of paved road, and now we’re paving the way for the roads of tomorrow with innovative infrastructure (that) will support the economy and the environment, helping us achieve our goal of carbon neutrality by 2050,” Whitmer declared.

The ability to charge electric buses, shuttles, and various other cars while on the road without needing to stop can assist more than deploying electric vehicles. 

“This electrified roadway has the potential to accelerate autonomous vehicles at scale and turn our streets into safe, sustainable, accessible, and shared transportation platforms,” Pawl declared in a press release.

Whitmer’s announcement was made during remarks amid remarks as Motor Bella was opening. The event, while tying into Detroit’s auto shows from the past. 

However, it is quite different from the event, which was once held downtown each month of January. There are cars on display; however, the event’s highlight is more interactive with various possibilities for riders.

Press and industry-related events are taking place over the following two days before the show will open to the public on Thursday and Sunday. Go to www.motorbella.com for more information.

Following the opening ceremony, Whitmer and Oakland County executive Dave Coulter toured display areas set up for the event by General Motors, Stellantis, Toyota, and Ford, taking a look at different rides and discovering some of the cool features.

Whitmer was dissatisfied when an aide informed her that the risks of her job would keep her from the thrilling Ford Bronco ride. 

However, it has the Bronco moving along a track. At the same time, it appears to have been lifted by hydraulics to create the appearance of a hill. 

In short, it is part of the attempt to display the vehicle’s off-road capabilities.