Honda to test wireless EV charging on Japanese motorways

Honda, in partnership with Taisei Corporation and Taisei Rotec, is developing a dynamic wireless charging road system designed to power electric vehicles while they are in motion. The technology utilizes transmitter coils embedded in the pavement that create a magnetic field, which a receiver on the vehicle converts back into electricity.

Starting in the 2027 fiscal year, the system will undergo public road trials on a 300-metre stretch of motorway in Chiba prefecture, outside Tokyo. These trials will initially target commercial trucks and logistics vehicles, capable of delivering up to 150 kW of power to vehicles traveling at speeds of 120 km/h. Honda aims to eventually expand this technology to its upcoming electric SUV lineup.

By charging while driving, the system could allow for smaller, lighter, and more affordable vehicle batteries, as the battery would no longer need to carry the full energy requirement for an entire journey. This approach also seeks to address charging anxiety among the public and reduce road wear caused by heavy vehicle weights.