Electreon: Inductive Charging in the Heart of "Motor Town" Detroit

On November 29, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) installed the first wireless, electrified roadway in the USA. The technology functions similarly to a wireless charging station. The charging coils, which are connected to the power grid, transfer energy to receiver plates that are installed under a car or truck. This energy is then transferred to the battery.  

The opening of the charging road is part of the partnership between the city of Detroit, the MDOT, and Electreon - an Israeli company known for developing and providing wireless charging solutions for electric vehicles.

“We are excited to lead the development and deployment of America's first wireless charging road,” explains Dr. Stefan Tongur, Vice President of Business Development at Electreon. “This milestone is a testament to our collaborative work with the state of Michigan and MDOT, the city of Detroit, Michigan Central, Ford, Mcity, Jacobs, Next Energy, DTE, and others. Together with Michigan's expertise in the automotive industry, we will demonstrate how wireless charging allows for widespread adoption of electric cars, while addressing limited range, grid constraints, and the size and cost of batteries. This project paves the way for a zero-emission mobility future where electric vehicles are the norm, not the exception."

The electrified roadway is integrated into 14th Street and extends for a quarter-mile near the Michigan Central building in Detroit's historic Corktown district.

Induction technology activates only when needed

For those concerned about other vehicles, pedestrians, and wildlife, Electreon explains that the technology is safe and only activates when a car with a receiver drives over the coil. This ensures that energy is transferred only to a vehicle that needs it.

The partnership between Michigan and Electreon was first mentioned by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in September 2021. The governor mentioned the pilot initiative as an opportunity for the state to create the nation's first wireless charging infrastructure. As part of a five-year plan, Electreon and MDOT will work on creating an electric road system.

"Michigan has always been a leader in mobility innovations, and this forward-thinking is reflected in the latest advancements in Electreon’s inductive charging, the first deployment of this charging technology for electric vehicles in the United States," says Chief Mobility Officer Justine Johnson from the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. "This latest milestone supports the goals of the MI Future Mobility Plan, to expand Michigan’s leadership in the mobility sector, and proves that companies like Electreon can test and deploy the latest innovations right here in Michigan."