Honda is developing a road system that can wirelessly charge electric vehicles while they are moving, working with Taisei Group on technology aimed initially at commercial fleets. The setup transfers electricity through equipment installed beneath the road, allowing vehicles to collect power without stopping at a charging point.
The system uses a receiver and transmitter fitted to the vehicle, which connect with charging equipment beneath the pavement. Nearby roadside boxes supply the electricity. Honda plans to build a new test road later this year and eventually increase charging output to 150 kW, with larger commercial vehicles among the intended users.
Public-road testing in Japan is planned to begin next year. If the technology proves practical in everyday conditions, it could help fleet operators reduce charging stops and keep vehicles working for longer. Starting with commercial vehicles puts the focus on whether wireless charging can save time on regular routes, rather than simply offering a different way to power an EV.
Image Credit: Carscoops, Honda
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Dynamic Wireless Charging
- Embedded road infrastructure that powers vehicles in motion creates new business models around continuous energy access, route-based billing, and reduced reliance on stationary charging hubs.
- Fleet-first Electrification
- Commercial vehicle routes offer controlled environments where advanced charging systems can prove operational savings before broader consumer adoption.
- Smart Road Energy Networks
- Connected pavement, roadside power boxes, and vehicle receivers point to a future where transportation corridors function as distributed energy platforms.
Sectors Adopting This
- Electric Vehicles
- Moving beyond plug-in charging expands EV design possibilities by reducing downtime, battery-size requirements, and range-anxiety barriers for high-use vehicles.
- Commercial Transportation
- Logistics, delivery, and transit operators could gain efficiency from road-based charging that keeps vehicles active across predictable daily routes.
- Infrastructure Engineering
- Road construction firms may find growth in integrating power transfer systems, sensors, and maintenance services into next-generation mobility infrastructure.
