Dynamic Wireless Charging for Electric Vehicles

One of the biggest hurdles to widespread electric vehicle (EV) adoption is charging convenience. Range anxiety and long charging times remain top concerns for drivers, especially on extended trips. However, dynamic wireless charging for electric vehicles is emerging as a potential solution. These systems use dynamic wireless power transfer to charge EVs while they’re in motion, reducing downtime and enabling continuous use.

As EV adoption accelerates in sectors like last-mile delivery, rideshare, and corporate fleets, the demand for more efficient dynamic EV charging infrastructure is growing. Unlike static chargers, dynamic wireless charging could help maintain vehicle range without requiring drivers to stop and plug in, making it ideal for high-utilization vehicles.

With expertise in wireless charging for electric vehicles, GreenLancer supports scalable infrastructure development through custom EV charging station design and engineering. Staying informed on breakthroughs like dynamic charging helps professionals lead the shift toward cleaner, more efficient transportation.

What Is Dynamic EV Charging?

Dynamic wireless charging for electric vehicles—also known as in-motion charging—enables EVs to charge while driving, eliminating the need to stop for recharging. Using dynamic wireless power transfer (WPT), vehicles receive a steady flow of electricity wirelessly through embedded charging coils in the road that transmit energy to receivers on the vehicle. This is achieved via high-frequency inverters and electromagnetic induction, creating an alternating magnetic field across an air gap.

This dynamic EV charging method builds on inductive charging technologies already used in wireless phone chargers and electric toothbrushes. More advanced systems employ magnetic resonance wireless power transfer, which allows for efficient energy exchange even when the vehicle is not perfectly aligned with the coil—ideal for real-world driving scenarios.

“Opening up new parts of the transportation sector to electrification is a key benefit of this technology,” said Burak Ozpineci, section head for Vehicle and Mobility Systems Research at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). “It’s not just about charging your vehicle really fast. It’s also about being able to convert to electricity long-haul trucks, which burn a significant portion of the vehicle fuel used in this country.”

Despite challenges, momentum is building, with companies coalescing around standardized technology and automakers and municipalities exploring use cases. Even Tesla has shown interest in wireless charging technology. Pilot projects are currently underway, with trials focusing on both passenger and commercial vehicles. Standardization efforts by SAE International are also underway, which could further boost dynamic wireless charging adoption.

What Research Has Been Done For Dynamic Wireless EV Charging?

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are leading the charge in advancing dynamic wireless charging for electric vehicles, focusing on making dynamic EV charging systems viable at highway speeds. Their work aims to develop high-efficiency dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) systems that can integrate with the electric grid while maintaining stable charging performance for fast-moving vehicles.

Key collaborators include the Idaho National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Hyundai Motor Group, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, and the American Center for Mobility. Backed by the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, this cross-sector initiative is evaluating real-world feasibility, safety, and cost-effectiveness of dynamic charging for commercial and public deployment.

Research breakthroughs include:

• Developing a scalable 200 kW dynamic wireless power transfer system architecture

• Addressing electromagnetic field safety, vehicle misalignment, and high-voltage (4 kV), high-current (750 A), and high-frequency (~85 kHz) operation

• Identifying pilot deployment opportunities on high-traffic corridors, such as highways in and around Atlanta

  
  

A major milestone came when ORNL licensed its dynamic wireless EV charging technology, including its polyphase electromagnetic coil and Oak Ridge Converter, to Brooklyn-based startup HEVO. This collaboration aims to prepare the system for commercial manufacturing and bring wireless charging for electric vehicles closer to everyday use.

“EV charging must be simple, seamless, and safe in order to accelerate mass adoption and prepare for an autonomous future,” said HEVO founder and CEO Jeremy McCool.“We are excited to see another one of our technologies move into the private sector where it can create new green jobs and support the nation’s clean energy goals,” added ORNL’s Xin Sun.

With continued support and real-world testing, dynamic EV charging could become a core technology in scaling electric mobility nationwide.

Advantages & Disadvantages Of Dynamic EV Charging

Although dynamic wireless charging offers major promise for the future of electric mobility, the technology is still emerging. Making dynamic EV charging commercially viable will require overcoming key engineering, infrastructure, and economic hurdles. That said, the potential benefits are compelling—particularly as EV adoption accelerates across fleets, freight, and passenger vehicles.

Potential Advantages of Dynamic Charging

If fully developed and deployed, dynamic wireless charging for electric vehicles could transform how we power transportation:

✅ Continuous charging in motion can reduce range anxiety by allowing EVs to recharge without stopping, making wireless charging for electric vehicles more appealing for consumers and businesses.

✅ Reduces the need for stationary EV charging stations, freeing up real estate in dense urban environments.

✅ Enables smaller and lighter EV batteries, which can lower vehicle costs, reduce raw material usage, and improve energy efficiency.

✅ Saves time for drivers by charging while driving—eliminating the need for prolonged charging stops and creating a more seamless transportation experience.

✅ Supports long-distance applications like freight and logistics, making dynamic EV charging suitable for electric trucks and buses.

✅ Can accelerate clean energy adoption by integrating dynamic wireless power transfer into highways and road infrastructure, helping cities meet carbon-reduction targets.

Disadvantages of Wireless EV Charging

Although dynamic wireless charging is promising, it does have challenges requiring further research and funding.

⚠️ Efficiency challenges persist, particularly when the vehicle’s receiving coil is misaligned from the roadway's transmitting coil, which can reduce the reliability of dynamic wireless power transfer.

⚠️ Integrating wireless charging hardware into the underbody of existing EV models can be difficult, especially in retrofits.

⚠️ Metal vehicle components and chassis interference can disrupt power transfer, requiring advanced shielding and system design.

⚠️ Infrastructure retrofitting is expensive, as it involves installing embedded coils, power electronics, and grid connections across miles of roadway.

⚠️ More R&D is needed to increase power transfer levels, maintain efficiency at higher vehicle speeds, and reduce electromagnetic interference.

Dynamic Wireless Charging Projects

Several EV charging road projects have been implemented worldwide, showcasing innovative approaches to charging infrastructure.

Detroit Has the First Wireless EV Charging Road

The Motor City boasts the first public wireless charging roadway for electric vehicles in the U.S. on a quarter-mile stretch of road in Corktown. In November 2023, the Michigan Transportation Department (MDOT) and the City of Detroit unveiled a new section on 14th Street, stretching between Marantette and Dalzelle streets near Michigan Central Station.

“Developing electrified roadways may be the catalyst to accelerate interest and acceptance of EVs for all consumers,” said MDOT Director Bradley C. Wieferich. “Making it easier for EV users to find a reliable charging source without disrupting their commute supports both fleet operations and passenger travel. We’re proud to collaborate with private industry partners and the City of Detroit to support these important initiatives leading us toward a more sustainable future with fewer emissions.”

This experimental area is significant as Ford Motor Co. is actively constructing an electric and autonomous vehicle campus. The road has been fitted with inductive-charging coils provided by Electreon Wireless Ltd., an Israel-based company. This wireless EV charging installation aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the technology and explore its potential applications in public transportation. However, only electric vehicles equipped with a specialized wireless charging receiver can utilize this EV charging infrastructure.

"We're excited to spearhead the development and deployment of America's first wireless charging road," said Dr. Stefan Tongur, Electreon’s vice president of business development. "This milestone stands as a testament to our collaborative efforts with the State of Michigan and MDOT, City of Detroit, Michigan Central, Ford, Jacobs, Next Energy, DTE and others. Alongside Michigan's automotive expertise, we'll demonstrate how wireless charging unlocks widespread EV adoption, addressing limited range, grid limitations, and battery size and costs. This project paves the way for a zero-emission mobility future, where EVs are the norm, not the exception." 

EV Charging Road For Buses In Norway

In Trondheim, a stretch of road near a bus depot has been equipped with inductive charging technology for electric buses. This project is part of an effort to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of public transportation. The inductive charging system allows buses to be charged wirelessly while they are parked or moving slowly, eliminating the need for physical connectors and reducing downtime for charging. The project aims to demonstrate the viability of inductive charging in real-world conditions and pave the way for broader adoption in public transit systems.

Like the pilot project in Detroit, the dynamic wireless charging technology for this project was developed by Electreon. Electreon’s system uses embedded coils in the road surface that transfer energy to receivers installed on the buses, enabling efficient and seamless dynamic wireless power transfer without disrupting regular operations.

Wireless Bus Charging in Israel

Electreon has implemented a pilot project in Tel Aviv to charge electric buses wirelessly. This dynamic inductive charging project involves embedding coils under a section of the road, allowing buses to charge while moving. This dynamic wireless charging initiative aims to reduce greenhouse emissions and improve the efficiency of public transportation in urban areas.

Smart Road for Trucks and Buses in Scotland

Electreon has developed a 1.6-kilometer electrified road on the Swedish island of Gotland. This project focuses on dynamic wireless charging for electric trucks and buses. It includes a demonstration of a long-distance electric truck capable of charging while driving, showcasing the potential for reducing reliance on large battery packs and improving the sustainability of freight transport.

What EV Models Are Equipped With Dynamic Wireless Charging Capabilities?

At present, the only electric vehicle available in the United States with wireless charging as a built-in feature is the BMW 530e hybrid sedan. WiTricity, a wireless charging provider that secured a $25 million investment from Siemens in 2022, is actively working on licensing agreements. These agreements, which have caught the attention of General Motors, are part of WiTricity's ongoing efforts to advance wireless charging technology.

Is There Strong Interest in Wireless EV Charging?

According to WiTricity, there is strong consumer demand for dynamic wireless charging. WiTricity surveyed 1,000 people in the U.S. who either own or are considering an electric vehicle, and discovered that 81% of them are highly interested in EVs that come with wireless charging capability.

Legislation Supporting Dynamic Charging of Electric Cars

Representative Haley Stevens of Michigan introduced the Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging Grant Program Act of 2023. This legislation aims to establish a grant initiative within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to support dynamic wireless charging of electric vehicles. Inspired by a pilot program in Michigan, the dynamic wireless charging bill seeks to position the United States at the forefront of this technology.

“Dynamic wireless charging has tremendous potential in revolutionizing how EVs charge and can enable widespread adoption of EVs by addressing some of the biggest challenges associated with electrification,” said Congresswoman Stevens.

“Michigan is innovating our EV future, and making charging easier for consumers is the next step. Investing in new electric vehicle technologies is crucial to enhancing America’s global competitiveness. Wireless charging can reduce battery size and cost, extend driving range, reduce pressure on the electric grid, and enable the electrification of autonomous vehicles.” 

Dynamic Charging of Electric Vehicles Could Help Adoption Rates

As EVs gain market share in the automotive industry and help reduce vehicle emissions, fossil fuel energy consumption, and environmental pollution, convenient battery charging solutions are becoming increasingly critical. Wireless charging of electric cars has the potential to advance vehicle electrification and widespread adoption.

Due to their amazing potential, significant research is being conducted on high-power wireless charging systems. While wireless EV charging research is promising, it’s a long way from being implemented at scale with greater availability.

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