LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the award of a contract to build a first in the United States public wireless in-road charging system.
The system is designed for allowing electric vehicles (EV) to charge while in motion and stationary.
Electreon was selected to build an electric road system (ERS) in Detroit as part of the inductive vehicle charging pilot program.
“As we aim to lead the future of mobility and electrification by boosting electric vehicle production and lowering consumer costs, a wireless in-road charging system is the next piece to the puzzle for sustainability,” Governor Whitmer said in a statement. “I am happy to see Michigan lead and keep building on these ground-breaking initiatives creating new business opportunities and high-tech jobs. Together, we will continue growing our economy and putting Michiganders first.”
Electreon will lead the design, evaluation, iteration, testing, and implementation of the pilot program, which aims to be operational as of 2023, working with NextEnergy and Jacobs Engineering Group.
The project is currently slated for up to a 1-mile stretch of both dynamic and stationary wireless EV charging in Detroit.
The project will be hosted by and live within Michigan Central, a mobility innovation district, and supported by partners like Ford Motor Co., DTE Energy and the City of Detroit.
MDOT will provide $1.9 million in funding toward the pilot project, with Electreon contributing the remainder.
