Florida is pioneering a new approach to electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure by integrating wireless charging technology directly into a highway set to open around 2029. The Lake/Orange Expressway, also known as State Road 516, will incorporate inductive charging coils beneath a three-quarter-mile stretch of roadway, enabling EVs to receive power while in motion. This is a significant step toward potentially eliminating range anxiety and reducing the need for frequent charging stops.
How Wireless Charging Works
The system utilizes magnetic fields to transfer up to 200 kilowatts of energy to vehicles equipped with compatible receivers. Unlike traditional overhead wire systems used in some “e-highways,” this method avoids costly infrastructure modifications to the vehicles themselves. This approach is most likely intended for larger EVs like trucks and buses, rather than enabling full charging for smaller cars.
Why This Matters
The move is part of a broader trend toward innovative EV infrastructure. While states like California are investing heavily in traditional charging stations — already boasting over 200,000 — wireless charging offers a different solution to the limitations of current EV technology. The dependence on large, expensive battery packs is a major barrier to EV adoption, and this could offer a way around it.
Beyond Wireless Charging
The Lake/Orange Expressway is designed with sustainability in mind. The highway will also incorporate:
- Solar panels to power infrastructure
- Wildlife crossings to reduce animal-vehicle collisions
- Shared-use paths for pedestrians and cyclists
This project isn’t just about making EV travel easier; it’s about reimagining highway design for the 21st century. The expressway serves as a real-world test case for future charging solutions that could reshape how we power electric vehicles.
The success of this project could pave the way for wider adoption of similar technologies, addressing key challenges in EV infrastructure and accelerating the transition to electric transportation.
