World first project could see EVs charge wirelessly on the road

Trucks and buses could charge wirelessly as they drive on the highway, thanks to a new $3 million grant from the Australian Government to accelerate the nation’s electric vehicle sector.

In a world first, the Swinburne University of Technology-led project aims to implement an embedded dynamic wireless charging technology into roads, unlocking the uptake of electric heavy vehicles.

Electrifying heavy vehicles could save Australia $324 billion by 2050, while contributing to a greener, safer and more efficient transport sector. But ensuring they have enough charge with heavy loads or over long distances is an urgent roadblock.

Leader of the project and New Energy Technology Research Group Professor Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian says, “by seamlessly integrating dynamic wireless charging systems into our road infrastructure, we are setting the stage for a transformation in the heavy vehicle industry”.  

“This collaborative effort is a perfect example of our shared vision for a sustainable transportation ecosystem that can significantly reduce our environmental footprint.”

This $8.2 million prototype for embedding advanced wireless charging infrastructure on regional roads was funded by the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grants scheme, supporting short-term collaborative research projects.

The project is a collaboration between ACE Infrastructure, SEA Electric, Fleet Plant Hire, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Siemens, ARRB Group, and Net Zero Stack.

The project is the outcome of several years of study conducted by world-leading researchers and PhD students at Swinburne's New Energy Technologies Research Group. 

Working alongside this group are Chief Investigators Distinguished Professor in Electrical Renewable Energy Saad Mekhilef, and Dean of School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies Professor Alex Stojcevski.

Professor Stojcevski says this project will bridge the gap between research and the real world.

“We are thrilled to be providing a platform for researchers to collaborate with leading industry partners and contribute to real-world solutions in the development of sustainable and innovative energy solutions for the future of transportation.”