Stellantis claims on-the-go electric-vehicle charging a reality

Stellantis claims its ‘Scalextric’ on-the-go EV charging project has shown the system is a fully robust and practical solution after months of testing.

As TU-Automotive reported in December, the automaker created a special test circuit at its Arena del Futuro and, together with project partners, set out to trial the capability of dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) technology to recharge EVs as they travel over specially equipped, dedicated road lanes. The system uses coils positioned under the asphalt that transfer energy directly to cars, trucks and buses without the need to stop at charging stations to refill the battery. The technology can be adapted for all vehicles equipped with a special “receiver” that transfers the energy incoming from the road infrastructure directly to the electric motor, extending the range, while conserving the vehicle battery charge.

Work at “Arena del Futuro” shows that a BEV, like the Fiat New 500 outfitted to test the system, can travel at typical highway speeds without consuming the energy stored in its battery. Tests are showing that the efficiency of the energy flow from the asphalt to the car is comparable to the typical efficiency of fast charging stations, so the driver does not need to stop to recharge. Furthermore, measurements on magnetic field intensity prove that there is no impact on the driver and passengers.

At the launch event in Chiari, a Maserati Grecale Folgore was displayed to announce Maserati’s upcoming involvement in the project. Folgore identifies the full electric version of Maserati, which will electrify its entire product range by 2025. The Grecale Folgore will be outfitted and run on the circuit to collect data and deploy a detailed performance analysis.

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