U.S. highway can charge electric trucks on-the-go

December 08, 2025

In a major technological milestone, researchers in the United States have successfully trialed a highway segment capable of wirelessly charging a heavy-duty electric truck while it travels at highway speeds.  This experiment introduces a groundbreaking method for powering commercial EVs without requiring them to stop at traditional charging stations.

How the system works

Built beneath a quarter-mile stretch of the highway (U.S. Highway 52/231 in West Lafayette, Indiana), a network of transmitter coils was embedded into the concrete road surface. As a specially equipped electric semitractor drove over the hidden coils at 65 miles per hour (≈ 105 km/h), the system transferred power wirelessly through the pavement to receiver coils installed on the truck’s underside. 

Remarkably, the charging system delivered about 190 kilowatts of power to the moving vehicle — a level of power sufficient even for large, heavy-duty trucks. 

Why this matters for freight transportation

Smaller batteries, lighter load: Because the truck can recharge on the go, it doesn’t need an oversized battery pack with excess capacity. This can reduce vehicle weight and free up more cargo space. 

Continuous power, less downtime: Instead of long charging stops or frequent charging breaks, trucks could maintain charge while in motion — boosting efficiency and reducing delivery delays.

Scalable across vehicle types: Although the test involved a heavy-duty semitruck, the infrastructure is designed to support a wide range of electric vehicles — from freight trucks to passenger cars. 

Challenges & what comes next

The innovation, while promising, still faces numerous challenges before widespread deployment:

● Infrastructure costs and scalability: Embedding charging coils under concrete highways is complex and likely expensive. Widespread adoption would require substantial investment and coordination across states and agencies.

● Vehicle compatibility: For vehicles to benefit, they must be equipped with receiver coils under the chassis — a feature not standard in most EVs today.

● Durability & maintenance: Roads undergo wear and tear, weather changes, heavy traffic loads. The embedded coil systems must remain reliable under these conditions.

Despite these challenges, engineers believe this could be a scalable and practical solution for future road electrification. 

What this means for the future of sustainable transport

Dynamic wireless charging technology could revolutionize freight and passenger transport. By enabling EVs — especially heavy trucks — to stay powered while in motion, this innovation may drastically reduce the need for massive batteries and frequent charging stops, making electric trucking more cost-effective and operationally viable. As the world moves toward cleaner transport solutions, such infrastructure could shape the next wave of sustainable logistics and highway design.