America has just completed a breakthrough that could change how electric vehicles operate forever. Scientists have successfully demonstrated the first highway segment capable of wirelessly charging heavy electric trucks while they drive at full speed. The test was carried out in West Lafayette, Indiana, using a modified Class 8 electric semitractor that drew nearly 190 kilowatts of power while traveling at 65 miles per hour.
The experiment took place on U.S. Highway 52 and U.S. Highway 231, where engineers from Purdue University installed a patent pending wireless power transfer system beneath the concrete surface. The system uses rows of transmitter coils embedded under the roadway. As vehicles pass over them, magnetic fields generate real time energy transfer into receivers installed beneath the truck. The road effectively sends power directly into the vehicle while it moves, eliminating the need to stop for charging.
While wireless charging systems have been tested before at slow speeds and low power levels, this is the first demonstration of such high power transfer to a heavy duty vehicle moving at highway speed. The electricity delivered was comparable to the consumption of roughly 100 U.S. homes at once. According to the research team, this level of power proves that charging large commercial vehicles on the move is technically feasible and scalable.
Heavy trucks require enormous amounts of energy, and many fleet operators struggle with long charging stops, heavy batteries, and limited driving ranges. Engineers involved in the test believe this technology could allow commercial trucks to carry smaller battery packs while still operating continuously. That could increase cargo capacity, cut charging downtime, and reduce operating costs. Because the system was designed to support the highest energy needs, passenger vehicles could automatically take advantage of the same infrastructure.
This work is part of ASPIRE, a National Science Foundation research program focused on advancing electrified transportation infrastructure. An important part of the breakthrough is that the coils were engineered to function inside concrete pavement, which is essential because the busiest stretches of U.S. highways use that material. The design shields the components from temperature swings, heavy loads, and weather damage.
The success of this trial marks a major turning point for electric transportation. Researchers say that if expanded to longer distances, charging roads could eliminate range anxiety, enabling electric trucks to run cross country without stopping for charging. While broad deployment will take time, the demonstration shows that wireless charging highways are no longer theoretical. They are already working, and the power levels achieved suggest commercial reality is closer than expected.
