Sweden tests world’s first electrified road

Sweden is testing the first road of its kind that can charge a vehicle as it drives along. The state-funded scheme, named eRoadArlanda, could potentially help cut the high cost of electric cars

Arlanda airport
Rosersberg depot
3km 2 miles

SWEDEN 
Stockholm

eRoadArlanda: 2km of public road 893 on outskirts of Stockholm

HOW IT WORKS: Conductive technology transfers energy to vehicle from rail embedded in road

Conductive rail Connected to power grid

Energized road Rail divided into sections – each section is powered only when vehicle is above it

Movable contact arm Detects location of rail in road. Arm retracts while vehicle is overtaking

Charger

ELECTRIC VEHICLE Modified mail truck

Battery Recharged as vehicle moves along road

Rail earthed at surface to prevent electric shocks – conductor buried below ground

System calculates energy consumption, enabling electricity costs to be debited per vehicle

Charging while driving could allow for smaller batteries, making electric cars cheaper

Wheel hub motors



Sources: NCC Construction Sweden AB, Reuters      © GRAPHIC NEWS