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. 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.
In collaboration with 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.
According to Swinburne, electrifying heavy vehicles could save Australia $324 billion by 2050 and contribute to a greener, safer and more efficient transport sector. However, ensuring they have enough charge with heavy loads or over long distances is an “urgent roadblock”.
“By seamlessly integrating dynamic wireless charging systems into our road infrastructure, we are setting the stage for a transformation in the heavy vehicle industry,” said project leader Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian, New Energy Technology Research Group Professor at Swinburne University of Technology. “This collaborative effort is a perfect example of our shared vision for a sustainable transportation ecosystem that can significantly reduce our environmental footprint.”
Professor Alex Stojcevski, Dean of School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies said the 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,” said Stojcevski.
The Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grants scheme funded the $8.2 million prototype for embedding advanced wireless charging infrastructure on regional roads.