A study on renewed perspectives of electrified road for wireless power transfer of electric vehicles

Electric transportation brings significant benefits in energy and environmental sustainability. The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is highly affected by the availability of charging infrastructure. Electrified road (eRoad) is able to continuously provide power supply while maintaining mobility of EVs. In the latest years, the research community focused on studying wireless charging for EVs, in particularly Inductive Coupled Power Transfer (ICPT). The main goal of this study is to critically review technology development for electric vehicle charging on eRoads and provide renewed perspectives on electrified roadway infrastructure for wireless power transfer of EVs. The unique contribution is achieved by evaluating design and construction of eRoad with wireless power transfer in the aspects of charging module components, charging lane arrangement, construction methods, and maintenance needs. The wireless charging techniques for eRoad vary in efficiency, power, air gap, and technology readiness level. Due to the interaction of charging module and existing roadway in structural response and electromagnetic field, the requirements of structure capacity and charging performance need be considered together. Based on comprehensive review, the identified gaps are lack of systematic design and construction of eRoad that enable its function in the most efficient state, and life-cycle performance of eRoad. Recommendations and suggestions are provided for future research to address the aforementioned gaps.