The Japanese automaker Honda has created an innovative system that enables wireless energy transmission to vehicles while they are in transit. Honda's goal is to integrate electric vehicle charging directly into the road infrastructure itself.
Initially, this proposal focuses on the commercial transport sector. Instead of needing stops at charging stations, trucks could receive electricity while driving on the road, which would have the potential to reduce the need for interruptions in logistics routines.
The system operates based on transmission units installed under the pavement. When passing over an equipped section, these units send wireless energy to a receiver positioned on the underside of the vehicle, allowing the captured electricity to be used during travel.
This technology was conceived by Honda's Research and Development division (Honda R&D), in collaboration with Taisei Corporation and Taisei Rotec Corporation. The three entities have been collaborating since 2025 and have already developed a structure capable of supporting commercial vehicles with an approximate gross weight of 20 tons.
The development covers both the pavement and the devices responsible for energy transfer. For Honda, this charging method is particularly relevant for freight transport, as it allows for recharging without requiring a dedicated stop for that purpose.
Next steps and testing
Among the crucial aspects of this technology is a defined timeline: a new phase is scheduled for the end of 2026 at a Taisei group facility. In this stage, the companies will evaluate the structure's resistance, the efficiency of energy transfer, and implement measures to prevent electromagnetic field leaks.
Subsequently, Honda, Taisei, and Taisei Rotec plan to conduct a demonstration on public roads starting in 2027. This initiative is part of the project called the 'Tateyama Project,' conducted by the East Nippon Expressway Company, specifically on the Tateyama Highway located in Chiba, Japan.
Since 2021, Honda has been investigating dynamic wireless power transfer, and now it is directing this technology toward logistics and transport areas. The expectation is that trucks can cover greater distances without depending on constant stops to recover energy.
However, a fundamental question remains unanswered: what will be the cost of this infrastructure? A Honda engineer did not provide details on how this solution compares financially to a traditional fast-charger network, and the economic viability still needs to be determined.
The technology remains in the development phase, with experience on a public highway being essential to determine if the concept can progress to practical application in cargo transport.