Real life Scalextric - the key to the success of the electric car revolution?

The UK’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is well underway, spurred by a mixture of government mandates, public demand, and a looming net-zero deadline. But despite their growing presence on the roads, EV adoption is still held back by two major issues: range anxiety and inadequate charging infrastructure. Now, enter the latest innovation promising to change the game—wireless charging roads.

These electrified roadways allow vehicles to charge while in motion, effectively turning highways into rolling charging stations. The idea is bold. But is it practical?

How It Works: Magic or Science?

Wireless charging for EVs isn’t science fiction—it’s an established technology called inductive charging. Coils embedded beneath the road create an electromagnetic field that transfers power to a receiver installed in the EV. The process is similar to how you wirelessly charge your phone—just on a much larger and more expensive scale.

Global Trials: Hype vs. Reality

Although the concept of wireless charging roads might seem futuristic, several countries have already tested the technology in real-world environments. Sweden has been at the forefront of electrified road experiments, implementing various projects since 2018. One of the most notable trials was a charging rail installed between Stockholm’s Arlanda airport and Rosersberg, allowing electric vehicles to recharge as they moved along the road. In another project on the island of Gotland, a 1.6km stretch of road was converted into a wireless energy charging dock, successfully powering an electric bus using induction technology.

Italy has also experimented with the potential of dynamic charging. Stellantis conducted trials using Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT), embedding charging coils beneath a 1.05km test track. The project demonstrated that a Fiat 500e could maintain highway speeds without depleting its battery, highlighting the feasibility of wireless road charging for passenger vehicles.

Meanwhile, the United States is making its own advances in wireless charging infrastructure. Detroit has installed a quarter-mile of wireless charging road using technology from Electreon, an Israeli-based company specialising in inductive charging solutions. The project, backed by the Michigan Department of Transportation, is part of a broader effort to create "smart roads" that could eventually be extended to a full mile. These tests provide valuable data on how wireless charging technology performs in real-world traffic conditions, paving the way for future expansion.

These pilot projects have demonstrated that wireless charging roads can work, but scaling them up presents an entirely different challenge. While the technology functions effectively in controlled environments, full-scale deployment requires significant investment, infrastructure adjustments, and regulatory frameworks that are yet to be established.

Does the UK Need Wireless Charging Roads?

The appeal of wireless charging roads lies in their potential to transform EV usage in the UK. Charging without cables would make EV ownership far more convenient, removing the need to locate and queue at charging stations. Range anxiety—one of the biggest deterrents to EV adoption—would be significantly reduced, as drivers could charge on the go without worrying about running out of power mid-journey. The technology also raises the possibility of using smaller, lighter batteries in EVs, cutting production costs and making electric cars more affordable for consumers. Additionally, wireless charging roads could play a crucial role in decarbonising heavy goods transport. Research suggests that installing just 250-300km of electrified roads on key transport routes could cut CO₂ emissions from lorries by more than 200,000 tonnes annually. With the EU having passed legislation mandating that all new cars must be zero-emission by 2035, ensuring the right infrastructure is in place is becoming increasingly urgent. The UK has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as a whole, and recently launched a consultation to deliver on their manifesto commitment to restore the 2030 phase out date for new purely petrol and diesel cars. Builidng wireless charging roads could not only be an infrastructure project which creates countless jobs, but it could help make that commitment more feasible.

However, the road to mass adoption is anything but smooth. The biggest obstacle is cost. At an estimated £1.6 million per mile, the price of widespread implementation is staggering. Given that the UK is already struggling to meet its existing EV infrastructure targets, finding the funds to roll out wireless charging roads at scale would be an enormous challenge. There is also the question of feasibility. Not all roads are suitable for electrification, and the technology would need to be deployed strategically in high-traffic areas where it offers the most benefit. Another complication is standardisation. While official wireless charging standards have been established, automakers are still experimenting with different systems, meaning compatibility issues could arise. Retrofitting existing EVs to work with wireless charging would be another hurdle, adding further expense for vehicle owners. Finally, concerns have been raised about efficiency. Some critics argue that inductive charging is inherently less efficient than traditional plug-in methods, though companies like Witricity are pushing back against this claim.

An Opportunity for the UK as Sustainable Transport Leaders

Wireless charging roads offer a compelling vision for the future of the UK’s transport network, presenting a solution to two of the biggest barriers to EV adoption: charging convenience and range anxiety. Implemented strategically, they could redefine the way we think about road infrastructure, enabling seamless, real-time charging that reduces dependence on fixed charging points and large, expensive EV batteries. For the logistics and freight sectors, in particular, electrified roads could be a game-changer, cutting emissions and operating costs while ensuring lorries remain on the move.

Yet, the feasibility of a nationwide rollout remains a sticking point. The financial burden of such an undertaking is substantial, and with the UK already facing challenges in expanding traditional EV infrastructure, prioritising investments in the right locations will be crucial. Rather than attempting an unrealistic full-scale deployment, the government should focus on selectively electrifying high-traffic routes where wireless charging could deliver the greatest impact. Motorways, urban transit corridors, and freight-heavy transport networks should be the first to benefit, allowing policymakers to assess the return on investment before committing to broader expansion.

The UK has long positioned itself as a leader in green technology and sustainable innovation. Wireless charging roads could be an ambitious yet practical addition to that legacy—provided they are approached with strategic investment and careful planning. it could show Labour is still committed to a green industrial revolution despite rowing back on some of their early ambitions under Starmer. If executed correctly, this could be a cornerstone policy in driving EV adoption and reducing emissions in the years ahead. The key question is whether the government is willing to take the first step.