For decades, the technology behind the electric cars has made great strides. If the first models lacked autonomy and reliability, the latest innovations in the sector gave life to cars with much better performance. Furthermore, in parallel, many companies and scientific centers are carrying out intense research work. A few examples? Charge Advisor, the app to manage the electric car, or the Polito Charge While Driving, the first highway capable of recharging the battery of an electric vehicle in motion.
A recharge along the highway
One of the limitations of electric cars is theautonomy. Currently, the latest models allow you to travel several hundred kilometers before running out of water. Not a short road, therefore, almost in line with the distances guaranteed by petrol engines. However, if the latter can count on thousands of refueling stations, the situation is different for electric cars. In fact, in Italy there are very few charging stations outside the large urban centers. A big limitation that is hindering a potentially very large market. Fortunately, the researchers of the Polytechnic of Turin. Their solution? A highway capable of recharging an electric motor.
But how does it work? Operation is similar to that of the most modern smartphones. In fact, the possibility of recharging the mobile phone has recently been introduced without connecting it to the electrical socket, but by placing it on a special base. A wireless charging therefore, very similar to that conceived by the Turin researchers. The technology is based onInductive Power Transfer (IPT), a system that works thanks to the transfer of energy via resonant inductors. And to do this, a series of coils just under the road surface will suffice.
The first tests
The system will soon be tested in a test circuit a Susa (TO). If the test is successful, the first installations will be carried out on some road sections. This will allow to revolutionize the world of electric cars. Recharging during the trip will allow cars to be equipped with smaller and less bulky batteries. But above all, not having to depend on those few charging stations often subject to acts of vandalism or other. A great and valid reason to switch to electric cars and say goodbye to expensive gasoline.
