Startup Aims For World’s Longest Unbroken Electric Car Trip

An Israeli company is in the middle of setting a world record for the longest electric car trip with no charging breaks.

Electreon is demonstrating its tech that charges electric vehicles (EVs) wirelessly and while they’re on-the-go by completing a four-day 1,500-kilometer drive.

The drive began on Sunday at the company’s headquarters in Beit Yanai, central Israel, and will conclude on Wednesday. Only 25 percent of its 200-meter long demonstration track is electrified with its tech. 

While drivers have changed throughout the week, the vehicle has not needed to stop for dedicated charging time at any point. 

Electreon uses copper coils laid beneath the asphalt to transfer energy from the electricity grid to the road. Receivers installed on the floor of hybrid vehicles and EVs transmit the energy directly to the engine and the battery, doing away with the concern of running out of power. 

“Industry, political and public support for wireless EV charging technologies is greater now than at any other time since Electreon’s doors opened in 2013,” said Electreon CEO Oren Ezer.

“We witnessed industry enthusiasm for our wireless EV technology grow into unwavering support. Now we see it bloom into declarations of commitment to advance wireless charging in commercial projects in public roads across the globe.

“Today we are involved in a dozen projects across five countries together with more than 60 global partners, including leading automotive partners. This is the tipping point,” he said.

“Just this month we launched the first public shuttle that charges as it drives in Germany (dynamically). Here we are also demonstrating the true potential of the wireless EV charging road.”