Electreon, a startup focused on developing technology that enables electric vehicles (EVs) to charge while driving, has set a new world record for the longest electric journey completed without charging. The company achieved this feat by driving a modified Toyota RAV4 PHEV on a closed test loop featuring its wireless charging technology for more than 100 hours. During this time, the vehicle traveled 1,207.05 miles (1,924.56 km) on electric power alone, without being refueled or recharged by anything other than the portion of the road equipped with Electreon’s technology.
The choice of vehicle for the record attempt may seem unusual, given that it was a plug-in hybrid with an 18 kWh battery. However, one of the major advantages of charging roads is that they reduce battery-size requirements, meaning that even a vehicle with a modest range can travel long distances on highways equipped with this technology.
Electreon’s partnership with Toyota and DENSO is also significant. Together, they plan to develop wireless charging technology for new vehicles, as well as an aftermarket kit to allow older vehicles to make use of charging roads. “This partnership will make wireless charging accessible to a diverse and wide range of drivers, and will demonstrate the many benefits of wireless charging as a cost-effective clean solution for charging EVs as well as a catalyst in reducing EVs’ carbon footprint,” said Oren Ezer, Electreon’s CEO.
In addition to its partnership with Toyota and DENSO, Electreon has announced pilot projects for its technologies in Sweden, France, and Belgium. The company also has a €3.2 million ($3.4 million USD) deal to operate electric public buses in Germany that was announced in December 2022.
Overall, Electreon’s achievement highlights the potential of wireless charging technology to revolutionize the EV industry by enabling long-distance travel without the need for frequent charging stops. As more companies invest in this technology, we can expect to see significant improvements in the range and convenience of EVs, making them an even more attractive option for drivers around the world.
