Wireless Truck Charging Hits Breakthrough With Purdue’s Highway Test
Wireless truck charging just reached a major breakthrough in the United States. Purdue University successfully powered a heavy-duty electric truck while it drove at full highway speed. This achievement brings the dream of continuous, on-the-move charging much closer to reality.
Engineers tested the system on a quarter-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 52/231 in West Lafayette, Indiana. They placed a patent-pending charging setup beneath the road’s surface. As a modified Cummins electric semitractor passed over it at 65 mph, it drew up to 190 kilowatts of power. This level of performance shows how effective the new technology can be.
How This Breakthrough Changes the Future
The system is designed for the heaviest commercial trucks. However, it can also charge smaller electric vehicles. As a result, the technology could speed up wider EV adoption across the country. Drivers may eventually rely less on large, expensive batteries and more on smart roads that supply energy as they travel.
In addition, wireless charging roads could reduce downtime for trucks. Instead of stopping for long charging sessions, vehicles could gain power during regular trips. This approach boosts efficiency and reduces overall operating costs. It also opens the door to cleaner transportation without sacrificing convenience or performance.
Experts believe this highway test marks an important step toward nationwide implementation. While the system is still in development, the results prove that dynamic charging is achievable at real-world speeds. Therefore, the success at Purdue signals a future where electric travel becomes easier, lighter, and more sustainable.
Wireless truck charging is not just a concept anymore. It is a practical solution that could reshape how people and goods move across the country.
