Honda ready to test technology on public roads that charges EVs wirelessly

Through a joint venture with two other companies, Honda has developed underlaying technology for a magnetic-coupling wireless power transfer road system (WPT road system), which will enable wireless in-motion charging of EVs, according to a press release.

Honda R&D, Taisei Corp. (Taisei), and Taisei Rotec Corp. (Taisei Rotec) plan to conduct demonstration testing of the system beginning in the Japanese 2027 fiscal year.

The system combines proprietary technology from each of the companies:

- Honda: High-power-density power receiver/transmitter units compatible with DC power distribution
- Taisei: High-response DC power supply system
- Taisei Rotec: Technology for embedding equipment in roads

“With these technologies, the system achieves high-power wireless power transfer (WPT) and excellent ease of installation in road pavement, envisioning applications for a wide range of mobility products, from passenger EVs to large commercial EVs,” the release states.

Honda says it has been working on dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) technology since 2021. The technology supplies power to vehicles while they are in motion and reduces the frequency of charging needed at home or at a charging station, the release states.

“Initially, Honda will strive to put DWPT technology into practical use in the logistics and transportation sectors, where DWPT technology is expected to deliver significant benefits,” the release states.

Honda, Taisei, and Taisei Rotec have been conducting research and development of the magnetic-coupling WPT road system since 2025, according to the release. This has resulted in the development of the underlaying technology for the system.

This includes conducting experiments and validation testing on a test roadway at the Future Technology Field for Taisei Group/Satte (T-FIELD/SATTE). The tests verified the effectiveness of the technologies for a WPT system, road pavement structures, and road construction methods intended for demonstration testing on public roads with large commercial vehicles, according to the release.

Included in the DWPT system:

- DC power supply system on the ground
- DC distribution-based ground assembly (GA) systems that connect multiple GA units embedded in the road using a DC connection
- A vehicle assembly (VA) unit installed on the vehicle

Honda says that to achieve the real-world implementation of a WPT road system, it is essential to develop GA units and pavement structures with sufficient strength to withstand the loads of large commercial vehicles and a power transfer system capable of handling high-power transfer to EVs driving at high speeds, while also offering excellent practicality for installation in roads.

Testing at the T-FIELD/SATTE focused on GA units and pavement structures capable of withstanding the traffic of large vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of about 20 tons.

It also tested whether the DC power supply systems can supply high-power electricity to a DC distribution-based GA system with high responsiveness and stability.

The GA units were also tested for highly practical installation and future upgrades.

Next, the companies plan to begin testing long-term durability in late 2026 through a loading test equivalent to 1 million wheel loads using actual vehicles. It will also conduct DWPT performance tests and evaluate measures to address electromagnetic field leakage.

“Through these tests, the three companies will strive to ensure both power transfer performance and the safety of the GA units as structures embedded in the roadway,” the release states.

After this phase, the companies plan to further verify performance at high power output levels of up to 150 kW for potential application to large commercial vehicles, as well as verification of the reliability of WPT performance for vehicles traveling at high speeds.

Honda says that all three companies will participate in the “Tateyama Project” starting during the Japanese 2027 fiscal year. It will include demonstration testing of DWPT technology conducted by East Nippon Expressway Company Limited on the Tateyama Expressway in Chiba, Japan.

“Striving to realize a sustainable mobility society where people can enjoy freedom of mobility well into the future, Honda will continue to pursue co-creation with a diverse range of partners beyond the automotive industry, including road infrastructure-related businesses, government agencies and energy-related businesses,” the release states.