Stellantis Claims On-The-Go Charging a Reality

Stellantis claims its ‘Scalextric’ on-the-go EV charging project has shown the system is a fully robust and practical solution after months of testing.

As TU-Automotive reported in December, the automaker created a special test circuit at its Arena del Futuro and, together with project partners, set out to trial the capability of dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) technology to recharge EVs as they travel over specially equipped, dedicated road lanes. The system uses coils positioned under the asphalt that transfer energy directly to cars, trucks and buses without the need to stop at charging stations to refill the battery. The technology can be adapted for all vehicles equipped with a special “receiver” that transfers the energy incoming from the road infrastructure directly to the electric motor, extending the range, while conserving the vehicle battery charge.

Work at “Arena del Futuro” shows that a BEV, like the Fiat New 500 outfitted to test the system, can travel at typical highway speeds without consuming the energy stored in its battery. Tests are showing that the efficiency of the energy flow from the asphalt to the car is comparable to the typical efficiency of fast charging stations, so the driver does not need to stop to recharge. Furthermore, measurements on magnetic field intensity prove that there is no impact on the driver and passengers.

At the launch event in Chiari, a Maserati Grecale Folgore was displayed to announce Maserati’s upcoming involvement in the project. Folgore identifies the full electric version of Maserati, which will electrify its entire product range by 2025. The Grecale Folgore will be outfitted and run on the circuit to collect data and deploy a detailed performance analysis.

Arena del Futuro is powered by direct current (DC), which offers several concrete and unique advantages, including:

• Reducing the power losses in the energy distribution process;
• Guaranteeing a direct integration with renewable energy sources without the need to convert DC into AC;
• Allowing the use of thinner cables than the AC current distribution with evident advantages in terms of packaging, weight and harmonic pollution;
• Using aluminum cables for current distribution, which is easier to source, costs half compared to copper, and is lighter and easier to recycle in a circular economy business model.

The goals project was achieved thanks to the innovative technologies offered by 5G, IoT and AI-based application solutions, which facilitate the exchange of information between the vehicle and the system management platform, increasing road safety and travel efficiency. Inductive energy transfer of DWPT means there are no exposed cables, keeping the road surface safe for pedestrians.

Anne-Lise Richard, head of global e-mobility business unit at Stellantis, said: “These joint projects are exciting steps as we work to achieve longer battery lifespan, lower range anxiety, greater energy efficiency, smaller battery size, outstanding performance and lower weight and cost.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_