Photo: Kristina Lindgärde
In recent years, electric roads have emerged as potential alternatives to the heavy and expensive batteries currently needed in electric road vehicles. Now researchers at Lund University in Sweden have developed an even smarter technology - that doesn't require digging up stretches of road to install the system. Instead, a small conductive rail is laid on top of segments of the road. "The vehicle has three contact points with the road through which it connects to the power supply. It works much in the same way as a charging pole; except the vehicle charges both while moving and standing still", explains Mats Alaküla, professor of industrial electrical engineering and automation at Lund University. The rail is only active when covered by the vehicle, making it a safe option for cities. The system notices when you leave a driving lane and automatically disconnects the "pick up"- reconnecting when you are back.
TO READ THIS ARTICLE, CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT
And extend your reading, free of charge and with no commitment.
