Detroit, October 20, 2025
Detroit has installed the nation’s first public wireless-charging roadway: a quarter-mile segment of 14th Street in the Michigan Central innovation district now contains inductive copper coils beneath the pavement. Compatible electric vehicles can charge while driving, idling, or parked above the coils. The system activates only for approved receivers to protect pedestrians and wildlife. The Michigan Department of Transportation and Electreon will test and refine the technology, with plans to extend the electrified roadway to a mile in Corktown and run trials using an EV transit shuttle to gather data for wider adoption.
Detroit
Detroit has become the first U.S. city to implement a wireless-charging public roadway for electric vehicles (EVs). A quarter-mile segment of 14th Street in Detroit’s Michigan Central innovation district now features inductive-charging coils embedded beneath the pavement. This technology allows EVs equipped with compatible receivers to charge their batteries while driving, idling, or parked above the coils. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) plans to test and refine this technology over the next few years before making it publicly available.
Technology and Implementation
The wireless charging system utilizes copper inductive charging coils installed below the road surface. When an EV with a compatible receiver passes over these coils, electricity is transferred through a magnetic field, charging the vehicle’s battery. The system is designed to activate only when a vehicle with an approved receiver is present, ensuring safety for pedestrians and wildlife. This initiative is part of a broader effort to establish Michigan and Detroit as leaders in mobility innovation.
Future Plans
MDOT and Electreon, the company behind the technology, have committed to expanding the wireless charging infrastructure. Plans include extending the electrified roadway to a mile in Detroit’s historic Corktown neighborhood and conducting extensive testing using Ford’s EV Transit shuttle. These efforts aim to collect data to support the broader adoption of wireless charging systems across the nation.
Background
The pilot initiative was announced in 2021 by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, with the goal of developing the nation’s first wireless charging infrastructure on a public road. Electreon, an Israel-based developer of wireless charging solutions for EVs, has implemented similar roadways in countries such as Israel, Sweden, Italy, and Germany. The technology is intended to address challenges related to EV range, grid limitations, and battery size and costs, paving the way for a zero-emission mobility future.
FAQ
What is the wireless-charging roadway in Detroit?
Detroit has become the first U.S. city to implement a wireless-charging public roadway for electric vehicles (EVs). A quarter-mile segment of 14th Street in Detroit’s Michigan Central innovation district now features inductive-charging coils embedded beneath the pavement. This technology allows EVs equipped with compatible receivers to charge their batteries while driving, idling, or parked above the coils. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) plans to test and refine this technology over the next few years before making it publicly available.
How does the wireless charging system work?
The wireless charging system utilizes copper inductive charging coils installed below the road surface. When an EV with a compatible receiver passes over these coils, electricity is transferred through a magnetic field, charging the vehicle’s battery. The system is designed to activate only when a vehicle with an approved receiver is present, ensuring safety for pedestrians and wildlife. This initiative is part of a broader effort to establish Michigan and Detroit as leaders in mobility innovation.
What are the future plans for this technology?
MDOT and Electreon, the company behind the technology, have committed to expanding the wireless charging infrastructure. Plans include extending the electrified roadway to a mile in Detroit’s historic Corktown neighborhood and conducting extensive testing using Ford’s EV Transit shuttle. These efforts aim to collect data to support the broader adoption of wireless charging systems across the nation.
Who is Electreon?
Electreon, an Israel-based developer of wireless charging solutions for EVs, has implemented similar roadways in countries such as Israel, Sweden, Italy, and Germany. The technology is intended to address challenges related to EV range, grid limitations, and battery size and costs, paving the way for a zero-emission mobility future.
Key Features of Detroit’s Wireless-Charging Roadway
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Quarter-mile segment of 14th Street in Detroit’s Michigan Central innovation district |
| Technology | Inductive-charging coils embedded beneath the pavement |
| Charging Method | Allows EVs equipped with compatible receivers to charge while driving, idling, or parked above the coils |
| Activation | System activates only when a vehicle with an approved receiver is present, ensuring safety for pedestrians and wildlife |
| Future Plans | Expand to a mile in Detroit’s historic Corktown neighborhood; conduct extensive testing using Ford’s EV Transit shuttle |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Toyota Transforms its Lineup with All-Electric C-HR
Major Revamp Planned for Michigan Avenue in Corktown
Mobile World Congress 2025 Unveils New Devices and Innovations
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.