Charging vehicles on the move with electrified roads
Transportation is the largest source of emissions in the United States and a major contributor globally, making decarbonization of mobility systems a critical priority. Yet widespread adoption of electric vehicles still faces barriers, including limited range, charging time and infrastructure constraints.
In Detroit, Michigan, a groundbreaking pilot project is addressing these challenges through a first-of-its-kind deployment of wireless charging technology embedded beneath the roadway. The initiative introduces wireless, in-road charging technology that so that vehicles can charge while driving or when stationary while reducing reliance on plug-in infrastructure and enabling more efficient operations. By embedding charging coils beneath the roadway, the system transforms traditional roads into active energy networks, supporting a more seamless and scalable path toward zero-emissions transportation.
-
![Electric bus concept]()
Image courtesy of Electreon -
![Rendering of cross traffic and roadways in a cityscape]()
Image courtesy of Electreon
As engineering partner within a consortium led by Electreon, Jacobs provided project management, design and construction support to bring this first-of-its-kind U.S. deployment to life. The pilot featured a one-mile electrified corridor with inductive charging technology integrating advanced system controls and infrastructure designed for future scalability. Working closely with the Michigan Department of Transportation and other industry collaborators, Jacobs designed the system to perform reliably across multiple vehicle types and real-world traffic and environmental conditions. The system represents a step change in EV infrastructure, moving beyond plug-in charging to a seamless, always-on model. The project demonstrates technical feasibility and helps lay the foundation for broader adoption of wireless charging — supporting cities and transportation agencies as they transition to cleaner fleets, improve air quality and build more sustainable, connected mobility networks.
