DETROIT—The nation’s first wireless-charging public roadway recently opened at the Michigan Central innovation district here. It uses inductive-charging coils embedded in the pavement.

The 0.25-mile stretch of road will be used to test and perfect the technology developed by Electron Wireless Ltd. It runs alongside the Newlab at Michigan Central Building, which is home to more than 60 tech and mobility startups.

Electreon's wireless charging technology is based on inductive coupling between copper coils installed below the road surface and receivers installed on EVs. When a vehicle with a receiver nears the in-road charging segments, the road transfers electricity wirelessly through a magnetic field. This electricity is then transferred as energy to the vehicle's battery.

The electric road is safe for drivers, pedestrians and wildlife. Each coil in the road is activated only when a vehicle with an approved receiver passes over the coil. This ensures that energy transfer is controlled and provided only to vehicles that require it.

"We’re excited to spearhead the development and deployment of America's first wireless charging road," says Stefan Tongur, vice president of business development at Electreon. "Alongside Michigan's automotive expertise, we'll demonstrate how wireless charging unlocks widespread EV adoption, addressing limited range, grid limitations, and battery size and costs. This project paves the way for a zero-emission mobility future, where EVs are the norm, not the exception."

“For more than a century, Detroit has been known around the world as the leader in transportation innovation,” adds Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “We are the birthplace of the auto industry, and the home of the first mile of concrete road and the first three-way traffic signal.”