Honda is advancing wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging beyond stationary infrastructure, developing a road-based system designed to transfer power to vehicles while they are moving — including heavy commercial vehicles.
Honda R&D, Taisei Corporation and Taisei Rotec Corporation have jointly developed the underlying technology for a Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT) road system using magnetic coupling.
The system embeds power-transmitting units into road surfaces and equips vehicles with receivers. Its design has been tested for durability under traffic loads from large commercial vehicles weighing approximately 20 tonnes.
The partners are now preparing the next development phase. A dedicated test roadway is scheduled for construction from late 2026, followed by further performance and durability testing. The companies are targeting power transfer of up to 150 kW for potential heavy commercial vehicle applications.
Public-road demonstration testing is planned from Japan’s 2027 fiscal year, beginning in April 2027.
Why It Matters
For electric trucks and logistics fleets, charging while driving could reduce charging stops, improve vehicle utilisation and ease pressure on stationary charging infrastructure. The technology remains under development, but it points towards a future in which roads could become part of the EV charging network.
