Korea Constructs Road That Wirelessly Charges Moving Electric Buses.

Question

People often think of switching to battery operated vehicles, but it becomes a nightmare for the drivers to look at the low battery sign on the dashboard with no means to recharge it again.

Maybe there is a way to release this fear. What if battery-operated electric cars work far better and don’t have to lug around huge and expensive batteries?

The researchers at Korea’s Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a technology to solve both the conundrums. They have created first-of-its-kind on-line electric vehicle (OLEV) system, that can recharge electric cars or buses while they are on the go.

In the city of Gumi, South Korea, a seven-and-a-half-mile stretch of asphalt roadway has been constructed with power sources periodically embedded in the road. As a bus approaches and leaves, these power sources connect to the grid and are turned on and off selectively. According to KAIST, only 5% to 15% of the already existing road needs to be rebuild to make it a wireless charger.

The batteries used in the buses are almost third the size of a normal electric car battery, yet the buses don’t need to stop for charging and are more cost effective. This technology being eco-friendly can curb the increasing carbon level, hence solving many pollutions related health issues.