A new research initiative in Germany is exploring the wireless charging of electric vehicles (EVs) while in motion, with the goal of improving the practicality and efficiency of electromobility. The ERS.T-NRW project, led by the University of Wuppertal in cooperation with industry partners Denso Automotive Deutschland, Electreon Germany, and Strabag, is developing a 400-meter test track in Aldenhoven, North Rhine-Westphalia, to evaluate inductive charging under real-world conditions.
The three-year project is funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the European Union, with a total budget of €3.9 million. Research efforts are focused on two main areas: the hardware needed for efficient energy transmission—including coils and power electronics—and the communication systems that allow safe, seamless data exchange between vehicles and infrastructure.
“The integration of modern communication technology enables intelligent control of the charging process, protects the vehicle battery and supports flexible and efficient use of the power grids through the exchange of energy data,” said Prof. Benedikt Schmülling, head of the project at the University of Wuppertal.
Electreon Germany is supplying the wireless charging infrastructure, while Denso is providing automotive systems and components. Construction firm Strabag is contributing expertise in embedding the charging infrastructure into the road. The technology is intended to support both new and existing EVs, aiming for broader adoption and real-world scalability.
“Wireless charging while driving and even when stationary makes electromobility more convenient and therefore more suitable for everyday use—especially in urban areas or for vehicles with high energy requirements,” Schmülling added. “Our aim is to develop this technology in such a way that it functions reliably, can be easily integrated into infrastructures and makes a real contribution to the transport transition.”
The ERS.T-NRW initiative is especially targeting applications such as taxis, buses, and logistics fleets, where frequent charging downtime can disrupt operations. Beyond the demonstration in Aldenhoven, Electreon is also involved in a separate wireless charging test on Germany’s A6 motorway near Nuremberg.
The project will conclude with efforts to feed insights and technical specifications into standardisation processes, contributing to the broader push for global standards in wireless EV charging.
Source: uni-wuppertal.de