Honda is developing a dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) system with Taisei and Taisei Rotec that could charge electric vehicle batteries while they are moving. The partners plan to begin technology demonstrations from the Japanese fiscal year 2027, including potential tests on public roads.
Honda has been working on DWPT technology since 2021, focusing on wireless energy transfer for vehicles in motion. The company sees potential applications in logistics and other commercial vehicle operations where continuous energy supply could support vehicle utilization.
Honda Develops Wireless Road Charging Technology
The DWPT system uses coils installed beneath or within the road surface to generate a magnetic field as an equipped vehicle passes over them. A receiving coil mounted on the vehicle captures the transmitted energy and sends it to the vehicle’s battery.
Honda says the core technology for the magnetic wireless road energy transfer system has now been developed with its partners after several years of research.
Honda is responsible for developing the transmitting and receiving units, which are designed to work with DC distribution networks. The system is also being developed with applications in large commercial vehicles in mind.
Taisei is developing the associated DC energy supply system used to electrify the road, while Taisei Rotec is responsible for construction methods needed to install the wireless charging equipment.
Test Track Planned for 2026
The partners plan to build a test track at the Taisei Group’s Future Technology Field for Taisei Group/Tamura (T-FIELD/TAMRA) by the end of 2026.
The facility will be used to assess energy-transfer performance and the safety of equipment embedded in the road. The companies will then use the results to further develop the technology for practical applications.
Testing will include operation at power levels of up to 150 kW, which the partners identify as a potential requirement for large commercial vehicles. They also plan to evaluate the reliability of wireless power transfer when vehicles travel at higher speeds.
Honda Targets Commercial Vehicle Applications
Honda’s development program is focused in particular on logistics applications, where dynamic charging could potentially provide vehicles with energy without requiring them to stop at conventional charging stations.
The approach could also support larger commercial vehicles, for which battery capacity, charging time and vehicle utilization can be significant considerations. The companies have therefore included high-power energy transfer and high-speed operation among their planned validation areas.
Public Road Demonstrations Planned in Japan
Honda, Taisei and Taisei Rotec also plan to participate in the Tateyama Project, a DWPT demonstration program being conducted by East Nippon Expressway Company Limited (NEXCO East).
The project is scheduled to begin in the Japanese fiscal year 2027 on the Tateyama Expressway in Chiba Prefecture. It will provide an opportunity to evaluate dynamic wireless charging technology under road-use conditions beyond the partners’ dedicated test facility.
The planned demonstrations are intended to provide further data on the performance, safety and reliability of wireless charging infrastructure as Honda and its partners assess potential applications for electric commercial vehicles and future road-based charging systems.
