Electreon, a startup dedicated to developing technology for charging electric vehicles while they are in motion, has achieved a remarkable feat by setting a new world record for the longest electric journey completed without requiring a recharge.
During a closed test loop, Electreon successfully drove a modified Toyota RAV4 PHEV for over 100 hours, utilizing their groundbreaking wireless charging technology. The vehicle traveled an impressive distance of 1,207.05 miles (1,924.56 km) solely on electric power.
Despite the duration of the journey, the vehicle did come to a stop several times, with 55 different drivers taking part in the record attempt. However, the vehicle was not refueled or recharged using any method other than the wireless charging technology embedded in certain sections of the road. Throughout the 100-hour drive, a total of 241.69 kWh of electricity was transferred to the vehicle.
We completed our 100-Hour drive!
Thank you for watching us break the EV Range Anxiety!!
And thank you to our 55 Drivers!!! pic.twitter.com/fxjfRUD4q0— Electreon (@Electreon) May 25, 2023
The choice of using a plug-in hybrid Toyota RAV4 with an 18 kWh battery may seem unusual at first. However, there are valid reasons behind this decision. Charging roads, like the one used in the record-setting attempt, have the advantage of reducing the necessity for large battery sizes. This means that even vehicles with more modest electric ranges can cover significant distances on highways equipped with this innovative charging technology.
Moreover, Electreon had entered into a partnership with Toyota and DENSO in March, solidifying their collaboration to develop wireless charging technology for new vehicles. Additionally, they aim to create an aftermarket kit that would enable older vehicles to take advantage of charging roads.
Oren Ezer, the CEO of Electreon at the time, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This partnership will make wireless charging accessible to a diverse and wide range of drivers and will demonstrate the many benefits of wireless charging as a cost-effective clean solution for charging EVs as well as a catalyst in reducing EVs’ carbon footprint.”
While Toyota and DENSO are integral partners for Electreon, they have also forged alliances with other organizations. The company has announced pilot projects in Sweden, France, and Belgium to test their innovative technologies. Furthermore, they secured a €3.2 million ($3.4 million USD) agreement in December 2022 to operate electric public buses in Germany.
Electreon’s impressive achievement not only highlights the advancements in wireless charging technology but also emphasizes the potential of charging roads to revolutionize the electric vehicle industry. With their extensive partnerships and ongoing projects worldwide, Electreon is at the forefront of paving the way for a cleaner and more efficient future in transportation.
Take a look at our first 24 hours from our 100-hour drive
We are well underway into our 100 hours, and we are so excited for what the week has in store. We will be posting daily updates about our progress and keep you updated with each day's events. pic.twitter.com/rQjUbA4Dyj
— Electreon (@Electreon) May 22, 2023
