Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) will test a solution that charges consumer and electric vehicles at highway speeds through electrification of the roadway. Imagine a future where you’re driving an electric car on a roadway and pick up high-power energy while in-motion.
In partnership with Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification (ASPIRE), CFX will install approximately one mile of dynamic wireless induction charging on the proposed 5-mile Lake/Orange Expressway utilizing ENRX’s inductive technology.
SR 516, the Lake/Orange Expressway, construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2024 and the corridor is estimated to be completed by 2027. It will improve Central Florida connectivity opportunities for Lake County and Orange County, and meet anticipated transportation demand for planned growth and support economic viability/job creation for the Wellness Way Area Plan.
This unique solution “brings the charge to the vehicle” as it drives over the charging technology. The patented ENRX technology (former IPT Technology) works through wireless inductive power transfer. Energy flows from the pre-assembled ground winding coils to a receiver pad under the vehicle through electromagnetic induction – a technology you might already use daily for charging your electric toothbrush or cell phone. The technology can detect an electric vehicle is directly above it, making the lane safe for all other drivers to use, as well as the surrounding environment.
“This is a game changer for speeding up the energy transition,” said Richard van den Dool, Vice President Charge. “Being part of a team with front leaders introducing innovative technologies, pushing change and delivering solutions to benefit the planet, the industry and how we should power electric cars and trucks is thrilling.”
“As a roadway agency, it is exciting to work with ASPIRE and ENRX to pilot this emerging technology that has the potential to make a significant impact on the future of roadway infrastructure nationwide,” stated CFX Chief of Infrastructure Glenn Pressimone.
The ENRX Charge 200 kW Electrified Roadway Technology will be able to power all vehicle classes using the roadway: passenger cars, medium-duty delivery vans, and heavy-duty trucks and buses. No other solution provides comparable benefits including dynamic charging, high power, flexibility, and safety.
ENRX has more than 25 years of experience in testing and installing this equipment in concrete with several pilots in Europe. Successful tests are done with charging powers of 180 kW, driving 50 mph and overall efficiency of more than 90%.
“ASPIRE is thankful to work on this project with CFX and ENRX. CFX’s investment in the future of transportation shows the vision of its leadership, and I’m proud of what we have achieved,” said Tallis Blalack, Managing Director, ASPIRE NSF Research Center. “The combination of CFX and ENRX Charge technology covers all aspects for introducing Electrified Roadway systems that enabled us to push the boundaries of the possible and outline our vision for future urban mobility.”
The overall project will also increase intermodal opportunities with Horizon West Town Center, provide evacuation and emergency services access for emergency events such as hurricanes, and create a sustainable, environmentally-friendly facility that balances transportation needs with conservation and energy efficiency.
