Electric Cars or Trucks with Just-in-time Energy-Reception

Abstract

Electric Vehicles (EV) are the future of transportation and a possible solution to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. But electric vehicles are run on batteries that are less energy dense when compared to the fossil fuels used in Internal Combustion Engines (ICE). This has given rise to range anxiety along with other concerns such as expensive batteries, poor charging infrastructure and huge recharge times when compared to a fill-up at the fuel station. Automotive companies, old and new, are constantly working on improving the range on their EVs, mostly by installing batteries with higher capacities. This in turn leads to an increase in the cost and weight of the vehicle. However, there is one solution being researched that could make EVs as competent as their ICE counterparts and it involves providing them with a continuous supply of energy while on the move. The energy supply can be used either to charge the batteries r for direct propulsion purposes. With batteries being the most expensive component in an EV, a simple upgrade in the current road infrastructure could help manufacturers downsize batteries and offer their vehicles at a lower cost. Similar to electric rails, electrified roads between cities is a concept that has been gaining popularity in the world of EVs. The concept is based on the principles of dynamic charging wherein Electrified Road Systems (ERS) [1], supply EVs with energy from the grid and either directly propel or charge the batteries of an EV. With Autonomous Electric Vehicles[1] being touted as the future of personal mobility, dynamic charging systems just might be the solution enabling their growth.