Honda has developed a new Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT) technology that could allow electric vehicles to receive power while they are moving, potentially reducing the need for frequent stops at charging stations. Honda R&D developed the underlying technology together with Taisei Corporation and Taisei Rotec Corporation, with the companies now preparing for public-road demonstration testing.
The system uses wireless power-transfer units embedded underneath the road surface. A receiver installed on the vehicle picks up electricity through magnetic coupling as the vehicle passes over the charging section. Honda says the technology is being developed for applications ranging from passenger EVs to large commercial electric vehicles used in logistics and transportation.
One of the major challenges has been making the road infrastructure strong enough for heavy vehicles. During testing, the companies evaluated pavement and embedded equipment designed to withstand traffic involving vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of approximately 20 tonnes.
Honda plans to construct another test roadway from late 2026 and conduct durability, wireless-power-transfer and electromagnetic-field safety testing. The companies will also evaluate power transfer of up to 150 kW for potential use with large commercial EVs and test reliability at higher vehicle speeds.
Public-road demonstration testing is planned from Japan's FY2027, beginning April 2027. Honda says the technology could initially be particularly useful for logistics and transportation fleets, where vehicles travel long distances and charging downtime can be a major challenge.
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