Driving on highways with an electric car is impossible? Not necessary... If it is, at present time, impossible to resort to this kind of vehicle to cross long distances, the United Kingdom is set on rectifying this gap. On August 11th 2015, the British government has indeed published a press release announcing the creation of an extra lane on highway arteries. Implemented by Highways England, the government-owned company with responsibility for managing road network in England, this new lane will be able to charge electric vehicles as they drive, via an induction system.

Electric priority lane © Studio Roosegaarde

A technology that has shown its worth
The British government will not be the first to deploy such a process, as, since 2013, South Korea has put electric buses that charge themselves via a similar technology into circulation. The system in question will rest on electric wires placed underneath the roadway that will generate an electromagnetic field, which will be transformed into electricity through a specific device. Long-distance rides will thus be facilitated and the development of electric fleet favored. The goal of this measure is, of course, to reduce the number of polluting vehicles on our roads. The trials should start by the end of the year on a specific lane and last 18 months. A British measure that is respectful of the environment and hailed by the Green Hotels Paris.

More information on electric priority lanes on the Highways England website.

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