MVO IEA-HEV TCP-Task 45 Electrified Roadways

Electrified Roadways (E-Roads), or Electric Road Systems (ERS), are terms referring to concepts used to power electrified vehicles from the road infrastructure while driving. ERS can come in very different shapes and forms but are generally divided into two main categories: conductive (wired) and inductive (wireless). Conductive systems are based on some kind of sliding electrical contact between the moving vehicle and the road; they range from rather conventional catenary systems (overhead lines) to more exotic conductive rails placed on the road surface or even on the road side. Inductive systems, on the other hand, do not need direct electrical contact between the car and the road and rely on the principle of electromagnetic induction for the transfer of power. IEA-HEV Task 45 is dealing with all the different kinds of ERS proposed thus far. The aim is to analyse and compare the concepts with an unbiased perspective from many different angles. The readiness level of the technologies (TRL) is obviously important, so the task is keeping track of all real-world deployment, trying to collect all available information and share it with interested stakeholders. Besides the technical aspects of the system, economical and environmental performance of the different concepts is also analysed, trying to guide policy makers towards informed decisions for funding projects that will shape the future of electric mobility. The task is lead by Oak Ridge National Lab (USA), with the participation at the time of writing of seven more countries: Switzerland, The Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Sweden, Israel, Austria. What makes the activity of the task very meaningful is the mix of people representing the countries, including members of the scientific community, senior members of companies involved in the development of ERS, and advisors to policy makers. This kind of diversity is fostering interesting exchange of ideas and very fruitful interaction, as well as avoiding biases when considering pros and cons of all the different options. Activity has started in January 2021 and is planned to continue for three year. Members are meeting bi-weekly, exchanging latest news, raising questions and planning for future activities. Two open workshops are organised every year, each focusing on some aspects of ERS development and deployment. External experts are also invited to the workshops, together with all interested stakeholders. Unfortunately, thus far all the meetings have taken place virtually, somewhat limiting the scope and interactions. Nonetheless, the working group is steadily growing, and activities will certainly receive a boost when physical meetings will be possible again.

This has been the first year of activity in the task. The main focus has been in establishing the task and defining the focus while, at the same time, trying to raise interest. The number of participant countries has been raised from three (at the beginning of the task) to seven (end of 2021). Practical impacts are still difficult to quantify, but the participation in the task of important industrial players together with representative of local governmental agencies is very promising. In perspective, the interaction between scientists, ERS system providers and policy makers is seen as the most important aspect of teh task and one that can have a very relevant impact on the development and shaping of future electrified transportation.

The goal of net-zero carbon transportation is universal; however, many transportation sectors or industries have their own specific requirements, targets and expectations which may make electrification difficult and costly. Electrified Roadways (E-Roads), or Electric Road Systems (ERS), have the potential to expand electrification into new segments of road-based transportation for both freight and passenger travel. There are various technologies applied to E-Road demonstrations, each with benefits and challenges. The IEA-HEV TCP Task 45 will focus on the energy transfer path technologies, including inductive and conductive transfer technologies, which are either embedded in the roadway or separate from the road. Though the focus of the task will be on energy transfer technologies for the vehicles and the infrastructure, there are many supporting technologies (i.e. power distribution, communications, vehicle controls, etc.) which will be discussed and evaluated. The goal of the E-Roads task is to understand the challenges and barriers to a large-scale E-Roads deployment. The Operating Agent for the Task is Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA. Participation from several other countries (besides Norway), including Sweden, Germany, France, Germany, Switzerland, The Netherlands. The activity of the Task is planned over three years and is organized with biannual meetings.