While we’re still debating where to put more e-jeepney charging stations in Metro Manila, Norway just took a huge leap: it launched a wireless charging road. Yes, a road that charges electric vehicles while they’re moving. No need to stop, plug in, or get off the vehicle.
This isn’t sci-fi. As of July 1, a 100-meter stretch of highway in Trondheim now beams electricity straight into EV buses using inductive charging coils buried under the asphalt. Think of it as an invisible charger pad but for buses. Moving buses.
So… how does this sorcery work?
The road is embedded with coils that send power wirelessly to electric buses equipped with receivers. These buses (from Chinese manufacturers Yutong and Higer) can pick up around 65 kW of power while cruising over the charged lane. No human interaction needed.
Even better? It’s being tested through Norway’s brutal winters. If it works there, imagine what it could handle on a rainy EDSA afternoon.
The whole project is a collaboration between Electreon Wireless, Norway’s AtB public transport, and the local government. The government backed it with roughly ₱130 million (NOK 22.4 million) in public funding.
Why are they doing this?
Norway’s already a global EV leader. Nearly 90% of new cars sold in 2024 were fully electric, and they’re gunning for 100% by 2025.
Now, they’re experimenting with charging on the go, which could:
▪️Let buses charge without stopping
▪️Reduce the need for giant, expensive batteries
▪️Help autonomous vehicles power up on their own someday
Here in the Philippines, we’re still working on expanding e-jeepney fleets, setting up charging hubs in malls and gas stations, and convincing the public that EVs aren’t just for tech bros. But watching projects like this helps us imagine what’s possible if long-term planning and sustainability go hand in hand.
But is it realistic?
Dynamic wireless charging isn’t for everyone, and even Norwegians know that. A few notes of caution:
▪️The tech isn’t very efficient. Inductive charging can lose a chunk of power compared to plug-in charging.
▪️It’s expensive. The road needs to be dug up, wired, tested, and maintained. That’s a lot for a 100-meter lane.
▪️It’s still just a pilot. One test road doesn’t equal mass adoption.
And online, EV fans are divided. Reddit users on r/electricvehicles argue it’s cool tech but maybe not worth the cost. At least not yet. One commenter put it plainly: “This is for fixed-route public transport, not your cousin’s secondhand Tesla.”
What it means for us
No, we’re not laying down inductive highways in Quezon Ave anytime soon, but tech like this can still inspire what could be possible here.
Imagine:
▪️City buses charging automatically at intersections
▪️E-jeepneys topping up at terminals without queuing for hours
▪️Or better yet, EV infrastructure that doesn’t require constant human intervention (or barangay-level approval)
For now, though, we’ll keep charging where we can and watching countries like Norway quietly prototype the future.
