Charging the Biggest Batteries Without Wires
In a 2022 article, we discussed the progress being made with inductive charging systems that would be built right into the concrete we use when we park or drive. This potent wireless charging technology is now becoming a reality! The well-known manufacturer of diesel engines, Cummins Inc., has combined with Indiana’s Purdue University, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and retail giant Walmart to build a heavy-duty truck with a wireless charging system.
The initial plan for this truck is to charge it wirelessly while parked, much like we charge our cell phones wirelessly via docking stations. In this case, however, the wattage is much greater. While a fast cell phone charger may use 15 watts, this truck-charging system is designed to use 750,000 watts! This amount of power is expected to charge the large truck battery in as little as 15 minutes, enabling it to make multiple trips on regional truck routes. Once the charging system is demonstrated to be operable, Walmart has agreed to use the system in its fleet operations.
Quarter-Mile Highway Testbed in Construction Phase
Meanwhile, Purdue and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) are constructing a quarter-mile test charging section on an actual state highway. After completion this fall, the Cummins trucks will start rolling on the test section and gathering real world data on the effectiveness of their charging systems while moving at highway speeds. After Purdue University and Cummins fine-tune the technology, the plan is for INDOT to then build larger sections of highway that could significantly charge trucks and passenger cars that feature inductive charging technology.
Why Start with Trucks?
Charging a heavy-duty truck is the greatest electrification challenge. Wired charging systems require such huge cables that they can actually pose a hazard to workers even if only slightly damaged. Keeping the charging systems underneath concrete protects both the wiring and employees.
Trucks also bring the biggest environmental and economic return on the investment. The long-term benefits of electrifying trucking fleets includes savings on fuel and large reductions on pollution. Both trucks and parking lots will be cleaner with the elimination of internal combustion engines. And if the system successfully charges the huge batteries required for trucks, it can easily charge the batteries in passenger cars.
Epoxy Paint for Long-Lasting Striping
As magnetized concrete becomes commonplace in the next few years, indicator striping will become an essential part of garages and parking lots. Knowing exactly where to park will simplify the charging process. The best material for long-lasting indicator striping is an epoxy coating designed for concrete. California Custom Coating is ready and able to resurface your garage and warehouse spaces whether you use Magment or any other system employing electrified concrete. Contact us by phone or online for more information about how we can help you modernize your garage and warehouse spaces.