Might the UK have an Electric Highway?

Electric Motorways that allow electric cars to charge whilst on the move are to be tested in the UK this year. The 18-month scheme, announced by Highways England, will “test how the technology would work safely and effectively on the country’s motorways and major A roads. The concept of wirelessly charging technology under the road is used to power buses in Korea. However, these tests in Britain are said to be the first of their kind.

The potential to recharge low emission vehicles on the move offers exciting possibilities. The government is already committing £500 million over the next five years to keep Britain at the forefront of this technology, which will help boost jobs and growth in the sector. As this study shows, we continue to explore options on how to improve journeys and make low-emission vehicles accessible to families and businesses.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones

If successful, the new roads will mean that electric cars could be driven for long distances without the need to stop and charge their batteries. Although, it’ll require Highways England to install plug-in charging points every 20 miles on the motorway network, something which they’ve committed to doing. The days of autonomous electric cars could be here sooner rather than later.