Self-Charging Roads: The Future of Electric Vehicles

Despite the latest eye-popping gas prices, electric vehicles like the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf still represent less than 1 percent of the total new-vehicles sold  in America this year, according to hybridcars.com.  In fact, approximately 3,000 electric vehicles have been sold thus far this year. The challenge that most automakers are faced with is the lack of charging stations available due to the infrastructure. Also for those who are fortunate to have access to a charging station, it could take anywhere from 4 hours up to 12 hours, if using a home outlet to fully charge a vehicle. In most cases, this just isn't a practical alternative for most cash-strapped, time conscious Americans in this shaky economy.


To overcome these barriers, the Center for Automotive Research Science at Stanford University are hoping to propel Americans interest in electric vehicles.  A research team from the school is working on a wireless self-charging system that allows electric vehicles to automatically charge, while driving on any highway. Just imagine if we could do such with gas dependent vehicles? Of course, if this become the future, just like with toll roads this service won't be free. Check out the video to see the demonstration.