Sweden Paves the Way for a Greener Future with World's First Permanent Electrified Road on E20 Highway

Sweden is a pioneer in electrified roads, which allow electric vehicles (EVs) to recharge their batteries while driving. The Scandinavian country has launched several pilot projects in the past, including the world's first temporary electric road in 2018. Now, Sweden is taking a step further by building the world's first permanent electrified road on a highway near Stockholm.

What is an electrified road?

An electrified road is a road that provides electricity to EVs through different methods of charging. The main benefits of electrified roads are:

1. They reduce the need for large and expensive batteries in EVs, which can lower the cost and weight of the vehicles.
2. They enable EVs to travel longer distances without stopping at charging stations, which can save time and increase convenience for drivers.
3. They reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector, which can help fight climate change and improve air quality.

There are three main types of charging methods for electrified roads:

Catenary system: This system uses overhead wires to provide electricity to heavy-duty vehicles, such as buses and trucks, that have a special device on their roof to connect to the wires. This system is similar to how trams and trains are powered.

Conductive system: This system uses rails or plates embedded in the road surface to provide electricity to EVs that have a movable arm or coil underneath them to connect to the rails or plates. This system works like a charger pad for smartphones or laptops.

Inductive system: This system uses coils buried under the road surface to create an electromagnetic field that transfers electricity wirelessly to EVs that have a receiver coil in their chassis. This system works like a wireless charger for smartphones or laptops.

What is the project on E20?

The project on E20 is a government-led initiative to build a permanent electrified road on a 2-kilometer stretch of the European route E20, which connects logistic hubs between Hallsberg and Örebro in central Sweden. The project is currently at the procurement stage and is expected to be completed by 2025.

The charging method for E20 has not been decided yet, but it will be one of the three types mentioned above. The project will involve testing and evaluating different technologies and solutions for electrified roads, as well as developing standards and regulations for their implementation.

The project on E20 is part of a larger plan to electrify nearly 20,000 kilometers of streets and highways across Sweden by 2045, which would cover about half of the country's road network. The plan aims to reduce CO2 emissions from road transport by 80 percent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.

Why is Sweden leading the way?

Sweden is one of the most ambitious countries in the world when it comes to tackling climate change and promoting green mobility. The country has set a goal of becoming fossil fuel-free by 2045 and has invested heavily in renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, hydro, and biofuels.

Sweden is also one of the top markets for EVs in Europe, with a market share of over 30 percent in 2020. The country has introduced various incentives and policies to support the adoption of EVs, such as tax exemptions, subsidies, parking benefits, and access to bus lanes.

Sweden has also recognized the potential of electrified roads as a key enabler for decarbonizing the transport sector, especially for heavy-duty vehicles that account for a large share of CO2 emissions. The country has been experimenting with different technologies and solutions for electrified roads since 2013, with support from public and private partners.

Sweden hopes that its efforts will not only benefit its own citizens and environment but also inspire other countries and regions to follow suit and create a global network of electrified roads that can facilitate cross-border trade and travel.