Infineon supports electric road charging with SiC modules

Infineon Technologies has announced a partnership with Electreon to advance the implementation of electric road charging for commercial vehicles, transitioning from pilot tracks to highway deployments. The collaboration involves the supply of customized silicon carbide power modules by Infineon for Electreon’s dynamic wireless electric road system. This innovative system is designed to provide electric road charging to buses and trucks while they are in motion, with a focus on achieving higher power levels and more compact vehicle battery packs for fleets operating on busy routes.

For readers of eeNews Europe, this collaboration holds significance as dynamic electric road charging has the potential to reshape power-electronics requirements for traction inverters, on-board chargers, and grid-side converters in future European infrastructure and heavy-duty EV platforms. It also hints at possible opportunities related to system integration, standards, and grid planning as trials expand beyond test tracks.

Dynamic wireless charging on France’s A10 and beyond

Electreon’s wireless electric road system utilizes copper coils embedded beneath the road surface to transfer power inductively to buses, trucks, and other EVs as they pass over dedicated sections. These coils are connected to the grid and activate only when a compatible vehicle is detected above them, reducing unnecessary losses and aiding operators in coordinating with local distribution networks.

In the collaboration with Infineon, EasyPACK 3B CoolSiC 2000 V modules, specifically tailored for Electreon, are employed to convert grid power for the in-road infrastructure. The setup achieves an average power transfer of approximately 200 kW, with peaks exceeding 300 kW on appropriately equipped road sections. A recent milestone on France’s A10 highway, where heavy- and medium-duty trucks, buses, vans, and passenger cars are wirelessly charged in motion, serves as a benchmark for future projects.

Electreon has already integrated the Infineon-based hardware on various test tracks across the U.S., Germany, France, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Italy, Israel, and Japan, with discussions underway for additional longer-distance deployments. These pilot projects offer valuable real-world data for infrastructure planners and power designers on efficiency, thermal performance, and the impact on battery-sizing strategies.

SiC power modules target smaller batteries and continuous operation

One of the primary objectives of the project is to enable EVs, particularly buses and trucks, to operate for extended periods using smaller battery packs by replenishing charge while on the move, rather than solely relying on depot or roadside fast chargers. This approach has the potential to reduce vehicle weight and upfront battery costs, while also increasing payload capacity for commercial operators.

In a press statement, Dominik Bilo, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer Industrial & Infrastructure at Infineon Technologies, expressed pride in contributing to Electreon’s wireless charging system with customized SiC power modules. Bilo emphasized the efficiency of these modules in converting electrical energy to charge vehicles on the go, tailored to meet Electreon’s specific requirements. This aligns with Infineon’s commitment to driving decarbonization and digitalization for a climate-neutral future.

CEO of Electreon, Oren Ezer, highlighted the potential of combining electric road charging with SiC-based electronics, stating that wireless EV charging is already a reality and Electreon is at the forefront of this transformation. By leveraging Infineon’s advanced silicon carbide technology, Ezer emphasized the enhanced power and efficiency of in-road charging, enabling electric buses and trucks to operate continuously without relying on traditional charging stations. This breakthrough is expected to reduce operational costs, lower emissions, and accelerate EV adoption globally, positioning Electreon as a leader in the evolution of wireless charging technology.