Wireless electricity charging electric cars as they drive

[ManaMan]

I was reading this article on Fortune about Meredith Perry who is trying to start a company to sell short-range electric power chargers. This isn't new technology, in fact Nikola Tesla did this over a century ago. Regardless, the article mentioned her as the "next Elon Musk" (of Tesla Automotive fame). That got me thinking: could wireless charging in roadways work for recharging electric cars? This would work similar to how electric trains/subways are powered but without the overhead wires or the third rail. In theory you'd just have to run wireless transmitting cable under the roadway and "broadcast" electricity upwards towards passing cars. To make this more efficient, you could have sensors to pick up cars capable of receiving the charge and only begin broadcasting the energy when the car approaches. You could do the same for parking spots.

Questions remain:

• would wireless charging be able to emit enough electricity to match the amount being used to propel the car? This would be essential for long-term travel and would allow electric cars to overcome their current range limitations
• How could you charge someone for the electricity used? You'd have to have some sort of wireless identification on these types of electric cars that would allow you to be billed for the electricity used.

[Replay]

Sure, it could work. Tests need to be done on the health effects of the ambient power on passengers and pedestrians. But it's a good idea to support.

[Replay]

You can easily record the amount of charge consumed in the vehicle; it would mean cars would have to come equipped with official meters, which might be a civil liberties objection, but I don't know if it would be a deal-breaker.

[Replay]

To me - the best idea for the concept you're discussing is making EVERY part of the pipeline solar-enabled.

Solar paint on cars. Solar paint on roads and roofs and driveways. Locally stored energy - possibly as hydrogen, maybe just with batteries - a man in Africa (actually someone I corresponded with, back on Facebook) built a PURELY solar car - yeah, Seek, it is possible.

[Zeus]

The real question is: how much will people freak knowing there's gonna be wireless or induction electrical charges flowing through their streets?

[kali o.]

I am already paranoid about the effects countless wireless signals assaulting my body...wireless electricity would make me move to an island somewhere.

I think its a smart and sustainable solution (if the power process isnt privatized and pays for the infrastructure) but I want to see some real science on the health effects.

[ManaMan]

I am already paranoid about the effects countless wireless signals assaulting my body...wireless electricity would make me move to an island somewhere.

Maybe Crete?

[kali o.]

I am already paranoid about the effects countless wireless signals assaulting my body...wireless electricity would make me move to an island somewhere.

Maybe Crete?

Dont think I havent looked at buying an island. The paperwork time and costs of connecting services (nevermind the rampant piracy in the area...yes PIRATES) turned me off.

[Julius Seeker]

As long as my cell phone connection works I'll be driving happily!