Wireless electricity in the energy grid: Charging electric cars on the go

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• May 6, 2022

Insight summary

Wireless electricity promises seamless power transfer to a range of devices, potentially changing our daily interaction with technology. While the concept is not new, recent efforts by companies and governments are bringing it closer to reality, albeit with challenges such as energy loss during transmission and the need for substantial infrastructure modifications. The unfolding landscape foresees a ripple effect, including redesigned product lines for compatibility with wireless charging, enhanced productivity, and a shift towards renewable energy.

Wireless electricity context

Wireless electricity is on the horizon, promising to bring transformative changes to several industries including auto manufacturing and telecommunications, similar to the impacts previously seen with the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI). This development is fueled by the increasing demand for convenient and efficient energy solutions. It is envisioned that this technology will facilitate the seamless transfer of power to a wide array of devices, potentially altering the way we interact with gadgets and appliances in our daily lives. 

The concept of wireless electricity is not new; it traces back to the works of the inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla. Tesla harbored a vision where power could be transmitted wirelessly over considerable distances, utilizing networks of suspended balloons or strategically positioned towers to facilitate this transfer. As of 2023, developers working on 5G networks have managed to create a "wireless power grid." This grid, initially designed for other purposes, has the potential to recharge or energize small devices integrated within vehicles, factories, offices, and residences.

Despite the promising prospects, one of the primary hurdles of this development is the significant energy loss that occurs during the transmission process. Furthermore, the existing 5G technology infrastructure may need to undergo substantial modifications, including the installation of a dense network of towers and an array of antennas to support the wireless transfer of electricity. It is imperative to navigate these challenges wisely to unlock the full potential of wireless electricity.

Disruptive impact

The US software enterprise Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification (WAVE) is making strides in developing wireless energy sources that cater to medium and high-power output needs. The firm has conceptualized charging equipment that can be situated underground, beneath roadways, or in parking lots, with the capacity to deliver up to 1 megawatt of wireless power. This kind of setup can potentially facilitate seamless charging experiences for electric vehicle users, reducing downtime and encouraging more people to transition to electric vehicles. Moreover, it opens up avenues for urban planners to rethink city landscapes, integrating energy solutions into the very fabric of road infrastructure.

US electric vehicle titan Tesla is eyeing the potential benefits of wireless charging technology as it ventures into the production of an electric truck. The utilization of WAVE's technology could be a game-changer, providing the necessary power solutions to meet the demands of such a vehicle. Meanwhile, the Indiana Department of Transportation is collaborating with Purdue University and a German cement manufacturer to craft magnetic cement roadways capable of energizing electric vehicles as they traverse them. 

As these technologies take shape, there is a ripple effect encouraging other companies to explore wireless charging solutions, potentially fostering greater investment in renewable energy technologies like wind and solar power. Governments and municipalities may find themselves at a juncture where they need to facilitate the growth of this technology, possibly through incentives or partnerships, to ensure a greener future. It is a scenario where synergy between various stakeholders — governmental bodies, educational institutions, and private enterprises — can drive forward a sustainable energy revolution.

Implications of wireless electricity 

Wider implications of wireless electricity may include:

• Manufacturers of products that use powered electronics gradually redesigning most of their product lines to be compatible with wireless charging technologies, fostering a market where consumers can enjoy a more seamless and convenient user experience.


• Incremental population-scale productivity improvements as products, machinery, and workplaces can remain charged constantly and with greater mobility, leading to environments where downtime is significantly reduced and operational efficiency is enhanced.


• Lower dependency on petrol and diesel-powered vehicles, assisting countries in combating global warming and meeting their carbon emissions goals.


• Governments reconsidering energy infrastructure investments to better incorporate wireless electricity transmission, offering a viable option for developing countries with less legacy energy infrastructure to replace.


• A shift in urban planning paradigms to include wireless charging lanes and spots, leading to cities that are more accommodating of electric vehicles and reducing traffic congestion as electric vehicle adoption increases.


• The emergence of new business models for electric vehicle charging stations, where companies may offer subscription services for unlimited charging.


• A potential increase in electronic waste as older, incompatible devices become obsolete, leading to environmental concerns that require careful management and recycling strategies.


• A surge in demand for skilled labor in the renewable energy sector, leading to job creation and opportunities for workforce development in high-tech industries.


• Policymakers grappling with the formulation of regulations to ensure safety and efficiency standards are met in the wireless electricity ecosystem, leading to a regulatory landscape that safeguards consumer interests while fostering technological advancement.


• A potential rise in energy costs in the initial phases of widespread wireless electricity implementation, leading to economic challenges that require careful consideration to ensure affordability and accessibility for all socioeconomic groups.

Questions to consider

• Do you believe complete reliance on electrically powered equipment could create future dependencies on battery manufacturers?


• Do you think the current inefficiencies (energy leakage) related to wireless electricity transmission can be overcome so as to be adopted into regional electricity grids?


• Do you think wireless electricity transmission towers can be deployed on a mass scale to support large urban centers?