The project will test a technology that wirelessly charges vehicles driving or parked on the roadway.
The Indiana Department of Transportation broke ground on a segment of highway equipped with a system that can charge electric vehicles and heavy-duty trucks as they drive, idle, or park on the roadway. According to a press release from INDOT, “The project will use innovative magnetizable concrete – developed by German startup Magment GmbH – enabling wireless charging of electric vehicles as they drive.”
The technology could have a major impact on transportation emissions. As Susan Elizabeth Turek explains in The Cool Down, “Electrifying heavy-duty trucks would go a long way toward improving air quality by reducing pollution linked to health issues like asthma and rising global temperatures. The Environmental Protection Agency notes that medium- and heavy-duty vehicles account for 23% of heat-trapping gases generated by transportation in the United States.”
The project, designed by engineers at Purdue University, will begin with a testing phase during which “ charging benefits will only be available to vehicles with special transmitters, which draw power from the coils via magnetic fields.” The technology operates similarly to wireless cell phone chargers.
Oakland to Add 244 New EV Chargers
Oakland plans to launch its new charging network at eight locations by the end of 2025.
EV Chargers Now Outnumber Gas Pumps by Nearly 50% in California
Fast chargers still lag behind amidst rapid growth.
New York State Finances $60M Loan for EV Charging Infrastructure
Gov. Hochul announced the investment just as a federal program for EV charging infrastructure was halted by administration officials.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Private Donations Propel Early Restoration of Palisades Playground
Los Angeles has secured over $1.3 million in private funding to restore the Pacific Palisades playground months ahead of schedule, creating a modern, accessible space that supports community healing after recent wildfires.
From Blight to Benefit: Early Results From California’s Equitable Cleanup Program
The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program is reshaping brownfield redevelopment by prioritizing projects in low-income and environmental justice communities, emphasizing equity, transparency, and community benefits.
Planting Relief: Tackling Las Vegas Heat One Tree at a Time
Nevada Plants, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit, is combating the city’s extreme urban heat by giving away trees to residents in underserved neighborhoods, promoting shade, sustainability, and community health.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service