Honda to Test Dynamic Wireless Charging on Japanese Highway in 2027

Honda has announced plans to begin testing wireless charging technology on public roads in Japan next year, marking a significant step toward dynamic charging infrastructure that powers electric vehicles while they are in motion.

What Happened

Honda’s R&D subsidiary, in collaboration with Japanese construction firm Taisei, has developed hardware capable of beaming up to 150 kilowatts of power to vehicles traveling at speeds of 75 mph. The initial phase, described by Honda as "demonstration testing," will take place on a 300-meter stretch of highway in the Chiba prefecture, located outside of Tokyo. The goal of this limited deployment is to validate the technology for commercial use, particularly focusing on heavy-duty vehicles such as large trucks and people movers that require continuous uptime for commuting operations.

Why It Matters

This development could reshape EV economics by potentially reducing the size and cost of battery packs. Taku Ueda, Honda’s chief engineer of R&D, told Nikkei Asia that dynamic charging could allow manufacturers to install fewer battery cells in future EVs. Since batteries are a major contributor to vehicle cost and weight, lighter packs could improve range efficiency and reduce road wear. While the paper range of these vehicles might appear lower, the ability to sip on electrons while driving could maintain or even extend total travel distance. Additionally, Honda suggests this technology could alleviate charging anxiety among Japanese drivers.

The Bottom Line

While Honda is not the first to explore dynamic wireless charging—companies like Electreon have previously installed short test stretches in Detroit—the scale and integration of this 150 kW system represent a notable evolution in the field. If successful, the technology could eventually expand from commercial fleets to passenger cars, offering a complementary solution to fast-charging networks and battery swapping. However, the path to widespread adoption remains dependent on the success of this initial pilot and broader infrastructure investment beyond a single automaker.