To overcome the limitations of wired charging, innovative solutions are being researched and tested for electric mobility. Both static and dynamic wireless charging systems — for urban environments and high-speed operation — are being trialed in Europe, Asia, and the United States.
- Static induction charging systems are being developed mainly to charge taxis or buses while waiting at stations.
- Regarding dynamic charging, two main technology families stand out: inductive dynamic systems and, more specifically for heavy-duty transport, sliding contact-based systems using a rail or pantograph. Dynamic charging solutions require significant investment in road infrastructure, which represents a major drawback for large-scale road projects.
Highlights
Dynamic charging will be distributed over long distances and effectively be connected to several points in the grid. Considering inductive charging, the efficiency of the energy flow is comparable to the typical efficiency of fast charging. To limit power losses and facilitate integration with renewable energy sources, inductive solutions are generally DC-based. Over the past few years, there have been new pilot projects announced but still no large-scale rollouts. For example, France plans to test a wireless charging highway by 2025 — a first of its kind in Europe.
Challenges and opportunities for DSOs
- Beyond the general question of network investments and power connection adapted to support the development of electric mobility, dynamic charging raises the question of defining connection solutions adapted to linear infrastructures (AC or DC delivery, etc.).
If DC solutions are adopted:
- DC grids have several challenges to overcome: protection systems and DC circuit breakers need further development.
- There is a general lack of standardisation (especially in terms of voltage levels, other specifications, interoperability, and commissioning procedures), and DC installation costs are currently high due to the power converters that are required.
- Power converters are also still not as efficient as AC transformers and have a lower lifespan.
E.DSO Considerations
- In collaboration with the stakeholders concerned (car and truck manufacturers, road infrastructure managers, etc.), DSOs should carry out the analyses and implement the demonstrators necessary to identify the relevant solutions and assess the impact of innovative charging options on the distribution network.
- The impact of high-power charging by induction on the grid has to be examined.
- The coupling between storage and charging solutions should be studied.
- Concerning linear charging infrastructures, the DSO perimeter has to be examined and clarified.
Potential Use Cases
- Grid flexibility and demand management: DSOs can modulate wireless charging (especially static) to balance grid demand, reduce peaks, and support local voltage regulation. If compatible, stationary wireless systems could even support bidirectional (V2G) energy exchange to stabilize local networks.
- Enhanced visibility and monitoring: Wireless charging systems can be embedded with sensors to provide DSOs with detailed load, voltage, and power quality data. These data can help DSOs predict future energy flows and adapt infrastructure planning.
- Tariff innovation: DSOs might design time-of-use or locational tariffs to incentivize charging when grid conditions are favorable.
- Infrastructure Co-Development: DSOs can collaborate in deploying electrified roads or bus lines to ensure optimal connection points and power availability.
- Resilience and emergency applications: Wireless charging hubs combined with local storage could maintain essential mobility services during grid disruptions. In emergencies, DSOs could leverage connected EVs as mobile energy sources to restore power locally.
Ongoing projects
- Enedis: European project INCIT-EV. This project has resulted in five demonstration sites, including two in France (Paris and Versailles – not managed by Enedis).
Last update: 8 December 2025