Honda is taking electric vehicle charging a step further with technology that could allow EVs to recharge without stopping at charging stations. In October 2026, Honda R&D Co., Ltd., partnered with Japanese construction company Taisei Corporation and road engineering specialist Taisei Rotec Corporation to develop a dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) system. Honda’s In-Motion Wireless EV Charging technology uses charging equipment embedded beneath road surfaces to transfer power to moving electric vehicles, including passenger cars and heavy commercial trucks.
The project aims to reduce charging downtime, improve fleet efficiency, and potentially make future electric vehicles lighter, more affordable, and convenient.
What Is Honda’s In-Motion Wireless EV Charging Technology?
Honda, Taisei Corporation, and Taisei Rotec have developed the underlying technology for a dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) system that charges electric vehicles while driving. The system uses charging equipment embedded beneath asphalt and aims to deliver up to 150 kW of power, including for heavy commercial trucks. Demonstration testing is planned to begin in Japan in fiscal year 2027.
How Does Honda’s Wireless EV Charging System Work?
The system uses magnetic coupling wireless power transfer (WPT) to transmit electricity from equipment installed beneath the road to a receiver mounted on an electric vehicle. Unlike conventional plug-in chargers, this technology is designed to supply power while vehicles are moving.
Honda Develops In-Motion Wireless EV Charging Technology by combining three specialized components developed by the partner companies:
- Honda’s vehicle receiver/transmitter: A high-power-density unit installed in the vehicle and compatible with DC power distribution.
- Taisei Corporation’s power supply: A high-response DC power supply system that delivers electricity to the charging infrastructure.
- Taisei Rotec’s road integration technology: Engineering techniques that embed compact inverters and charging coils directly into road surfaces during routine resurfacing, reducing the need for complicated underground wiring.
The complete system consists of a ground-based DC power supply, a ground assembly (GA) connecting multiple power transmitter units through DC connections, and a vehicle assembly (VA) that receives power.
Key Highlights of Honda’s Dynamic Wireless Charging Technology
- Charging while driving: Supplies electricity to EVs without requiring them to stop at conventional charging stations.
- Designed for heavy vehicles: Targets applications ranging from passenger cars to commercial vehicles weighing around 20 tonnes.
- Up to 150 kW charging goal: Future tests will evaluate high-power wireless charging suitable for large commercial vehicles.
- Road-integrated infrastructure: Charging components can be installed beneath asphalt during road construction or resurfacing.
- Potentially smaller batteries: Continuous or frequent on-road charging could reduce the battery capacity required in future EVs.
- Testing begins in Japan: Dedicated test-track evaluations are planned for late 2026, followed by highway demonstration testing from fiscal year 2027.
Why Is Honda Targeting Electric Trucks and Logistics Fleets?
Although the system is designed for passenger cars as well, Honda initially sees significant opportunities in logistics, transportation, and commercial shipping.
Electric trucks often require substantial battery capacity to cover long distances and carry heavy loads. Charging these vehicles can also interrupt delivery schedules, reduce operating hours, and create challenges for fleet operators.
Dynamic wireless charging could help address these limitations by supplying electricity during journeys. If implemented on suitable roads, the system could reduce the frequency of charging stops and improve vehicle utilization.
Honda Develops In-Motion Wireless EV Charging Technology with the broader aim of improving EV convenience while reducing dependence on stationary charging infrastructure. For commercial operators, these benefits could translate into more flexible route planning and less charging-related downtime.
Could Wireless Road Charging Reduce EV Battery Costs?
One of the most significant potential advantages is the possibility of using smaller battery packs in future electric vehicles.
If vehicles can receive electricity regularly from equipped roads, manufacturers may not need to install batteries large enough to support every journey without intermediate charging. Smaller packs could reduce vehicle weight, lower battery-related costs, and improve energy efficiency.
Reduced vehicle weight could also help limit road wear, particularly when applied across heavy commercial fleets. However, these benefits depend on the availability of charging infrastructure, electricity costs, road coverage, and the amount of power vehicles can receive during travel.
The technology could also help reduce charging anxiety by making energy available beyond homes, depots, and conventional public charging stations.
Honda’s Wireless EV Charging Testing Timeline
The three companies are preparing to move from technology development toward practical validation.
Late 2026: Closed-track testing
A dedicated test roadway is planned at a Taisei Group testing facility in Japan. The companies intend to evaluate charging performance, structural durability, and electromagnetic field leakage.
Fiscal year 2027: Highway demonstrations
Public highway demonstration testing is planned to begin in Japan from April 2027 onward. These trials are intended to assess whether the technology can deliver reliable power transfer under real-world driving conditions.
High-power and durability validation
The development programme includes testing at power levels of up to 150 kW and evaluating wireless charging performance at highway speeds. Long-term road durability will also be assessed through loading tests equivalent to one million wheel loads, using a 49 kN load per wheel.
The companies will additionally examine the safety and structural reliability of the ground assembly units embedded beneath the road.
Honda Has Been Researching Dynamic Charging Since 2021
Honda began working on dynamic wireless power transfer technology in 2021. The three companies have been researching the magnetic coupling WPT road system since 2025, leading to the development of its underlying technology.
The next phase will focus on verifying performance, reliability, and safety before potential real-world deployment. Honda Develops In-Motion Wireless EV Charging Technology as part of a wider industry effort to make electric mobility more convenient and practical for commercial and passenger vehicles.
The development also comes amid growing activity in wireless EV charging. In the United States, wireless charging company WiTricity recently opened a research and development facility in Florida focused on customizable medium-duty wireless charging solutions for autonomous applications.
What Honda’s Wireless EV Charging Means for the Future
Honda’s In-Motion Wireless EV Charging initiative reflects a broader effort to integrate electric mobility with intelligent transportation infrastructure. If the technology proves reliable and economically viable, it could help address two major EV challenges: charging downtime and the cost of large battery packs.
The project also comes amid growing activity in the wireless charging sector. In September 2026, US-based WiTricity opened a research and development facility in Florida focused on autonomous wireless EV charging and customizable solutions for medium-duty vehicles.
While stationary wireless charging and road-based dynamic charging serve different purposes, both approaches aim to make charging easier and reduce reliance on conventional plug-in connections.
For now, Honda and its partners must demonstrate that the technology can deliver sufficient power at highway speeds while meeting safety, durability and infrastructure cost requirements.
The planned trials will provide a clearer picture of whether Honda’s In-Motion Wireless EV Charging can move from research and development towards practical deployment. If successful, the technology could eventually reshape how electric passenger cars, delivery vehicles and heavy trucks receive power on the road.
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