Dynamic Wireless Charging (DWC) lanes offer a potential method to provide electric vehicles (EVs) with wireless charging on roadways. Researchers in Indiana conducted a financial analysis to estimate the charging system, power distribution system, and civil infrastructure costs for a DWC system for I-65 in both directions from Indianapolis to the Kentucky state line. The cost of the DWC system was assumed to be financed through a loan structure. The construction was presumed to occur when there is no penetration of wirelessly charged EV technology for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs), medium-duty vehicles (MDVs) and light-duty vehicles (LDVs). The market penetration rate (MPR) was estimated based on a logistic function for 30 years following the DWC construction, and cost scenarios supporting medium and high levels of projected EV penetration were analyzed. In the high scenario, a 75 percent MPR was assumed for HDVs and MDVs, and a 15 percent MPR was assumed for LDVs. For the medium penetration scenario, 50 percent MPR was assumed for HDVs and MDVs, and a 10 percent MPR for LDVs was assumed. The DWC system cost was estimated using model parameters from traffic data, assumptions, literature reviews, and forecasted industrial electricity prices in Indiana from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Researchers noted that implementing DWC in conjunction with major pavement reconstruction or replacement projects could result in cost savings.

Table 1. Estimated DWC System Cost (Single Lane)