The US state of Michigan is to develop an electrified roadway system that allows electric buses, shuttles and vehicles to charge while driving.
Specifically, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDoT) and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification will deliver the wireless system.
Govenor of Michigan Gretchen Whitmer says: "Michigan was home to the first mile of paved road, and now we're paving the way for the roads of tomorrow with innovative infrastructure that will support the economy and the environment, helping us achieve our goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. This project reinforces my commitment to accelerating the deployment of electric vehicle infrastructure in Michigan and will create new opportunities for businesses and high-tech jobs amidst the transition to electric vehicles."
The Michigan state government says electrified roadways have the potential to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) by consumers and fleet operations alike by enabling continuous vehicle operations and turning public streets into safe and sustainable shared energy platforms.
As part of the project, the MDoT has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) to design, fund, iterate, test and implement the pilot along a one-mile stretch of state-operated roadway in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb counties.
This partner will work with the MDoT, Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
The RFP (Requisition 3524) will be posted to eProposal; which can be accessed through MILogin at MILogin for Third Party or at the following link.
MDoT director Paul C. Ajegba says: "At MDoT, we know the future of mobility involves connectivity, and this initiative dovetails nicely with our other successes linking vehicles and infrastructure through technology. This is a model we will build on across the state to further promote the governor's broad and ambitious vision.”
