Powering the Future: Smart Road Infrastructure for the EV Revolution

By Mwikisa Kanguya

​The focus is moving from svelte looks and battery ranges to something far more fundamental—our roads—as electric cars (EVs) become increasingly common. The EV revolution is about rethinking how we fuel transportation, not just about changing what we drive. Intelligent, scalable, and future-ready road infrastructure must be built to facilitate widespread EV adoption. This shift necessitates creativity, funding, and a comprehensive rethinking of transportation ecosystems to achieve dynamic wireless charging lanes and a vast, intelligent charging network. Not only is the future paved with asphalt, but it is also driven by electricity, data, and a vision of a better, cleaner future.

How Electric Vehicle Charging Roads Work

In order to transfer energy from coils positioned beneath the road surface to a receiver in the EV during driving or stopping, electric vehicle (EV) charging roads employ embedded wireless charging technology, which is usually based on electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance. The device creates a magnetic field that is transformed into electrical energy as the car travels over these powered parts, instantly charging the battery. Particularly for high-usage vehicles like buses, lorries, and taxis, these dynamic charging systems can maximize energy utilization, increase driving range, and lessen the need for frequent pauses at charging stations. Cities may provide seamless, continuous charging experiences for future mobility by embedding this technology into their highways.

Startups Driving Innovation in Smart Road Infrastructure for the EV Era

Elonroad

Co-founded by Dan Zethraeus, Elonroad develops digitalized conductive charging infrastructure that supports electric vehicle charging both while driving and when stationary. Their technology reduces reliance on large batteries and mitigates strain on the electrical grid, contributing to lower CO₂ emissions and total cost of ownership. Its system is vehicle-agnostic and retrofit-compatible, making it adaptable across diverse sectors such as logistics, ports, and public roads. Modular in design and ready for integration with autonomous vehicles, Elonroad’s platform generates valuable operational data through embedded road sensors, enabling improved efficiency and future scalability in electrified mobility.

GRIDSERVE

GRIDSERVE is a UK-based company founded by Toddington Harper that operates a nationwide electric vehicle charging network integrated with sustainable energy infrastructure. The platform combines hybrid solar farms with an extensive Electric Highway to support low-emission transportation through renewable power sources. Its user-centric approach includes a dedicated app for streamlined access to charging locations, real-time updates, and digital receipts. GRIDSERVE’s modular charging stations, compatibility with multiple payments, including corporate fuel cards, and 24/7 support emphasize scalable, data-informed solutions to enhance the EV charging experience.

InCharge Energy

InCharge Energy is a company founded by Terry O’Day that provides integrated electrification solutions tailored for commercial fleets across North America. Its approach combines interoperability-tested EV charging hardware, intelligent charge management software, and dedicated service infrastructure to streamline fleet operations. The platform’s InControl™ software supports remote diagnostics, energy cost optimization, and demand charge mitigation while offering unified oversight across dispersed fleets. InCharge’s modular, scalable system design and collaboration with OEMs enable seamless adoption across sectors from school districts to logistics providers, driving operational efficiency and measurable environmental impact.

Get innovation insights from The FutureList weekly. Subscribe to our newsletter here