Breaking News

    Sweden opens new road that charges electric vehicles like real-life slot cars

    By Bianca Britton, CNN

    Updated 1037 GMT (1837 HKT) April 26, 2018

    Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds.

    Sweden has a goal of achieving a completely fossil fuel free vehicle fleet by 2030 and in order to achieve this, it has started trialling a series of projects to develop and test technologies that will enable the country to completely convert to electric vehicles.
    Photos: Sweden's new electrified road that charges vehicles like real-life slot cars
    Sweden has a goal of achieving a completely fossil fuel free vehicle fleet by 2030 and in order to achieve this, it has started trialling a series of projects to develop and test technologies that will enable the country to completely convert to electric vehicles.
    Hide Caption
    1 of 10
    One project includes the "eRoad" which charges electric vehicles during journeys via a rail. So far, it has cost €6.4 million ($7.7 million) to install but it's predicted that if it were implemented across the country it would eventually work out less than €1 million ($1.2 million) per kilometer to build.
    Photos: Sweden's new electrified road that charges vehicles like real-life slot cars
    One project includes the "eRoad" which charges electric vehicles during journeys via a rail. So far, it has cost €6.4 million ($7.7 million) to install but it's predicted that if it were implemented across the country it would eventually work out less than €1 million ($1.2 million) per kilometer to build.
    Hide Caption
    2 of 10
    The trial track built by eRoadArlanda stretches along two kilometers (1.2 miles) and has been installed on public road "893" just 30 minutes outside of Stockholm.
    Photos: Sweden's new electrified road that charges vehicles like real-life slot cars
    The trial track built by eRoadArlanda stretches along two kilometers (1.2 miles) and has been installed on public road "893" just 30 minutes outside of Stockholm.
    Hide Caption
    3 of 10
    Electricity is transferred to vehicles via a movable arm that attaches to a track in the middle of the road. While the system is designed with the capacity to feed heavier vehicles such as trucks, it's also developed to work for cars and buses.
    Photos: Sweden's new electrified road that charges vehicles like real-life slot cars
    Electricity is transferred to vehicles via a movable arm that attaches to a track in the middle of the road. While the system is designed with the capacity to feed heavier vehicles such as trucks, it's also developed to work for cars and buses.
    Hide Caption
    4 of 10
    When vehicles approach the track, a sensor from the car or truck detects the electrified rail and a movable arm from underneath the vehicle lowers and inserts into the rail.
    Photos: Sweden's new electrified road that charges vehicles like real-life slot cars
    When vehicles approach the track, a sensor from the car or truck detects the electrified rail and a movable arm from underneath the vehicle lowers and inserts into the rail.
    Hide Caption
    5 of 10
    eRoadArlanda says the road is an example of a sustainable and cost-effective solution to enable the electrification of existing commercial roads.
    Photos: Sweden's new electrified road that charges vehicles like real-life slot cars
    eRoadArlanda says the road is an example of a sustainable and cost-effective solution to enable the electrification of existing commercial roads.
    Hide Caption
    6 of 10
    For a heavy truck to be 100% electric, it would need a battery that weighs 40 tonnes, Hans Säll chairman of the eRoadArlanda says. But if technology like the eRoad was readily available, the truck's battery would be able to weigh as little as 600 kilograms because it wouldn't need to retain as much charge.
    Photos: Sweden's new electrified road that charges vehicles like real-life slot cars
    For a heavy truck to be 100% electric, it would need a battery that weighs 40 tonnes, Hans Säll chairman of the eRoadArlanda says. But if technology like the eRoad was readily available, the truck's battery would be able to weigh as little as 600 kilograms because it wouldn't need to retain as much charge.
    Hide Caption
    7 of 10
    The eRoad will be used for two years by a truck carrying freight in order to determine how well the innovation works under various weather conditions and in conjunction with normal road traffic.
    Photos: Sweden's new electrified road that charges vehicles like real-life slot cars
    The eRoad will be used for two years by a truck carrying freight in order to determine how well the innovation works under various weather conditions and in conjunction with normal road traffic.
    Hide Caption
    8 of 10
    But eRoadArlanda has said adverse weather such as rain, snow and ice should not cause any major issues. The project has successfully tested drainage of the water in the past and snow plows will be able to clear the road as usual.
    Photos: Sweden's new electrified road that charges vehicles like real-life slot cars
    But eRoadArlanda has said adverse weather such as rain, snow and ice should not cause any major issues. The project has successfully tested drainage of the water in the past and snow plows will be able to clear the road as usual.
    Hide Caption
    9 of 10
    The eRoad was opened to the public on April 11, 2018 by the director General of the Swedish Transport Administration Lena Erixon and the Swedish Minister for Infrastructure Tomas Eneroth.
    Photos: Sweden's new electrified road that charges vehicles like real-life slot cars
    The eRoad was opened to the public on April 11, 2018 by the director General of the Swedish Transport Administration Lena Erixon and the Swedish Minister for Infrastructure Tomas Eneroth.
    Hide Caption
    10 of 10
    eroad6eroad4eroad5eroad3eroad1eroad2eroad9eroad11eroad8eroad7

    Story highlights

    • The "eRoad" charges electric vehicles via electrified tracks which are built into the middle of the road
    • The vehicle connects to the track via a moveable arm that's connected underneath the car or truck
    • The innovation is being trialled by Sweden's transport administration which is attempting to go fossil fuel free by 2030

    (CNN)For anyone who used to play with slot cars as a child, Sweden's new electrified road might bring back some memories.

    In the first of its kind, the Scandinavian country is trialling the world's first public road which allows electric vehicles to recharge while driving. Similar to a slot-car track, vehicles are able to connect to an electric rail that's embedded into the road.
      Sweden has a goal of achieving a completely fossil fuel free vehicle fleet by 2030, so this electrified road is part of several projects the Swedish Transport Administration has created to develop and test technologies that may be able to help the country reach its target.
      This eRoadArlanda is an example of a sustainable and cost-effective solution to enable the electrification of existing commercial roads.
      This eRoadArlanda is an example of a sustainable and cost-effective solution to enable the electrification of existing commercial roads.
      In this particular project, 'eRoadArlanda', electricity is transferred via a movable arm that attaches to the tracks built into the middle of the road. While the system is designed with the capacity to feed heavier vehicles such as trucks, it's also developed to work for cars and buses.
      When vehicles approach the track, a sensor from the car or truck detects the electrified rail and the movable arm lowers from underneath the vehicle and inserts into the rail. The arm has been designed to be flexible, providing the car, or truck, the freedom to move around the road without disconnecting.
      Read More
      "One of the most important issues of our time is the question of how to make fossil-free road transportation a reality," Hans Säll, chairman of the eRoadArlanda says.
      "We now have a solution that will make this possible, which is amazing. Sweden is at the cutting edge of this technology, which we now hope to introduce in other areas of the country and the world."
      The electrified road, a Swedish innovation, is the first of its kind in the world and allows both commercial and passenger vehicles to be recharged while driving.
      The electrified road, a Swedish innovation, is the first of its kind in the world and allows both commercial and passenger vehicles to be recharged while driving.
      The track stretches along two kilometers (1.2 miles) and has been installed on public road "893" just 30 minutes outside of Stockholm.
      The eRoad has many advantages, Säll says. If implemented it will mean electric vehicle batteries can be smaller -- and therefore lighter -- because they won't need to retain as much charge, the vehicles will then be cheaper to manufacture and will ultimately be more sustainable.
      For a heavy truck to be 100% electric, he explains, it would need a battery that weighs 40 tonnes. But if technology like the eRoad was readily available, the truck's battery would be able to weigh as little as 600 kilograms.
      Electricity is transferred to vehicles via a movable arm that attaches to a track in the middle of the road.
      Electricity is transferred to vehicles via a movable arm that attaches to a track in the middle of the road.
      It would also fix a wider issue that many electric vehicle owners face: The worry and inconvenience of keeping vehicles charged.
      "Today you're not 100% sure how far you can go with your battery but if you have a combination of electric roads you will feel a little bit more confident that you'll get where you want to go," Säll says.
      The technology is also safe and adverse weather such as rain, snow and ice should not cause any major issues thanks to draining and usual maintenance. The electricity also isn't a risk to humans or animals.
      "There's no electricity at the surface and the rail is only electrified if an actual authorized vehicle is passing, so if you don't have an electric vehicle that's authorized to use the electricity, the electricity will not be turned on at all -- it will not be on 24/7."
      There will also be plenty of signage around the area indicating the road is electrified and the system is equipped with safety circuits.
      Described as "the funnest car I've ever driven" by none other than Kanye West, the Tesla Model S is now being used for<a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/25/sport/electric-gt-motorsport-series-esports-spt/index.html"> a new zero emissions racing series</a> organized by Electric GT.
      Photos: Driving the future
      Tesla Model S P100D – Described as "the funnest car I've ever driven" by none other than Kanye West, the Tesla Model S is now being used for a new zero emissions racing series organized by Electric GT.
      Hide Caption
      1 of 32
      Details of the<a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/25/sport/electric-gt-motorsport-series-esports-spt/index.html"> EGT Championship</a> were unveiled in April, with the inaugural season set to commence in the southern Spanish city of Jerez on November 3, 2018.
      Photos: Driving the future
      Tesla Model S P100D – Details of the EGT Championship were unveiled in April, with the inaugural season set to commence in the southern Spanish city of Jerez on November 3, 2018.
      Hide Caption
      2 of 32
      Able to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 1.85 seconds, the all-electric Rimac Concept Two is one of the fastest cars ever made.
      Photos: Driving the future
      Rimac Concept Two – Able to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 1.85 seconds, the all-electric Rimac Concept Two is one of the fastest cars ever made.
      Hide Caption
      3 of 32
      Unveiled at March's Geneva Motor Show, the Croatian hypercar boasts top speeds of 258mph (412kph) and is claimed to be "as capable on track as it is crossing continents." It can travel a quarter of a mile -- from standstill -- in just 9.1 seconds.
      Photos: Driving the future
      Rimac Concept Two – Unveiled at March's Geneva Motor Show, the Croatian hypercar boasts top speeds of 258mph (412kph) and is claimed to be "as capable on track as it is crossing continents." It can travel a quarter of a mile -- from standstill -- in just 9.1 seconds.
      Hide Caption
      4 of 32
      Designers claim the Concept Two has a range of over 400 miles (650km.) With facial recognition in lieu of a traditional key, it's one of numerous electric supercar concepts lighting up 2018.
      Photos: Driving the future
      Rimac Concept Two – Designers claim the Concept Two has a range of over 400 miles (650km.) With facial recognition in lieu of a traditional key, it's one of numerous electric supercar concepts lighting up 2018.
      Hide Caption
      5 of 32
      Offering a "new kind of luxury mobility," the interior design of the Aston Martin Lagonda Vision was overseen by Savile Row tailors.
      Photos: Driving the future
      Aston Martin Lagonda – Offering a "new kind of luxury mobility," the interior design of the Aston Martin Lagonda Vision was overseen by Savile Row tailors.
      Hide Caption
      6 of 32
      As well as lush carpets of silk and cashmere, the self-driving car boasts front seats that rotate 180 degrees to facilitate face-to-face conversation on the move.
      Photos: Driving the future
      Aston Martin Lagonda – As well as lush carpets of silk and cashmere, the self-driving car boasts front seats that rotate 180 degrees to facilitate face-to-face conversation on the move.
      Hide Caption
      7 of 32
      Designed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the new Lamborghini concept is like nothing else on the road.
      Photos: Driving the future
      Lamborghini Terzo Millennio – Designed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the new Lamborghini concept is like nothing else on the road.
      Hide Caption
      8 of 32
      Italian for "Third Millennium," the Terzo Millenio would not look out of place in a sci-fi movie.
      Photos: Driving the future
      Lamborghini Terzo Millennio – Italian for "Third Millennium," the Terzo Millenio would not look out of place in a sci-fi movie.
      Hide Caption
      9 of 32
      Stefano Domenicali, Lamborghini CEO and Chairman, said the project "intends to write an important page in the future of super sports cars."
      Photos: Driving the future
      Lamborghini Terzo Millennio – Stefano Domenicali, Lamborghini CEO and Chairman, said the project "intends to write an important page in the future of super sports cars."
      Hide Caption
      10 of 32
      All-electric four-seater saloon from China, the LVCHI Auto Venere claims to have a range of 403 miles (650km).
      Photos: Driving the future
      LVCHI Auto Venere – All-electric four-seater saloon from China, the LVCHI Auto Venere claims to have a range of 403 miles (650km).
      Hide Caption
      11 of 32
      It's longer than a Range Rover but that doesn't stop it shifting. The Auto Venere can reportedly accelerate from 0-100kph (62mph) in 2.7 seconds, delivering a top speed of 168mph (270kph).
      Photos: Driving the future
      LVCHI Auto Venere – It's longer than a Range Rover but that doesn't stop it shifting. The Auto Venere can reportedly accelerate from 0-100kph (62mph) in 2.7 seconds, delivering a top speed of 168mph (270kph).
      Hide Caption
      12 of 32
      Designed to transport up to to six passengers simultaneously, the EZ-GO concept is Renault's "vision of shared urban mobility."
      Photos: Driving the future
      RENAULT EZ-GO – Designed to transport up to to six passengers simultaneously, the EZ-GO concept is Renault's "vision of shared urban mobility."
      Hide Caption
      13 of 32
      The shared, electric driverless vehicle has been "built for the city" and has level four autonomous technology, meaning it would be able to handle all routine circumstances on recognizable roads.
      Photos: Driving the future
      RENAULT EZ-GO – The shared, electric driverless vehicle has been "built for the city" and has level four autonomous technology, meaning it would be able to handle all routine circumstances on recognizable roads.
      Hide Caption
      14 of 32
      The days of the steering wheel may soon be over. Most controls aboard the IMx Kuro can be controlled via hand gestures and eye movements, according to the Japanese manufacturer.
      Photos: Driving the future
      Nissan IMx KURO – The days of the steering wheel may soon be over. Most controls aboard the IMx Kuro can be controlled via hand gestures and eye movements, according to the Japanese manufacturer.
      Hide Caption
      15 of 32
      Brain-to-Vehicle, or B2V, technology enables the KURO to interpret signals from the human brain, speeding up reaction times and paving the way for cars that learn from each other. Should the driver wish to sit back and let the car do the work, its seats recline and the steering wheel retracts into the dashboard.
      Photos: Driving the future
      Nissan IMx KURO – Brain-to-Vehicle, or B2V, technology enables the KURO to interpret signals from the human brain, speeding up reaction times and paving the way for cars that learn from each other. Should the driver wish to sit back and let the car do the work, its seats recline and the steering wheel retracts into the dashboard.
      Hide Caption
      16 of 32
      Expected to hit the roads by "2022 at the latest," the I.D. Vizzion is also designed to be used predominantly with voice and gesture.
      Photos: Driving the future
      Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion – Expected to hit the roads by "2022 at the latest," the I.D. Vizzion is also designed to be used predominantly with voice and gesture.
      Hide Caption
      17 of 32
      The car, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, is said to boast a range of 413 miles (665km) between charges and level five autonomous driving -- meaning it can handle any situation a human could negotiate.
      Photos: Driving the future
      Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion – The car, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, is said to boast a range of 413 miles (665km) between charges and level five autonomous driving -- meaning it can handle any situation a human could negotiate.
      Hide Caption
      18 of 32
      Capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds, the first ever all-electric Jaguar has 395bhp and a range of 298 miles.
      Photos: Driving the future
      Jaguar I-Pace – Capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds, the first ever all-electric Jaguar has 395bhp and a range of 298 miles.
      Hide Caption
      19 of 32
      "Every Jaguar feels like no other car on the road," says a statement from the iconic British manufacturer. "Moving to all-electric power doesn't change this."
      Photos: Driving the future
      Jaguar I-Pace – "Every Jaguar feels like no other car on the road," says a statement from the iconic British manufacturer. "Moving to all-electric power doesn't change this."
      Hide Caption
      20 of 32
      With a "revolutionary" four-wheel drive powertrain developing 671bhp, the Elextra will reportedly move from standstill to 62mph (100 kph) in less than 2.3 seconds.
      Photos: Driving the future
      Elextra – With a "revolutionary" four-wheel drive powertrain developing 671bhp, the Elextra will reportedly move from standstill to 62mph (100 kph) in less than 2.3 seconds.
      Hide Caption
      21 of 32
      The Swiss-German built four-door car will have its top speed limited to 155mph (250 kph) but it boasts a range of over 600km on a single charge. <br />
      Photos: Driving the future
      Elextra – The Swiss-German built four-door car will have its top speed limited to 155mph (250 kph) but it boasts a range of over 600km on a single charge.
      Hide Caption