The InductInfra project, funded by the German federal government under grant number 88.0174/2019, ran from November 2020 to July 2024. The project was led by Dr. Robert Grajcarek of EnergieSüdwest Projektentwicklung GmbH. Its goal was to develop a dynamic inductive power‑transfer system that can be embedded into the road surface and to evaluate its economic feasibility and integration into the German federal highway network. The work was divided into a conceptual design phase, laboratory testing, and a full‑scale demonstrator on a test track.
The core technical contribution was the design of a concrete prefabricated module that houses the primary coil of the inductive system. By fabricating the coil in a controlled factory environment, the project achieved precise winding and alignment, reducing on‑site construction time and improving quality control. The module was embedded into the pavement, while the vehicle carries a secondary coil that generates an electromagnetic field when passing over the primary coil. The system allows continuous power transfer while the vehicle is in motion, thereby reducing the required battery capacity and extending range.
Laboratory experiments validated the electromagnetic coupling and measured power‑transfer efficiency. The demonstrator, installed on a dedicated test track, confirmed that the system can deliver up to 10 kW of continuous power to a vehicle under realistic driving conditions. The tests also assessed the impact of vehicle speed, lane position, and environmental factors on transfer efficiency. A life‑cycle assessment and an economic analysis compared the cost of the inductive system with conventional charging infrastructure. Results indicated that, when powered by renewable sources such as photovoltaic or wind installations, the inductive system can achieve a payback period of less than eight years for high‑traffic corridors. Regulatory studies addressed safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and integration with existing traffic‑management systems.
The collaboration involved several partners, including research institutes and vehicle manufacturers, although specific names are not disclosed in the report. EnergieSüdwest Projektentwicklung GmbH coordinated the integration with the power grid, operation and maintenance planning, consumption requirements, and billing concepts. The project also identified suitable sections of the German federal highway network for future deployment and developed a specification document for a real‑world implementation. The final deliverables include a validated prefabricated module, a demonstrator test report, an economic feasibility study, and a regulatory compliance dossier. The project’s outcomes are intended to support the broader goal of electrifying long‑haul transport and reducing emissions from road traffic.