Sometimes, vehicles are too large and heavy to be ideal candidates for full electrification. But that doesn't mean they can't run solely on electricity.
Proving this theory, Sweden – in conjunction with truck manufacturer Scania – has created the world’s first “electric road.” It’s a two-kilometer stretch of highway in central Sweden with power cables running over the right lane of the road.
Hybrid vehicles specially equipped with a device called a "pantograph current collector" can drive under the lines and harness the current. When connected to the lines, it runs solely on electricity .When the car leaves the electric road, the built-in engine starts, as it returns to hybrid mode.
The idea isn't exactly new. In fact, Seattle has been using electric "Trollybuses" since the 1940s. While not exactly groundbreaking, Sweden's electric road - if widely implemented - could help the country achieve its goal of being fossil-free by 2030.
Furthermore, since it is a new application for an old technology, it is a solution that does not have to wait for the development of the technology to be realized. This program could be expanded today and show immediate results. This is because it does not require the discovery technology . Pickup trucks could be electrified even today, if we really want them to.
This should be a reminder to all of us: we can take steps to solve pollution and the global climate right now.
