High-Tech Manhole Covers

By early next year, hybrid and electric vehicle owners in parts of New York City will be able to charge their vehicles wirelessly at various locations known as Green Parking Zones. The charging stations, which resemble manhole covers, will be embedded into streets, parking garages and other high traffic areas as part of the sustainable infrastructure, to make charging easier and more affordable and to eliminate the need for EV power cables.

The cordless stations operate on the principle of electromagnetic resonance which is capable of transferring power to a vehicle’s charging coil over a distance without a physical connection. Vehicles must be fitted with an on-board receiver in order to use the system. A mobile software platform automatically links up to a smartphone, tablet or console device for usage tracking and billing. It also provides mapping tools as well as information on the location of the nearest available charging station.

Other potential applications for the technology include smart loading zones that permit delivery trucks to charge at every stop, extending their daily range considerably. In addition, real-time tracking of fleet vehicles may allow for more efficient utilizztion and scheduling.