England is testing roads that can charge electric vehicles

Electric vehicle drivers in the U.K. may never have to worry about running out of power in the future, if Highways England has anything to do about it. The government agency this week announced plans to test the technology needed to power electric and hybrid vehicles as they drive on England’s major roads. The trails, set to take place later this year, are the “first of their kind and will test how the technology would work safely and effectively on the country’s motorways,” the agency said. Highways England has already completed a feasibility study investigating the potential to install a “dynamic charging system under the surface of the road.” The idea is to allow drivers to travel long distances without needing to stop and charge their car’s battery. “The potential to recharge low emission vehicles on the move offers exciting possibilities,” U.K. Transport Minister Andrew Jones said in a statement. “The government is already committing £500 million [more than $781 million] over the next five years to keep Britain at the forefront of this technology, which will help boost jobs and growth in the sector. As this study shows, we continue to explore options on how to improve journeys and make low-emission vehicles accessible to families and businesses.”