Transport, Infrastructure & Planning
Government policy on electric vehicles needs charging up
It is an exciting time for electric vehicles (EVs). Over the past few years, the transport landscape has been shifting, as disruptive original equipment manufacturers have started bringing high-tech, trendy offers to market, piquing the interest of many of us.
Added to this, the range of EVs and speed of charging has improved much more quickly than anticipated and this is set to continue.
Solar roads: powering up the highway
A new system designed by Colas aims to generate electricity from solar photovoltaic panels embedded in the road surface. It might sound like science fiction, but the Wattway system is currently being tested in France and the USA, and is the result of five years’ research by the international infrastructure company and the French National Institute for Solar Energy. The company estimates 20m² of Wattway panels could provide enough electricity to power a single home. If the system proves successful, it could open up a previously untapped source of renewable energy.
Jamie Hailstone spoke to Philippe Harelle, chief technology officer at Colas SA’s Wattway unit, to find out more.
In a nutshell, how does the Wattway system work?
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