Sweden has made a significant step towards achieving its goal of being a carbon-neutral country by 2045 with the launch of its first electric vehicle (EV) charging road. The project, which is the first of its kind in the country, will allow EVs to charge their batteries as they drive along a 2-kilometer stretch of road.

The innovative technology, known as an “electric road system,” involves embedding a series of conductive rails into the surface of the road. As EVs equipped with a compatible receiver drive over the rails, they will receive a steady supply of electricity to power their batteries. In addition, the system is designed to automatically bill drivers for the amount of electricity used.

The EV charging road, which is located near the airport in the city of Visby on the island of Gotland, has been developed in partnership between the Swedish Transport Administration and the energy company, Vattenfall. The project is part of a larger initiative to reduce Sweden’s carbon emissions from the transportation sector.

The electric road system is expected to benefit both drivers and the environment. While EV owners will no longer need to worry about charging their cars before or after a long journey, the technology will also help to reduce air pollution by encouraging the use of electric vehicles.

Sweden’s EV charging road is just the latest example of the country’s commitment to sustainable transportation. With plans to phase out all fossil fuel vehicles by 2030, the project serves as a blueprint for other countries looking to transition to a more sustainable future.