Feasibility Assessment of Solar Roads for Charging Electric Vehicles in Highway Infrastructure

The global shift toward sustainable transportation has accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), positioning them as a central element in reducing carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels. However, the widespread integration of EVs into daily life is hindered by infrastructure limitations, particularly the availability and convenience of charging stations along highways. Solar road technology, which combines photovoltaic (PV) systems with highway surfaces, has recently emerged as a novel solution to address these challenges. By enabling continuous, on-the-move charging of EVs through solar energy, such infrastructure promises to revolutionize both energy distribution and road transportation. This article aims to comprehensively assess the feasibility of integrating solar roads into highway infrastructure to support EV charging. The primary purpose is to analyze both the potential benefits and significant challenges associated with this technology, drawing from global pilot projects and current academic research. The article begins by reviewing prior studies and pilot implementations of solar roads, such as SolaRoad in the Netherlands and Wattway in France, highlighting their outcomes and the lessons learned regarding material durability and energy efficiency. A technical overview explores the fundamental components of solar road systems, including the types of photovoltaic materials used, the structure of load-bearing road surfaces, and the mechanisms of dynamic wireless charging. The article then evaluates the potential opportunities solar roads provide, such as sustainable land use, energy decentralization, and the alleviation of range anxiety for EV users. It further discusses the technical, economic, and environmental challenges facing solar road deployment, such as high installation costs, maintenance complexities, and energy generation efficiency under real-world conditions. Economic and environmental impacts are thoroughly analyzed, considering both the long-term reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the initial investments required for large-scale adoption. The discussion emphasizes the necessity for further technological advancement and strategic policymaking to overcome current limitations. In conclusion, the article contends that while solar road technology for EV charging remains in its early stages of development, its implementation could mark a significant leap in realizing a clean, resilient, and innovative transport ecosystem. The objective of this paper is to present a balanced analysis that informs researchers, policymakers, and investors about the critical factors influencing the successful integration of solar roads into future highway infrastructure.

کلیدواژه ها:

Solar Roads ، Electric Vehicles ، Dynamic Charging ، Highway Infrastructure ، Photovoltaic Technology