In an ambitious move toward a smarter, greener future, Los Angeles has unveiled plans to build one of the most advanced roadways in the world — a wireless charging road for electric vehicles. This innovative project is part of a larger sustainability initiative designed to make Los Angeles a global model for smart cities before it takes the world stage at the 2028 Summer Olympics.
The half-mile stretch of Charles E. Young Drive in Westwood will become a showcase of cutting-edge inductive charging technology. Beneath the asphalt, specially engineered coils will generate electromagnetic fields that can wirelessly charge EVs fitted with compatible receivers as they drive over them. This technology, which eliminates the need for traditional plug-in stations, has the potential to reduce charging congestion, minimize downtime for drivers, and encourage faster adoption of electric vehicles.
The project is led by UCLA in partnership with the California Energy Commission and involves a $20 million grant that will not only build the road but also fund the conversion of UCLA’s entire bus fleet to electric. These electric buses will be among the first to use the new charging system, providing real-world data on its efficiency and impact. Additional charging stations will also be installed at key transport hubs, drop-off zones, and Olympic venues to further support the growing EV infrastructure.
This initiative places Los Angeles alongside cities like Detroit and Tel Aviv, who have already begun testing wireless charging roads. The long-term goal is to eventually roll out this technology throughout the city and beyond, transforming the way people think about EV charging and urban transportation. By 2028, Los Angeles hopes to demonstrate to the world that technology, sustainability, and innovation can seamlessly coexist in a modern urban environment.