Los Angeles is dialing up its EV game in a big way—and just in time for the world’s biggest stage. Ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics, the city is planning to roll out California’s very first wireless EV-charging road. That’s right: a road where your electric car can charge on the go, no plugging in, no stops—just seamless charging as you roll along.
It’s a flashy, forward-thinking move that fits perfectly with L.A.’s image as a trendsetter, and it’s sure to grab global attention as millions descend on the city for the Games.
What’s the Plan?
The star of this ambitious project will be a three-quarter-mile stretch of Charles E. Young Drive on UCLA’s Westwood campus—right where the Olympic Village will be buzzing during the Games. The road will feature cutting-edge technology from Electreon, a company specializing in wireless EV charging systems. Their setup involves embedding inductive charging coils beneath the surface of the road, which deliver power wirelessly to compatible EVs. Think of it like your wireless phone charger—only scaled up for cars and buses.
Backed by a nearly $20 million state grant, this project isn’t just about making headlines. It’s a chance to showcase how real-world EV tech can eliminate range anxiety and improve urban mobility.
Powering More Than Just Cars
The UCLA project is tackling public transit, too. A chunk of the budget is going to electrify the university’s BruinBus fleet, swapping out old gas-powered buses for EVs that’ll recharge while they drive or park. The plan includes wireless charging stations at key drop-off points and transit depots, ensuring that the buses stay juiced up and ready to roll without needing long, stationary pit stops.
Bigger Picture: A “No-Car” Olympics?
This isn’t just about one road or one campus. The project ties into Los Angeles’ larger vision for the Olympics—a “no-car Games” strategy designed to keep the city moving without its infamous traffic jams. A new transit hub will connect UCLA’s bus depot with the incoming UCLA/Westwood Metro station, part of the extended D Line light rail. For the first time, Angelenos and visitors alike will have a direct rail line from downtown to the Westside.
All of this comes together to make public transportation a star player during the Games, with EV-charging roads acting as a tech-forward cherry on top.
Why It Matters
Wireless charging roads are still in their infancy, but this project has big implications for the future of EVs. It’s not just convenient—though it definitely is—it’s a game-changer for reducing range anxiety, one of the biggest hurdles for widespread EV adoption. Imagine a world where your EV “refuels” every time you hit the highway.
Los Angeles isn’t the first U.S. city to try this—Detroit got there first in 2023—but it’s certainly looking to take things up a notch. If it works, it could set the stage for wider adoption of similar infrastructure across the country.
Cool Tech, but What’s the Catch?
While the tech is exciting, there are still some practical hurdles to clear. Right now, not every EV is compatible with wireless charging, and retrofitting older cars or ensuring future compatibility could be costly. Plus, these roads don’t come cheap, so scaling up will require buy-in from automakers, public agencies, and private investors.
And let’s not forget the elephant in the room: making sure this tech is accessible and not just another shiny feature for luxury EVs. If this is going to revolutionize driving, it can’t be a premium-only perk.
A Glimpse of the Future
Los Angeles has always been a city that dreams big, and this EV-charging road is no exception. Whether it’s a bold step into the future or just a flashy Olympic centerpiece, it’s clear that L.A. is betting on electrified transportation in a way that could inspire cities around the world.
As the 2028 Olympics approach, the world will be watching to see if this tech delivers on its promise. Either way, it’s another thrilling chapter in the ongoing story of what EVs can do—and how they’re reshaping the way we think about driving.
Stay tuned, and stay charged.
