In this episode of Transition to Zero, host Jared Schnader sits down with Stefan Tongur of Electreon to explore how wireless charging is reshaping the future of electric transportation. The conversation revisits Electreon's core breakthrough—wireless charging embedded directly into roadways—and explains how charging can occur not only when vehicles are parked, but also while they are in motion. This approach directly addresses persistent barriers to EV adoption, including range anxiety, long charging times, grid constraints, and the high cost of oversized batteries.

Stefan shares updates on Electreon's progress since their last appearance, highlighting the shift from technology validation to real-world commercialization. Key pilot projects in Michigan and Utah demonstrate over 99% reliability, successful energy transfer at scale, and growing collaboration with state DOTs, universities, utilities, and industry partners. These projects prove that electric roads can be deployed within existing permitting and construction processes, making them viable for U.S. infrastructure.

A major focus of the discussion is the business case for wireless charging roads. By turning existing roadways into revenue-generating assets, states and municipalities can potentially offset declining gas-tax revenues while reducing the need for massive charging depots and land-intensive megawatt chargers. International examples—particularly in France—show how toll-road operators can use electric roads to support heavy-duty trucks, reduce required charging space, and enable smaller, lower-cost vehicle batteries.

The episode also dives into the UCLA wireless charging project, a flagship U.S. deployment that brings together transit buses, multiple regional transit agencies, and future applications such as autonomous vehicles and shared mobility. By treating charging infrastructure as a shared platform rather than isolated assets, the UCLA project illustrates how wireless charging can unlock longer vehicle uptime, lower total cost of ownership, and more resilient grid operations—offering a glimpse of what scalable, seamless electrification could look like nationwide.

• Wireless charging can occur while vehicles are parked or in motion, eliminating downtime and range anxiety.

• Pilot projects in Michigan and Utah demonstrate high reliability and real-world feasibility within existing road construction processes.

• Electric roads can become revenue-generating infrastructure, helping replace gas-tax income and reduce land use for charging depots.

• International deployments, especially in France, show strong potential for heavy-duty trucking and toll-road business models.

• The UCLA project serves as a living lab for shared charging infrastructure across multiple transit agencies and future autonomous fleets.

• Wireless charging enables smaller batteries, lower vehicle costs, and higher fleet utilization, benefiting operators, utilities, and communities.

• Electreon – Wireless charging for electric vehicles: https://www.electreon.com

• CALSTART – National nonprofit focused on transportation decarbonization: https://calstart.org

• Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) – Partner on electric road pilot projects: https://www.michigan.gov/mdot

• Utah Inland Port & Utah State University – Partners on dynamic wireless charging pilots: https://inlandportauthority.utah.gov | https://www.usu.edu

• SAE International – J2954/3 Wireless Power Transfer Standard: https://www.sae.org

• UCLA Transportation Services – Transit and sustainability initiatives: https://transportation.ucla.edu

• VINCI Autoroutes (France) – Toll-road operator involved in electric road pilots: https://www.vinci-autoroutes.com

Podcast: Transition to Zero
Guest: Stefan Tongur, Electreon
Host: Jared Schnader

Keywords

Electric Vehicles, EV, Total Cost of Ownership, Reliability, Emissions Requirements, Paradigm Shift

Summary

The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs), focusing on the anticipated shift in perception regarding their total cost of ownership and reliability. With upcoming emissions requirements set for 2027, there is a growing belief that EVs will become more appealing to consumers as they recognize the potential savings and reliability advantages over traditional diesel vehicles. The discussion highlights a significant paradigm shift in the automotive industry, emphasizing the importance of these factors in the decision-making process for future vehicle purchases.

Takeaways

People will start thinking about EVs more and more.
Total cost of ownership will favor EVs in the near future.
Reliability of EVs is becoming a key consideration.
2027 emissions requirements will drive change in the market.
A paradigm shift towards EVs is imminent.
Incentives for EVs are just the beginning of the transition.
Next three to five years are crucial for EV adoption.
EVs can offer savings compared to traditional vehicles.
The inflection point for EVs is approaching rapidly.
Consumers will prioritize TCO and reliability in their choices.

Titles

The Future of Electric Vehicles: A Paradigm Shift
Understanding the Total Cost of Ownership in EVs

Sound bites

"It's only getting better for EVs."
"A big paradigm shift is coming."
"Incentives for EVs are just the beginning."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to A to Z Bus Sales

Host: Jared Schnader
Guest: Ian Cadger, Clean Fuels & Infrastructure Team, CALSTART

In this episode of Transition to Zero, host Jared Schnader sits down with Ian Cadger from CALSTART's Clean Fuels & Infrastructure (CF&I) team to unpack the groundbreaking EnergIIZE Commercial Vehicles Project — a first-of-its-kind funding program accelerating zero-emission vehicle infrastructure in California. While Jared leads CALSTART's Bus Team, Ian's work in clean fuels and infrastructure focuses on building the backbone that enables electric and hydrogen transit fleets to thrive.

Ian explains how EnergIIZE supports fleet and transit agencies with funding for chargers, hydrogen dispensers, and supporting equipment, along with software, maintenance, and warranty costs. The conversation dives deep into how the program operates — from early-stage planning and applications to data reporting and long-term uptime requirements. Jared and Ian also discuss how EnergIIZE coordinates with utilities, CalFleet Advisors, and vehicle voucher programs like HVIP to make infrastructure projects viable and scalable.

The two explore the evolution of the program's incentive structure, which now rewards greater charger capacity and encourages ambitious buildouts. Ian provides insights into how EnergIIZE has become a national model for other states developing similar initiatives — emphasizing lessons learned in streamlining applications, ensuring utility coordination, and promoting equity in infrastructure deployment.

Finally, Ian offers a look at what's next for EnergIIZE, including the launch of a megawatt charging system funding lane targeting drayage fleets, continued data collection efforts, and opportunities for agencies to stay connected through CalSTART's funding updates.

• EnergIIZE funds both EV and hydrogen fueling infrastructure, including equipment, software, maintenance, and warranties.

• Transit agencies can apply through the Transit Set-Aside or Fast Track Lane, depending on project readiness.

• The program requires coordination with local utilities and includes five years of data reporting on charger usage and uptime.

• CalFleet Advisors helps agencies assess needs, site capacity, and charger requirements before applying.

• The EnergIIZE Impact Map tracks awards and deployment progress across California.

• A new incentive structure encourages higher-capacity charging projects rather than fixed grant amounts.

• The program has spurred growing national interest, inspiring similar models outside California.

• Upcoming: a $10 million Megawatt Charging System lane focused on drayage industry electrification.

• 🌐 EnergIIZE Commercial Vehicles Program (note the double "ii")

• 📊 EnergIIZE Impact Map – Funding & Deployment Data

• 🚌 CalSTART – advancing clean transportation technologies

• 🤝 CalFleet Advisors – fleet support for zero-emission transitions

• 📬 Sign up for EnergIIZE Funding Announcements on the EnergIIZE website