A review of electrified roads utilising inductive power transfer or conductive rails: current challenges and future directions

This paper presents a systematic review of the performance of inductive and conductive electrified roads (eRoads), focusing on efficiency, thermal behaviour, and structural performance. A total of 139 documents between January 2000 and July 2025 were analyzed. Most studies (91%) address inductive systems. Among the 123 research articles, 49% focus on structural performance, 34% on efficiency, and 8% on thermal analysis. Methodologically, 42% of studies are experimental, 38% are numerical, and 20% use combined approaches. Advanced materials, such as magnetised pavements, were found to enhance charging unit (CU) efficiency. Moreover, CU operation may induce a significant temperature rise within the CU-pavement system, while high stress concentrations occur near the CU under loading. Although valuable findings have been obtained from laboratory and numerical studies, full-scale field experiments remain limited due to logistical, economic, and regulatory challenges. Future research is needed on cooling strategies, long-term durability, and the economic feasibility of eRoads.