Florida is gearing up to build a road project that sounds like it came straight out of a science-fiction movie—that is, if they made sci-fi movies about technology that didn't want to kill us. The State Road 516 Lake/Orange Expressway, a 4.4-mile stretch of toll road between US 27 and SR 429 in Central Florida, is currently under construction and set to become one of the most innovative pieces of transport infrastructure in the state, one that could charge electric vehicles while they’re in motion.
The project, led by the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX), is being built in three segments designed to improve connectivity between Lake and Orange counties while preparing for future growth. When finished, SR 516 will provide a vital link between residential, commercial and medical hubs, help relieve congestion and offer safer, more efficient travel options for everyone, according to CFX.
Here’s the part that will have tech enthusiasts and EV advocates especially excited: a charging lane. A roughly three-quarter-mile section of the first segment will be outfitted with wireless charging technology embedded in the pavement. Specially equipped electric vehicles will be able to draw power at highway speeds, testing whether dynamic charging can work in real-world conditions.
This isn’t just about convenience. Running out of battery while far from a charger remains a major hurdle for many EV owners and prospective buyers. A system that charges cars while they drive could one day reduce the need for frequent stops and transform long-distance electric travel. This project will be one of the first in the United States to test the concept on an operational expressway.
Construction is planned in phases, with the section connecting to SR 429 already underway and expected to end in 2027, while initial work on the remaining segments is expected to kick off in 2026.
For Miami drivers and Florida EV owners used to hunting for charging stations between long trips, the idea of “charging as you go” is an intriguing glimpse into the future. If successful, this pilot could shape how highways are built nationwide, turning our roads into power networks. And is it too late to request the addition of wifi to the project?