The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is not just focused on road projects but also future technologies, including truck automation and electric vehicles. Truck automation research, such as platooning, is being conducted along Interstate 70 to create a truck automation corridor. This technology could help address the shortage of truck drivers nationally and improve safety and efficiency on the roads.
INDOT is also planning to invest nearly $100 million in federal funds to build an EV charging network along Indiana’s alternative fuel corridors. A pilot project to develop and test an electrified roadway is also underway. The roadway would directly charge vehicles while in motion, but vehicle design challenges, such as the weight of the battery, need to be overcome.
The American Trucking Association has addressed the issue of autonomous commercial vehicles, emphasizing the potential benefits for drivers in terms of productivity, safety, and job satisfaction. As INDOT continues to explore these technologies, Deputy Commissioner Roland Fegan sees a future where autonomous vehicles platoon beyond two trucks, further enhancing road safety and efficiency.
INDOT’s research and partnerships with institutions like Purdue University and Cummins demonstrate the agency’s commitment to embracing innovative technologies for the future of transportation. With ongoing projects and testing, the electrified roadway and truck automation initiatives could revolutionize the way goods are transported and vehicles are powered in Indiana.
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