Solar Energy To Power Cars While They Ride PA Turnpike: Reports

PENNSYLVANIA — The Pennsylvania Turnpike is looking to the future.

Long term plans are in the works to eventually electrify parts of the road with solar energy so that electric vehicles can charge as they travel, according to sources with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Several solar facilities are already planned around the state, with the first facility planned near Jeannette, and others proposed in New Stanton and Penn Township, the report states. The agency will use property it already owns to build solar fields, and is currently awaiting permits to begin building.

The turnpike is also working with the Ohio Turnpike and a program at Utah State University to electrify roads.

Details remain scarce. Patch has reached out to the Turnpike for comment. The program at Utah State, called Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification (ASPIRE) has worked with numerous partners across the country with the goal of "widespread electrification of all vehicle classes."

Ultimately, ASPIRE says their aim is to eliminate range and charging issues as barriers to using electric vehicles.

A holistic approach to eliminate range and charging as barriers to electric vehicle use.