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Where is the world’s first electrified road?

Answer: Sweden.

While it is still just a proof of concept for the time being, a 1.2-mile section of the road is capable of charging electric vehicles as they drive on it. That’s thanks to a metal strip installed in the pavement that delivers power. An EV driving over it need only have the necessary arm extension, which it would lower onto the strip to create a circuit and juice up the batteries.

The system can also track how much energy each car consumes, so that it could theoretically send the driver a bill later. According to The Guardian, Sweden is betting on the success of this technology and a map for nationwide implementation has already been drafted. If successful, this would be a significant step toward the country’s goal of a 70 percent reduction in fossil fuel usage by 2030.

Kate is a senior copy editor in Northern California. She holds a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in professional writing from the University of California, Davis.