The breakthrough on U.S. 52 is not an isolated project. It is part of a much larger effort underway across Indiana to build a comprehensive electric vehicle charging infrastructure network.
Through its Charging the Crossroads program, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is investing nearly $100 million to install Level 3 DC fast charging stations along major interstate and highway corridors. Funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, this initiative contributes to the national goal of deploying 500,000 reliable EV chargers across the United States.
In parallel, Go Electric Vehicle Indiana (GOEVIN) is working to expand charging access statewide. In 2025, GOEVIN awarded $3.3 million in funding for 36 charging projects, including both DC fast charging and Level 2 installations. These projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
This layered approach, combining highway charging, regional infrastructure, and local engagement, positions Indiana as a national leader in EV deployment. As INDOT officials have noted, the state’s identity as the “Crossroads of America” is evolving to include leadership in next-generation transportation systems.
While EV charging is often discussed in terms of vehicles and energy systems, infrastructure remains the foundation of its success. For roadway electrification, that foundation is frequently concrete pavement.
The dynamic wireless power transfer system tested on U.S. 52 was specifically engineered for concrete. This is not incidental. Concrete pavement provides the strength, durability, and structural integrity required to support embedded charging coils under repeated heavy axle loads.
Although concrete represents approximately 20 percent of the U.S. interstate system, it carries a disproportionate share of heavy traffic. This makes it a logical and preferred material for electrified highway applications.
To validate performance, INDOT and Purdue conducted extensive mechanical testing, simulating repeated semi-truck axle loads over both concrete and asphalt sections. These tests confirmed that concrete pavement can effectively support the integration of embedded electrical systems without compromising durability.
As electrified infrastructure expands, ready mixed concrete producers will play a direct role in supplying the materials needed to support these systems. This includes not only traditional pavement mixes, but potentially new specifications designed to accommodate embedded technology.
For producers, early familiarity with these emerging requirements may represent a long-term competitive advantage.
The transition to electric vehicles is not limited to passenger cars. It directly affects industries that rely on heavy-duty trucks—including ready mixed concrete.
Mixer trucks fall squarely within the Class 8 vehicle category, the same class targeted by dynamic wireless charging technology. However, their operating profile presents unique opportunities.
Unlike long-haul freight vehicles, ready mixed concrete trucks typically operate within regional delivery zones and return to a central yard at the end of each shift. This makes them well-suited for early adoption of battery-electric technology, even before dynamic charging is widely deployed.
As roadway electrification expands, technologies like dWPT could further enhance these operations by extending range and reducing battery size requirements—an important consideration given the weight constraints of loaded mixer trucks.
As EV infrastructure continues to develop, ready mixed concrete producers may begin evaluating how these changes could affect operations. Key considerations include:
Producers may need to plan for the installation of Level 2 or DC fast charging systems at batch plants and distribution yards. This will require coordination with utilities, site planning, and potential capital investment.
Delivery routes that intersect with future electrified corridors could offer operational advantages. Over time, route optimization may include access to charging infrastructure as a variable.
Transitioning from diesel to electric vehicles introduces new maintenance and training requirements. Mechanics and technicians will need to develop skills related to electric drivetrains and battery systems.
Advancements in dynamic charging technology could significantly improve the economics of fleet electrification. Smaller battery requirements and reduced downtime may lower long-term operating costs.
Programs led by INDOT and GOEVIN may introduce incentives, funding opportunities, or regulatory considerations for commercial fleet operators. Staying informed will be critical as policies evolve.
While the U.S. 52 project represents a major milestone, several developments will determine how quickly this technology moves from pilot to widespread implementation. Key milestones to watch include:
One particularly notable effort is the development of an EV charging and hydrogen fueling corridor along Interstate 80. Led by Purdue and Cummins through a U.S. Department of Energy project, this initiative positions Indiana at the center of a multi-state freight electrification strategy connecting Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio.
Indiana is not waiting for the future of heavy-duty EV charging to arrive. It is actively building it.The research is happening in Indiana. The infrastructure is being tested in Indiana.
And the first Class 8 electric truck to charge while traveling at highway speed did so on an Indiana roadway.For the ready mixed concrete industry, this is more than a technological milestone. It is a reminder that infrastructure, materials, and transportation are deeply interconnected.
Concrete is already in the ground. Now it is supporting something new.
As infrastructure, transportation, and fleet technology continue to evolve, IRMCA remains committed to supporting its members with education, resources, and industry insight.
Read Part 1 of Indiana’s EV Revolution
Indiana at the Forefront: The Technology, the Research, and the Road Ahead