Study: Self Repairing Asphalt Aims to Fix Roads And Keep Electric Vehicles Juiced Up For Smoother, Worry-Free Travels

Driving your car through rough roads plagued with potholes will take its toll, normally something that would result in needed repairs. But if this Dutch study gains any ground, not only will roads be able to repair themselves but facilitate charging for electric-powered vehicles.

The study comes from Delft University where a special kind of asphalt made up of conductive steel fibers and bacteria can finally put an end to potholes and rough roads. The self-repairing asphalt would be able to fix small cracks and use those steel fibers to keep vehicles juiced up, according to Erik Schlangen in an interview with the Verge. Recharging will be done when EVs are at a full stop at intersections, a sensible process to avoid electric cars from getting stalled.

While the concept seems grand, it will take a lot of work to fulfill. Among the factors for the self-repairing asphalt include the amount of heat that needs to be generated via the asphalt and fibers which will trigger the repair process, Inhabitat reported.

As far as the charging part for electric vehicles, establishing how the charging process would be made is another step that needs to be addressed. Finally, all that would entail added cost. Hence, using this special kind of self-repairing asphalt would be more expensive than the traditional ones used though the longevity of use should more than justify the jacked up prices.

There is no timetable set yet on when these self-repairing asphalt would be introduced. Experiments are ongoing, something that dates back to 2010. The whole initiative is expected to draw in criticism and convincing consumers, car owners, and road work engineers serve as another challenge. Looking at it in general, it could mean lesser maintenance for both cars and roads – not to mention smooth and worry-free driving days ahead.