Hmm, to get rid of the inductive losses we could use a direct wire connection. There's a lot of power involved so having it next to the road might be dangerous... So, we'll put it above the vehicle. We'll need a return path for the electricity, so let's have a metal bar under the vehicle for that. Self-driving is difficult, so seeing as we have something in the road already, let's ensured that it's accurately placed for the vehicles to follow it. Maybe even make it a mechanical connection. Aaannd... We've reinvented electric trams/trains.